Information Officer

SALARY: €39,099 - €55,460 per annum. This is a non-pensionable role.

BACKGROUND

The Southeast HE/FE/Industry Cross-Border Alliance (SECBA) is a project aimed at improving the Southeast Region by addressing the skills gap between education and the needs of local industries. The initiative will focus on skills development through partnerships with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Southern Regional College (SRC), Monaghan Institute, and Cavan Institute.

SECBA will create a strategy for skills development that matches both national and local government plans while focusing on the specific needs of industries in the area. The goal is to help people find jobs, support underrepresented groups, encourage innovation, and promote growth in local sectors, all while improving the movement of workers across borders. SECBA will also create a brand for employers to make sure their needs are met.

The project will focus on three key areas:

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: This part aims to improve skills in software development by using new technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. Educational programmes will be aligned across different countries to ensure high-quality training.

BIOPHARMACEUTICALS: This will provide training in biotechnology processes, covering all stages of the industry.

BUSINESS AND SPORT: This area will develop management skills needed in both business and sports. It will include workshops, practical training, and networking events that help connect participants with industry leaders.

Industry experts will help develop a strategy with clear actions for skills development and job security. The project will focus on training workers with the skills needed by businesses and help reduce the risks of job loss due to new technologies.

EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS: The programme will offer different levels of education to help people build their skills:

• Return to Education (Level 4)

• Fundamental Skills (Level 5)

• Introductory Skills (Level 6)

• Advanced Skills (Level 7-9)

• Bridging 2+2

• Work based learning degree(s)

POST SUMMARY:

The successful candidate will:

• Prepare a schedule of activity, which will be kept up to date, in consultation with Project Leads in Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute to outline the employers and industry representatives who will be targeted based on each programme for delivery.

• Promote the SECBA courses with local employers and industry, using targeted campaigns i.e. in-person visits, email, social media.

• Engage with, establish and maintain relationships with local employers and industry, informing them about the range of SECBA subsidised upskilling and reskilling courses available.

• Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date and user-friendly information database.

• Promote and support the rollout of a suite of Peace Plus programmes in accordance with the SECBA Peace Plus Grant Agreement.

• Support the team of Peace Plus personnel to ensure that all targets are achieved as per the SECBA Peace Plus Grant Agreement.

• Contribute to the organisation of events, seminars, and training events relevant to the SECBA, its partners and other agencies.

• Represent the relevant Section/Department at meetings, as required.

• Prepare regular progress reports, based on the schedule of activity above, on the Implementation of the SECBA Programmes as required by SEUPB and CMETB.

• Any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Project Leads and Institute Directors.

SELECTION CRITERIA - QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Applicants must have,

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with and support project stakeholders sensitively and appropriately.

• Excellent knowledge and skill in the use of ICT. (The appointee will be expected to use new technologies as they arise. The appointee is also expected to upskill in the area of ICT).

• Good judgement, problem solving and analytical skills.

• Good organisational skills and ability to manage/prioritise deadlines.

• Good team morale, co-operation, and participation.

• Ability to process work with a high level of attention to detail.

• The ability to work on his/her own initiative and as part of a team.

• Confidentiality and discretion is expected.

• Full Driver’s License and Access to own transport.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

Applicants should possess,

• Third level degree and or experience working in the sector.

• A high level of experience together with knowledge of the administrative function, including PR.

• Experience engaging with local enterprise and public relation campaigns.

APPLICANTS SHOULD ALSO,

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for new developments, changing work practices and strive to implement the changes effectively.

• Maximise the contribution to the team, providing support and working effectively with colleagues.

• Uphold high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.

The above lists are not exhaustive and may be varied having regard to the changing needs of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board scheme. Therefore, other responsibilities may be assigned from time to time.

COMPETENCIES

The person appointed to this position will be required to show evidence of the following six competencies, in their application form.

LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

• Contributes to the development of policies in own area and the broader Department / Organisation.

• Seeks to understand the implications of taking a particular position on issues and how interdependencies need to be addressed in a logical and consistent way.

• Maximises the contribution of the team, encouraging ownership, providing support and working effectively with others.

• Formulates a perspective on issues considered important and actively contributes across a range of settings.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

• Follows procedures and ensures they are implemented in own area, understanding the rationale behind them.

• Reviews completed work regularly and acts on learning points.

• Evaluates current work practices to identify changes that could be made to improve efficiencies.

• Can work effectively on a number of tasks at the same time.

• Is comfortable working with and manipulating a range of data, e.g. numerical, written etc.

• Makes sound appropriate decisions in a confident manner and can justify and stand by them.

DELIVERY OF RESULTS

• Delivers results on time and to a high standard.

• Takes responsibility for own work and the work of the team.

• Plans and prioritises the work schedule, ensuring the efficient use of all of the resources available and delivering on objectives even with multiple or conflicting demands.

• Evaluates the current work practices to identify changes that could be made to help them run more effectively.

• Maintains accurate records and monitors work, ensuring any errors are identified and rectified.

• Appreciates the need to delegate work appropriately rather than doing everything oneself.

INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Shows respect, tact and maintains composure when dealing with customers or staff members.

• Demonstrates the ability to be assertive and negotiate when necessary, communicating in a clear and confident manner whilst remaining approachable and polite.

• Listens to others and invites feedback, dealing with information in a constructive way.

• Influences others by actively listening and clearly expressing their position.

• Produces written letters /reports in a clear and concise manner.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND SELF DEVELOPMENT:

• Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform in the role effectively, e.g., relevant technologies, IT systems, relevant policies etc.

• Clearly understands the role, objectives, and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit.

• Is committed to self-development and continuously seeks to improve personal performance.

DRIVE AND COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES:

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level and deliver a quality service.

• Serves the Government and people of Ireland.

• Is thorough and conscientious, even if work is routine.

• Is enthusiastic and resilient, persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks.

• Is personally honest and trustworthy.

• At all times, act with integrity.

SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting will take place on the basis of the information provided in the application form. During any shortlisting exercise that may be employed, CMETB examines the application forms and assesses them against criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in the candidates' own interests to provide a full, detailed and accurate account of all qualifications and experience to date, in their application form. Additional information is not accepted after the deadline.

THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY INCLUDE:

• Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application.

• Qualifying preliminary interview.

• A presentation.

THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL INCLUDE:

• A competitive interview.

• Reference checking.

• Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment medical assessment.