National Team Lead

Role Requirements

Strategic Planning

• The National Team Lead will contribute to the organisation’s strategic planning and implementation, through contributing in depth knowledge and information based on awareness of the programmes operating environment and key stakeholder relationships.
• Analyse key policy development to identify future opportunities to expand, diversify and extend service offerings to promote inclusion and participation.
• Work collaboratively with other National Team Leads to contribute to workforce planning and organisational development, aligned with Pobal and Better Start strategic and operational priorities.

Role Requirement 2

Service Development and networking

• Support the development and implementation of programme expansion and diversification, in line with policy objectives outlined in First 5 and other strategic policy documents.
• Ensure evidence-based practice underpins all services provided, based on current knowledge and awareness of best practice.
• Plan and deliver a programme of Continuing Professional Development to ensure excellence in service delivery and professional practice and to support progression and succession planning.
• Build effective relationships with key funders and stakeholders, in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE)
• Participation in key structures such as Department meetings and other working groups as led by DCDE.
• Liaison, relationship development and briefings with early years professionals in other disciplines and agencies such as; the Child & Family Agency Tusla, the Department of Education and Youth, Department of Health and relevant agencies (NCSE, HSE), as well as CCC’s, NVCO’s and the community and voluntary sector as relevant to the role.
• Attendance at conferences/ seminars and professional networks as a representative of Better Start: National Early Years Quality Development.

Role Requirement 3

People Management

• The National Team Lead will directly line-manage Team Leaders, providing line management, professional supervision and continuing professional development and overseeing the programme operates to highest standards.
• Ensure evidence-based programmes are implemented consistently across all teams.
• Monitor data collection and record management to ensure processes are consistent and outcomes are achieved across the programme.
• Will ensure the National Manager is informed in a timely manner of any risks, barriers or concerns in relation to programme implementation and delivery.

Role Requirement 4

Service Management and Reporting

• In collaboration with the National Manager within Better Start and Pobal’s service development specialists, develop a service delivery management and monitoring system for the programme.
• In collaboration with the National Manager and key stakeholders establish and ensure the quality and consistency of service delivery and reporting.
• Coordinate the collation of data at required intervals in required formats and publish reports and thematic reviews on the work of the service.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

• Conduct surveys/thematic studies on programme outcomes / identified themes.

Other

• Any other duties within the general requirement of this job description which may be required from time to time.
• To demonstrate flexibility to the changing needs of the sector based on policy development and direction of the Department.

• As a leader to continue to be agile and flexible, embracing new ways of working, new models of service delivery and enhanced digitalisation in response to ever-changing circumstances.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience of managing a programme at regional or national level.
• In depth knowledge of early years’ (birth-6) practice and provision.
• Understanding and experience of social inclusion and disability issues and a thorough knowledge of Better Start programmes (QDS, AIM and SDP).
• Evidence of the production of high-quality reports and written material.
• Proficient in MS packages e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, programme databases, SharePoint portal 5+ years minimum.
• Drivers Licence with suitable means of transport and available to travel throughout the country.

Desirable

• Experience of working in multi- disciplinary teams.
• Experience of delivering education and training programmes to adults.
• Experience of mentoring and coaching.
• Experience of managing large operational teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum third level degree or masters at Level 8 / 9 in Early Childhood Education and Care / or an equivalent professional qualification in Special Education / Disability / Early Intervention.