Network Administrator

Essential Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must:

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out the role to a high standard.

• Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

• Have obtained at least Grade O6 (formerly D3) in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied, or vocational programmes) or equivalent; or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework assessed as comparable to Leaving Certificate standard; or have relevant experience encompassing equivalent skills and expertise.

• Have experience engaging with private companies in the provision of training and liaison with external funding organisations.

• Have an understanding of accounting functions to support financial management of the network.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent administration, organisational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work under pressure in a highly complex and busy environment.

• Proven track record managing projects, financials, and metrics reporting to external funders.

• Excellent IT skills, including experience using key systems.

• Working knowledge of Excel, financial accounts packages, and database management.

• Knowledge of public sector procurement.

• Experience in bank reconciliations and end-of-year accounts preparation.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders, funders, and network member companies.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to handle enquiries.

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

• Familiarity with Skillnet Ireland is an advantage.

• Familiarity with ESF+ funding and reporting requirements.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and marketing of training and events.

Overview of the Role

ATU is the promoting organisation for the Tech Northwest Skillnet, which has been operating for the past fourteen years. The Skillnet is based in the Colab Innovation Centre in ATU Letterkenny.

The role provides administration and financial support to the Network. With an annual budget of approximately €500k and 150 member companies, the person will be key in ensuring efficient and effective network operations under the guidance of the Network Manager.

Responsibilities include processing documentation for running courses throughout the year, engaging with member companies and training organisations, and fulfilling public procurement requirements. Strong ICT skills, basic accounting knowledge, social media awareness, and understanding the importance of training are essential. The role requires engagement with a diverse group of businesses, training providers, and Skillnet Ireland to support the Network Manager in achieving network deliverables.

Duties

• Administer the database of 150 companies across Donegal, Sligo, and Leitrim, keeping them informed of planned training courses.

• Manage day-to-day recording of all income and expenditure related to training courses.

• Organise procurement of trainers for all courses in line with ATU and Skillnet Ireland procedures.

• Communicate with trainers, member companies, and participants regarding courses, record keeping, venues, costs, etc.

• Input data into the Skillnet Ireland reporting system to record all courses, participants, feedback, and financial transactions.

• Liaise with ATU Donegal Finance staff to ensure purchase orders, invoices, and payments are recorded in the Agresso system; process all related financial documentation, ensuring budgets are adhered to and credit control functions performed.

• Liaise with Skillnet Ireland on requirements such as bank reconciliations, end-of-year reports, and systems. Complete quarterly bank reconciliations and annual income/expenditure reports.

• Support the Network Manager in all aspects of the project, including organising steering group minutes, course project management, annual funding applications, and audits.

• Advertise the Training Panel on e-tenders annually and maintain it throughout the year.

• Market courses via social media, email, and networking events.

• Ensure all records comply with ATU Donegal, Skillnet, and GDPR regulations.

• Attend some training events to manage registration and fee collection.

• Ensure all trainers and participants return relevant documentation at the end of each course.

• Respond to queries from company members, potential participants, and trainers regarding courses, costs, etc.

Salary

Salary Scale: €38,599 - €54,911 Candidates external to the sector may be appointed up to the 3rd point of the scale in accordance with University Policy.

Hours of Work

35 hours per week