Officer, Product Development

Job Purpose 

To support and implement the strategy and operational plans for the Product Development Activities Division to deliver Fáilte Ireland’s corporate strategy in support of achieving the objective for Ireland to be recognised internationally as a year-round world class sustainable outdoor activity destination.

Job Description Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities 

 Product Development Initiatives 

• Contribute to the implementation of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy for the development of Ireland as a world class activity tourism destination
• Contribute to the development of the annual Operational Plans of the Division to support Fáilte Ireland’s corporate strategy
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders involved in the outdoor activity sector, including public bodies, Strategic Partners, Local Authorities & sectoral representative bodies to ensure the delivery of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy
• Contribute to the identification and development of new & innovative opportunities to enhance Ireland’s activity tourism offering in line with visitor insights, Fáilte Ireland’s Corporate Strategy & Regional Tourism Development Strategies
• Work closely with other Divisions across Fáilte Ireland in the undertaking of this role as appropriate, in particular colleagues across the Product Development Directorate, Regional Programme Teams, Strategy Management & Impact Analysis, Consumer Planning & Insights, Enterprise Development, Business Development, Marketing, etc. to ensure consistency of approach and maximum visibility of the Outdoor Activities product offering
• Work closely with key stakeholders including Local Authorities, other state agencies and representative bodies to influencers the tourism opportunity in projects that contribute to the goal of developing Ireland as a year-round activity tourism destination.

Capital Investment Programmes 

• Communicate the goals, objectives, and details of Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Investment Strategy to a range of external and internal stakeholders
• Support and contribute to the implementation of a range of capital investment mechanisms and other funding initiatives to support the development of Outdoor Activity infrastructure
• Build effective relationships with key entities in the development of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure to influence the consideration of visitor needs at the development stage
• Assume responsibility for the case management of a number of grant aided projects under Fáilte Ireland’s investment strategy including Strategic Partnerships, to ensure the effective delivery of tourism capital projects in line with Fáilte Ireland’s strategic priorities
• Liaise with the Strategy Management & Investment Analysis Division and the Post-Grant Monitoring Unit in the design, evaluation and monitoring of grant-aided projects
• Undertake progress reviews for all investments awarded (monthly/quarterly) and contribute to divisional management reports as appropriate
• Co-ordinate the management of third party service suppliers as required (e.g. project mentors, consultants, etc.)

Operational 

• Contribute to the preparation of documentation and papers for meetings of the Executive Team, the Investment Committee and the Fáilte Ireland Authority
• Respond to information requests from the industry, representative bodies, government departments, local authorities and others as appropriate
• Record, produce and distribute minutes of meetings & file notes
• Manage budgets and raise purchase orders as required
• Maintain all required documentation for internal and external audits
• Contribute to monthly project review meetings and team meetings
• Effectively manage own time, optimising travel time and meetings schedule
• Adhere to Fáilte Ireland budgetary processes
• Integrate the use of CRM management system in daily activities
• Ensure all activities are delivered on time and on budget
• Contribute to the development of tender documents as and when required
• Ensure that any procurement of work from a third party is implemented in line with Fáilte Ireland procurement policy
• Support the divisional team to deliver operational plans

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Product Development Activities Division by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time This role requires travel, with attendance at a number of national and regional locations / sites on an annual basis.

Person Specification 

Fáilte Ireland is looking for an energetic and self-motivated individual to join the Product Development Activities Division to make an impact on realising the ambition of Ireland becoming an internationally recognised outdoor activity destination.The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience managing projects and have had experience in developing capital projects. They must have knowledge of the tourism industry and an understanding of the range of key stakeholders. Experience within the outdoor activity area and rural development would be advantageous. We are looking for an individual that has strong interpersonal skills and has an ability to build strong internal and external relationships and networks. They must be able to demonstrate project management experience and good team work 

Essential Criteria 

• Ability to communicate articulately and effectively both orally and in writing
• Effective and efficient organisation and planning skills and the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate through your application experience of working in project teams with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience working with private & public sector stakeholders

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following:

• Experience working directly in the area of tourism product infrastructure and/or recreational product development
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing and implementing projects and using project management methodology
• Demonstrate through your application experience of managing key stakeholder relationships
• A full clean driving licence with access to own transport

Qualifications/Mandatory Training 

A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential 

Desirable Criteria 

• An understanding of rural development and outdoor recreation
• An understanding of grant schemes and funding mechanisms
• An understanding of sustainable tourism development and “access for all”
• Project management qualification

Key Competencies 

• Embracing Innovation
• Managing Relationships
• Strategic Thinking
• Project Management

How to Apply 

Please return your completed application form via PeopleXD e-Recruit system.Please go to Fáilte Ireland’s Career Page for the most up-to-date details on this role.Closing Date: Monday, 22nd April 2024 at 3pm

Salary, Key Benefits & Location 

Salary:

 €53,394 - €76,355* per annum (pro-rata)*This role will be filled in line with Public Pay Policy at Point 1 of the relevant Salary Scale unless the successful candidate is appointed from an existing public sector role 

Location:

Blended work model with office location in any of the following:

• Áras Fáilte, 88-95 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 WR86
• Áras Reddan, Temple St., Sligo, F91 RX45
• 3rd & 4th Floor Crescent House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick, V94 K35Y
• Unit 5, Calbro Court, Tuam Road, Galway, H91 YKH4
• Cork
• Mullingar