Peaceplus TATICS Curriculum Development Officer

Job Purpose:

The TACTICS Curriculum Development Officer will support the development of joint cross-border Fire & Rescue Emergency Service (F&RES) training programmes, operational guidance, and accredited learning materials designed to enhance interoperability between emergency response agencies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Working collaboratively with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), Republic of Ireland Fire & Rescue Services (ROIFRS), the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), and South West College (SWC), the postholder will coordinate the development of standardised cross-border training approaches, operational procedures, facilitator programmes, and interoperability frameworks.

The role will primarily support curriculum and training development within the specialist operational areas of Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) and High Volume Pumping (HVP), contributing to improved preparedness, mutual aid capability, and coordinated emergency response during major incidents.

The postholder will work closely with technical specialists, partner organisations, and awarding bodies to develop high-quality training manuals, facilitator resources, operational documentation, and accredited programmes that will form part of the long-term legacy and sustainability of the TACTICS Programme.

Location: Mayo College – Swinford Hub

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Curriculum Development Officer will play a key role in the delivery of the PEACEPLUS-funded TACTICS Project, a cross-border collaboration between the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), and South West College (SWC).

The postholder will work collaboratively with technical specialists from project partners and a counterpart Curriculum Development Officer within MSLETB to design, develop, pilot, and support accreditation of innovative cross-border Fire & Rescue Emergency Service (F&RES) training programmes and associated learning resources.

The role will focus primarily on curriculum development linked to:

• Urban Search & Rescue (USAR)
• High Volume Pumping (HVP)
• Cross-border emergency interoperability
• Joint emergency response procedures
• Facilitator/trainer development programmes

The Curriculum Development Officer will contribute to the development of a joint north-south accredited training framework and common procedures manual designed to improve operational interoperability and emergency response capability across the island of Ireland.

Curriculum Development

Develop and coordinate curriculum content, training materials, and learning resources aligned to the objectives of the TACTICS Project.

Work collaboratively with technical experts from NIFRS, NDFEM, and associated partners to map existing operational procedures and identify opportunities for curriculum alignment and interoperability.

Support the design and development of:

Collaborate closely with the Curriculum Development Officer within South West College to ensure consistency and joint ownership of curriculum outputs across both jurisdictions.

Contribute to the development of a joint F&RES Common Procedures Manual designed to improve cross-border operational understanding and interoperability.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Liaise with awarding bodies, regulatory agencies, and quality assurance partners to secure accreditation and recognition for training programmes in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Ensure curriculum materials comply with relevant awarding body standards, educational frameworks, and quality assurance requirements.

Prepare documentation required for programme validation, approval, and accreditation processes.

Participate in programme review, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities.

Assist in the preparation and review of policies and procedures in line with National QA Standards and MSLETB internal requirements.

Support and assist in the development and implementation of MSLETB’s model and framework for programme development.

Ensure that all matters relating to QA processes are conducted correctly and properly in accordance with the processes and procedures set out in the MSLETB QA System and in accordance with the criteria outlined by the relevant certifying bodies.

Project Delivery and Partnership Working

Participate in TACTICS project meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities across the programme area.

Support the piloting and evaluation of training programmes delivered to emergency response personnel and facilitators.

Maintain effective communication and working relationships with project partners, emergency service personnel, external agencies, and stakeholders.

Contribute to project reporting requirements, including monitoring and evaluation data, progress updates, and dissemination activities.

Support the promotion of project outcomes, sustainability planning, and legacy development activities.

General Responsibilities

The postholder is expected to:

Ensure that MSLETB programmes continue to develop as an inclusive, learner-centred organisation, providing a high-quality curriculum that is dynamic and meets the learning needs of students and the demands of the economy.

Promote and act as an advocate for the implementation of the vision, mission, and core values of MSLETB.

Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the MSLETB Health & Safety Policy.

Ensure the MSLETB Equality Policy is implemented in all areas of responsibility.

Implement marketing initiatives to ensure an effective profile of MSLETB and its activities.

Participate, as required, in the recruitment and selection of staff for MSLETB in accordance with procedures.

Abide by MSLETB’s Code of Conduct and seek to promote the College positively at all times.

Abide by all MSLETB procedures and ensure these are implemented in the area of responsibility.

Undertake any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested.

Person Specification

Each aspect of the criteria indicated below should be addressed in full on your application form in the Shortlisting Boxes.

You must demonstrate in the essential and desirable criterion boxes how you feel you satisfy each of the criteria. The onus is on you, as the applicant, to fully complete this section. If you do not, the selection panel may have insufficient information to shortlist you.

Information you provide elsewhere in your application will only be referred to by the selection panel to clarify what you have provided in the criterion boxes.

In demonstrating how you meet the criteria, it is not sufficient to make simple statements such as "Yes" or "Yes, I meet this criterion," or to refer the panel to another section of the application form.

In the event of an excessive number of applications, the College reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria.

Key CompetenciesTeam Leadership

• Supports, develops, leads, and manages staff.
• Works as part of a management team, contributing to the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, organisational policies, and procedures.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing roles.
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.
• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and respect, even in challenging circumstances.
• Presents information clearly, concisely, and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Analysis and Decision-Making Skills

• Uses previous knowledge and experience to guide decisions.
• Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these decisions.
• Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Project management involving responsibility and accountability for the delivery of agreed objectives.
• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments and changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.
• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high-quality customer service for internal and external customers.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives, and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation, and effectively communicates this to others.
• Has high levels of expertise and broad public sector knowledge relevant to their area of work.
• Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.
• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.
• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.
• Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.
• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.

The Office

This is a two-year fixed-term contract.

The normal working week is a 35-hour, five-day week, excluding breaks.

The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of their duties as an employee of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of their duties as an employee of MSLETB.

Probation

The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSLETB’s Probationary Policy.

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.

Holders of the office shall pay to MSLETB any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Salary Scale in accordance with Circular Letter 0058/2026

Salary scale and entry point on this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Education, as well as the submission of satisfactory supporting statements of service/supporting documentation, as appropriate. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

Currently, the salary scale for Grade VII positions is as follows (note: the entry point for this post is Point 1 on the scale below):

€61,216 – €79,582 per year