Programme Manager

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the position of (Specific Purpose Contract) in Monaghan County Council.

of (Specific Purpose Contract)

The Peace Plus Nature Project

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration. 

The Peace Plus Nature project (€20,792,149), led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB),  will restore priority habitats (upland blanket bog, lowland wet grassland and limestone grassland) and restore priority species (including curlews, lapwings, redshanks, snipe, hen harriers, corncrakes, marsh fritillary butterflies and white-clawed crayfish) across approximately 22 sites across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The project will bring diverse groups together on a cross-community and cross-border basis and allow those across these areas to better understand and appreciate the importance of biodiversity, nature restoration, and species recovery. The Programme Manager will oversee delivery of Work Package 5 and focus on Sliabh Beagh peatland recovery and hen harrier management in Co. Monaghan.

The Role

The Programme Manager will be employed by Monaghan County Council and will be based in Monaghan town. The individual will work in the cross-border area of Sliabh Beagh with travel to locations within the Peace Plus Nature project area.

The Programme Manager will work as part of a team, to include a Project Officer, Community Engagement Officer and part-time Administrative Officer, to plan, design, implement, review and evaluate the peatland restoration project for PeacePlus Nature Sliabh Beagh project. The Programme Manager will provide technical knowledge and expertise to lead the peatland restoration plans, procuring and delivering restoration contracts, acquiring appropriate consents and permissions, and liaising with key landowners and stakeholders. The Programme Manager will report to the Director of Services, Biodiversity and to the Sliabh Beagh Steering Committee.

The ideal candidate

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that he/she has: -

•  Strong understanding of ecology, peatland restoration, and biodiversity conservation.
• Familiarity with environmental legislation and management requirements for designated sites.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to plan and implement restoration projects effectively.
• Experience in delivering complex projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrates initiative, proactive problem-solving, and adaptability in challenging situations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Manager (Sliabh Beagh Peace Plus Nature) shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The actual duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• To plan and coordinate all aspects of the conservation action plan for Sliabh Beagh site outlined in the letter of offer from Peace Plus.
• To consult and work closely with key stakeholders, including the local authorities, NGOs, community groups, and businesses, to maximize the effectiveness and impact of the project.
• To work as part of the Sliabh Beagh Peace Place Nature Project team ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach throughout the region.
• To support and manage the Sliabh Beagh site partnership, and report back to the relevant Steering Group on a regular schedule.
• To contribute to the organisation and coordination of workshops, events and conferences for the project.
• To assist in the planning and implementation of a Communications programme for the Sliabh Beagh Peace Place Nature Project.
• To prepare and present reports as required.
• To assist in enabling communities and individuals to increase their knowledge, skills and participation in conservation.
• To liaise with the media, submit news articles and give radio interviews relevant to Sliabh Beagh and the project.
• To manage budgets and to prepare financial reports with Project Administrator.
• Ensure the proper implementation and observance of all policies and procedures including any National Agreements relating to the Terms and Conditions of employment.
• Ensure full compliance with all internal performance management systems which are aligned to the achievement of Councils business aims and objectives.
• Any other duties allocated, commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

General

• Perform all assigned tasks within the scope of the role and job scale.
• Work under the standard conditions associated with the position.
• Comply with all health and safety legislation, statutory regulations, and council policies, including Dignity at Work, Attendance, and Codes of Conduct.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time.
• Participate in training and development to maintain and improve skills for the role.
• Carry out duties in a way that promotes a positive image of the council.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Adhere to the terms and conditions and corporate inclusions for Monaghan County Council.

This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Programme Manager (Sliabh Beagh Peace Plus Nature) and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council to fulfil the purpose and function of the post.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.      Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a)         A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

(b)         A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c)          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d)         A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa: or

(e)         A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or

(f)          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4.      Education, Training and Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms have:

(a)              an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant science discipline;

(b)             have at least five years’ satisfactory experience of scientific work and

(c)              possess a high standard of technical training and experience.

(d)             hold a current full driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving Licence on the latest date for the receipt of completed applications.

Desirable Skills:

It is also desirable that candidates possess: -

• Good knowledge and understanding of Ireland’s environmental legislation and the management requirements associated with designated sites and priority habitats.
• Good knowledge and understanding of peatland restoration.
• Knowledge of environmental and agricultural issues that will impact on peatland site management.
• Demonstrable experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with landowners and farmers.
• Experience of staff and/or volunteer support and supervision.
• Demonstrable experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• Experience of implementing health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally – effective presentation, report writing and the ability to converse with a diverse range of people at all levels.
• Effective organisational skills including the ability to plan, manage and prioritise workloads for self and others, meet deadlines, plan and organise meetings and events.
• Experience of following financial procedures and procurement processes.
• Experience in the use of GIS software.
• Strong digital skills, including a solid understanding of Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt to new technologies, including AI-based tools.

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Oversees qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are outlined in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Demonstrates the required technical knowledge, understanding and training for the role.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of Local Government

• Demonstrates the Range and depth of experience relevant to the post.

• Understanding of health and safety

• Experience of compiling, preparing, and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

• Effective budget and financial and resource management

Delivering Results

• Problem Solving and decision making – can pinpoint the critical information and can address issues logically. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.
• Operational Planning – contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operation, having regard to corporate goals, operational objectives, available resources. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards. Organising work programmes and implementing solutions.
• Managing Resources and achieving efficiencies - Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver on operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in costs and minimisation of waste.
• Ensuring compliance – Abides by the laws, regulations and policies and procedures affecting your employment and the discharge of your duties.
• Delivering Quality outcomes - Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services, which are linked to the corporate priorities, with a focus on continuous improvement. Evaluated the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Performance through People and Communicating Effectively

• Leading and motivating - Leads, motivates and engages others to achieve quality results
• Managing Performance - Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan
• Communicating Effectively – has effective verbal and written communications skills. Has good interpersonal skills.

Personal Effectiveness

Resilience and Personal well-being – remains calm under pressure and can separate personal issues from work issues

Values the well-being of staff and others by managing stress levels and work-life balance.

Integrity and Public Service Values – is honest and trustworthy in all dealings.

Personal motivation and initiative – Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles

Does more than is required or expected, anticipating situations and acting to pre-empt problems.

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Competition

Monaghan County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the post of Programme Manager (Sliabh Beagh Peace Plus Nature) (Specific Purpose Contact). The post(s) shall be wholetime, temporary, and pensionable.

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority, or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority 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 services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

The salary scale for the post is: -

€59,658, - €61,829 – €64,000 – €66,175 – €68,349 – €70,521 - €72,696 - €74,857 - €77,043, €79,209, 1st LSI €81,706, 2nd LSI €82,929

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply: -

(a)              there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect, during which such person shall hold such position on probation;

(b)             such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period;

(c)              such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty:

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours which may include evening work and weekend work. Time in lieu shall be granted for any hours worked outside of the standard working week in accordance with Monaghan County Council’s Time in Lieu Policy.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Superannuation:

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

Superannuation contributions

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/Spouses & Childre’s scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

New entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.

Retirement:

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Garda Vetting/Child Protection

The successful candidate(s) will be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures and will be required to complete Appendix V of the County Council’s Child Protection Policy.

Residence

The successful candidate(s) shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Training

Successful candidates will be required to attend and participate in training programmes as may be decided by the local authority from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their working activities.

Driver’s Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License. The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport in the course of their duties and maintain the vehicle to the satisfaction of the local authority. Monaghan County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on the insurance policy.

Offer of appointment

Monaghan County Council shall require any person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint him/her.

References

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references.