Programme Manager

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is: General Manager

€86,604 €88,791 €92,255 €95,746 €99,208 €102,680 €107,727 (01.02.2026)

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale.  Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011).  Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Location of Post

The line manager is open to engagement in respect of flexibility around location subject to reaching agreement on a minimum level of availability to attend meetings in other nationwide locations as appropriate to carry out the functions of the post.

Technology & Transformation currently have a number of offices throughout Ireland and it is expected that the successful candidate will work from one of these digital hubs

·        Dr. Steevens’ Hospital, Dublin

Ospidéal Dr Steevens’, Baile Átha Cliath

·        Bective Street, Kells, Meath

Sráid Bheigthí, Ceanannas, Co na Mí

·        Feehily’s Business Centre, Duck Street, Sligo

Ionad Gnó Uí Fhithcheallaigh, Sráid na Lachan, Sligeach

·        Aras Slainte Chluainin, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

Aras Slainte Chluainín, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

·        Áras Sláinte, Wilton Road, Cork

Áras Sláinte, Bóthar Wilton, Corcaigh

·        Dublin Road, Lacken, Kilkenny

Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Cill Chainnigh

·        Merlin Park Hospital, Galway

Ospidéal Pháirc Mheirlinne, Gaillimh

·        98 Henry Street, Limerick

98 Sráid Anraí, Luimneach

·        Scott Building Midlands Regional Hospital, Arden Road, Tullamore, Offaly

Ospidéal Réigiúnach Lár na Tíre, Tulach Mhor, Uíbh Fhailí

·        Southgate Shopping Centre, Colpe Cross, Drogheda, Meath

Ionad Siopadoireachta Southgate, Crois Cholpa, Droichead Átha, Co. na Mí

·        University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, Kerry

Ospidéal Ollscoile Ciarraí, Trá Lí, Ciarraí

·        Hale Street, Ardee, Louth

Shráid Héil, Bhaile Átha Fhirdhia, Có Lú

·        St. Luke’s Hospital, Western Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary,

HSE, Ospidéal Naomh Lúcás, Bóthar an larthair, Cluain Meala, Contae Thiobraid Árann

A panel may be created for the post GM Programme Manager from which current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues within the HSE’s Regional Health Authorities, Section 38 and Section 39 services.

Purpose of the Post

To ensure delivery of major ICT enabled change programmes on time, within budget, to a specified level of quality and to ensure that business benefits are delivered in conjunction with the services in which the programme is being implemented.

This includes:

·        The coordinated management of very complex ICT projects & programmes with a high degree of risk and complexity to achieve critical organisational objectives

·        Regularly handling face to face resource, timing, quality and reporting conversations with senior management and peers in order to deliver on the accountability and reporting aspects of the role

·        Supporting service managers in leading organisational change to drive benefits from ICT investments

·        Managing and reporting on projects with strong interdependencies with other agencies and organisations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

·        To ensure delivery of projects/programmes within budget and to a specified level of quality

·        To prepare regular, high quality, accurate programme reports in compliance with Technology & Transformation standards

·        To work with the service leads / directors in ensuring that business benefits are achieved from the programmes

·        To ensure that staff assigned to programmes and projects are provided with sufficient development opportunities during their work on projects

·        To manage project teams and work with other programme / project managers in resourcing projects

·        To manage delivery and service levels from outside suppliers and software companies as required

·        To develop strong business relationships with key service leads in the area for which the person has responsibility

·        To work with the other ICT units to ensure that ICT programmes are delivered in a cohesive and planned manner

·        To research and maintain current knowledge of national and international trends in the programme areas for which the person has responsibility – to become an expert in their field

General

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

·        To act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required

·        Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders

Risk Management, Quality, Health and Safety

·        Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·        Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Education and Training

·        Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

The above job specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Applicants must, at the latest date of application, clearly demonstrate, all of the criteria listed below as relevant to the role:

• Significant experience at a senior level in leading and managing complex Digital Health or public sector programmes
• Strong Stakeholder Leadership with ability to manage across Clinical, Operational and Technical Domains
• Significant experience in programme governance, delivery methodologies and benefits realisation
• Significant experience of budget planning, financial management and resource management processes

And

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and management ability, for the proper discharge of the office.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

·        Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as this post will involve travel

·        Flexibility in relation to working hours to fulfil the requirements of the role

Additional eligibility requirements

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

• Knowledge and experience of best practice in project and programme management methodologies and techniques, including risk and issue management
• Knowledge and experience of infrastructure planning and operations, design, and deployment, as well as system life cycle management, as relevant to the role
• Knowledge of community health services and the wider health services structures and its relationship with external agencies.
• Detailed knowledge of the issues, developments and current thinking on best practice in relation to healthcare delivery
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and key HSE policies and procedures as relevant to the role.
• An understanding of budgetary expenditure and monitoring same.
• An understanding of the service developments, estimates and service planning process.
• Knowledge and understanding of Human Resource policies and procedures.
• An understanding of the performance appraisal system needed to manage staff
• Knowledge of the HSE’s National Financial Regulations as relevant to the role.
• Knowledge and understanding of delivering effective and efficient business management systems and services.
• Knowledge and understanding of compiling data and producing detailed reports as relevant to the role.
• Excellent written communication skills including the ability to produce professional reports.
• Excellent MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Knowledge and experience of using an email system effectively e.g. Outlook.
• Knowledge of the HSE’s Digital Health Strategic Implementation Roadmap, Digital for Care 2030 and of Sláintecare

Leadership and Direction/Influencing to Achieve

Demonstrate:

·        Effective leadership in a challenging and busy environment including a proven track record of innovation / improvements.

·        Ability to lead, organise and motivate teams to the confident delivery of excellent services and service outcomes.

·        Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members and other stakeholders to facilitate high performance, developing and achieving clear and realistic objectives.

·        Champions measurement on delivery of results and is willing to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.

·        An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.

·        Evidence of being a positive agent of change and performance improvement

·        A vision in relation to what changes are required to achieve immediate and long term organisational objectives

·        A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging environment

·        Team building and management skills including the ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary/ multi-sectorial team members.

Managing and Delivering Results (Operational Excellence)

Demonstrate:

·        Excellent organisational and time management skills to meet objectives within agreed timeframes and achieve quality results.

·        The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and the ability to evolve and adapt to a rapid changing environment

·        Evidence of effective project planning and organisational skills including an awareness of resource management and the importance of value for money.

·        Strong evidence of excellent financial planning and expenditure management

·        A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging operational environment while adhering to quality standards

·        The ability to seek and seize opportunities beneficial to achieving organisation goals and strives to improve service delivery

·        A proven ability to prioritise, organise and schedule a wide variety of tasks and to manage competing demands and tight deadlines while consistently maintaining high standards and positive working relationships.

·        Strong evidence of excellent planning and implementation of programmes of work.

·        A capacity to negotiate and then ensure delivery on objectives

·        Strong focus on achieving high standards of excellence and measurement of performance

·        A proven commitment to delivering a safe and quality service

Critical Analysis, Problem Solving and Decision Making

Demonstrate:

·        The ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information; considering the impact of decisions before taking action and anticipating challenges

·        Effective problem solving in complex work environments

·        Anticipates problems and recognises when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level).

·        Excellent analytical skills to enable analysis, interpretation of data and data extraction from multiple data sources.

·        The ability to consider the range of options available, involve other parties at the appropriate time and level, to make balanced and timely decisions.

·        A knowledge and application of evidence based decision making practices and methodologies.

·        Significant experience in effective operational problem solving utilising an inclusive approach which fosters learning and self-reliance amongst teams.

·        Reviews evidence on an ongoing basis to ensure that previous decisions continue to be evidence based

Building and Maintaining Relationships – Communication Skills

Demonstrate:

·        Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups.

·        A proven track record of building and maintaining key internal and external relationships in achieving organisational goals.

·        The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing tailoring to meet the needs of the audience

·        Excellent presentation skills.

·        The ability to lead, direct and influence multiple stakeholders and ensure buy-in to plans and their implementation.

·        An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.

·        Effective conflict management skills

·        The ability to interact in a professional manner with staff and other key stakeholders

Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:

·        Evidence of incorporating the needs of the service user into service delivery

·        Evidence of practicing and promoting a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service for internal and external customers

·        Commitment to developing own knowledge and expertise

·        Evidence of setting high standards of performance for self and others, ensuring accurate attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures and current standards within area of responsibility

Personal Commitment and Motivation

Demonstrate:

·        An ability to pay close and accurate attention to detail in personal work and to create a culture where high standards are valued and respected

·        Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of excellence

·        A core belief in and passion for the sustainable delivery of high quality customer focused services.

·        An ability to cope with competing demands without a diminution in performance

• Demonstrably identifies with and is committed to the core values and ethos of the HSE and places a high emphasis on achieving standards of excellence

Tenure

The current vacancies available is permanent and whole time.

The posts are pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

The standard working week applying to the post is 35 hours.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at job offer stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26-week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26-week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.