Project Coordinator

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

Sliabh Beagh Eco-tourism Project (Funded under Shared Island Programme)

Sliabh Beagh is a special landscape with a wealth of natural and cultural riches. Measuring some 250 square miles, it spans from Monaghan in the south, to the districts of Fermanagh and Omagh and Mid Ulster in the north, straddling the traditional county borders of Monaghan, Fermanagh and Tyrone and the national borders of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

After extensive research and a detailed screening process, the development of a multi-activity ecotourism destination within Sliabh Beagh was identified as the hero attractor that could unlock the tourism potential of Sliabh Beagh and its surrounding catchment in both jurisdictions. Capital funding of €6M has now been secured under the Shared Island Programme to deliver on and implement these initiatives on the ground.

The project will see the development of 73km of connected cross border trails (Walking, Cycling, Equestrian) with the inclusion of trailheads and gateways. Trail development will also include all interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure. These trails will incorporate public artwork/sculptures throughout the network of trails making them a hero attractor for the areas and developing the area as an outdoor destination.

Sliabh Beagh’s vision is to be recognised and celebrated as an ecotourism destination, delivering an exciting range of outdoor experiences that supports both the understanding and conservation of this special landscape, whilst supporting community driven development in an unspoilt landscape. it is well-positioned to support tourism as an economic engine across the three counties. The principles of sustainable development and active community engagement are embedded within the project plan.

A Project Team has been established to coordinate all day‑to‑day delivery activity across Local Authorities, agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely implementation of the project. This team comprises representatives from each partner council, Failte Ireland, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland.

The role

This is a cross-border project and is supported by Fermanagh Omagh and Mid-Ulster District Councils, however, the Project Co-Ordinator will report to the Tourism Officer of Monaghan County Council on a day-to-day basis and will be accommodated within the Tourism Unit of Monaghan County Council. The Project Co-Ordinator is charged with the efficient administration of the project and will support the work of the Sliabh Beagh Project Team in delivering the different project elements (trails, signage, public art, hub development etc).

The ideal candidate should demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have knowledge of:

• Customer service
• Planning and prioritisation of workloads
• Working under pressure to tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Stakeholder networking and engagement
• Financial management
• Administration and report writing
• Operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Acting on own initiative

In addition, the ideal candidate will also:

• Be self-motivated with the ability to work on their own initiative.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the structures and functions of local government, current local government issues, challenges and priorities.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the role of the Project Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the Council and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The main duties of the post are:

• To facilitate the delivery of the Sliabh Beagh Eco-Tourism Project through a range of mechanisms, including direct implementation and public procurement arrangements.
• To work closely with the partner councils, state agencies, community organisations, main landowners (Coillte, An Taisce, Forestry Service NI, etc.) and the funder (Shared Island Unit – Department of An Taoiseach).
• To complete financial and non-financial monitoring information.
• To prepare detailed progress reports, quarterly financial reports, annual implementation plans, etc.
• To liaise with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, etc.
• To convene meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes and undertake follow-up actions from Project Team meetings.
• To assist in the promotion of the Sliabh Beagh area and support trade to develop and upskill.
• To organise public consultation events, information workshops and launches as required.
• To update the wider Sliabh Beagh Partnership Committee on progress at their quarterly meetings.
• To carry out such duties as may be required by the Project Team.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Project Coordinator 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.

 

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 for the post:

(a) Hold a third level qualification (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in tourism, rural development, business or other relevant discipline;

(b) Have a minimum of 2 years relevant post graduate experience and a demonstrable track record in the tourism sector;

(c) Possess knowledge and understanding of the tourism sector and structures and tourism related issues at local, regional and national level.

Essential Requirements

• Previous relevant experience in the tourism industry.
• Possess knowledge of project development processes and requirements.
• Previous experience of stakeholder engagement is essential for this role.

Driver 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 Licence.

Desirable Requirements

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including report writing.
• Have the capacity to work on their own initiative and also contribute effectively in a team-based environment.
• Have a good understanding and knowledge of Local Government and its role in promoting tourism.
• Have the capacity to interact effectively with local elected members and people from a broad range of sectors and groups, including local tourism interests, local development organisations and landowners.
• Have experience managing financial resources within a budgetary control framework.
• Have experience working on a cross-border tourism or rural development project.

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.

Competencies

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level.
• Is resilient and perseveres to achieve objectives despite obstacles or setbacks.
• Ensures that customer service is at the heart of their work.
• Is personally honest and trustworthy.

Delivering Results

• Accurately estimates time requirements for projects, making contingencies to overcome obstacles.
• Implements and delivers high-quality services.
• Translates project plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of responsibility.
• Takes responsibility for delivering results and bringing projects and tasks to completion.
• Makes timely, informed and effective decisions and demonstrates sound judgement when making decisions or recommendations.
• Implements high-quality service and customer care standards.
• Has effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Has excellent administrative ability.

Performance Through People and Communicating Effectively

• Builds and maintains positive working relationships.
• Has the ability to work as part of a team to deliver programmes and projects while meeting strict deadlines.
• Has excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
• Modifies communication style to suit the needs of different situations and audiences.

Personal Effectiveness

• Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several tasks and projects concurrently.
• Manages time and workload effectively.
• Maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude to the role and remains motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.
• Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges and responsibilities.

Essential RequirementsKnowledge, Experience and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of Local Government, including service requirements.
• Understanding of the role of the Project Coordinator.
• Relevant experience in the tourism industry.
• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.
• Experience working as part of a team.
• Experience preparing reports and correspondence.
• Relevant administrative experience.

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 Project CoordinatorSliabh Beagh (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: -

€52,761, - €54,337, - €55,946, - €57,589, - €59,244, - 1st LSI €61,173, -2nd LSI €63,109

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.

 

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.