Project Liaison Officer

The Main Duties & Responsibilities:

The general requirements for the PLO are detailed in TII Project Management Guidelines – PE-PMG-02041 (May 2025) and associated documentation and Appendix A1.2 of TII Publications PE-PMG-02042 (May 2025) - Project Manager's Manual for National Road Projects sets out the outline duties of the PLO. The key duties and responsibilities of the post of the Project Liaison Officer shall include but will not be limited to the following:

• Primary point of contact with the public and key stakeholders including landowners for the project.

• Maintenance of records of all interactions (i.e. meetings, written submissions, emails, telephone calls etc.) with the public, landowners etc for the duration of Phases 3 to 4 of the Project, using the Stakeholder/Interaction Management System and ProjectWise.

• Ensuring that the project website is kept up to date and correct.

• Managing the project email address and responding promptly to enquires therein.

• Dealing with confidential and sensitive information within the limits of GDPR.

• Processing all submissions received during public consultations and at any other stages of the project and responding as necessary.

• Notifying the project manager where conflicts of interest may occur, or other circumstances which might influence or appear to influence the design process arise, as it is imperative that the design which best serves the interests of the public without compromising the environment or economy is provided.

• Agreeing access to privately owned lands for contractors and consultants carrying out enabling works and surveys (both intrusive and non-intrusive) as part of the Project. Adequate written notice (typically 14 days) shall be given to affected stakeholders.

• Making the necessary provisions, in instances where access to lands cannot be obtained by agreement, to exercise the Local Authority’s legal entitlement to access lands pursuant to Section 78 of the Roads Act, 1993, as amended.

• Confirming, in writing where necessary, to affected stakeholders that Contractors acting on behalf of the Local Authority to carry out the above works have the necessary insurance in place to indemnify the stakeholders in the event of personal injury or material damage.

• In the case of intrusive surveys (e.g. ground investigation, archaeological test trenching etc), determining the extent and quantum of compensation due to each affected stakeholder and recommending and arranging payments to be made by the Local Authority.

• Inputting to the Schedules for the Compulsory Purchase documentation.

• Attending all environmental workshops.

• Advising on land take requirements and attending workshops with TII’s land and property team to explain potential impacts and justification of land take.

• Key person guiding and assisting the local authority in the negotiations at the oral hearing with objectors.

• Agreeing, as soon as possible, the nature and extent of accommodation works required for each affected stakeholder for inclusion in the project design and/or environmental evaluation.

• Assessing the accuracy of land ownership records held by the Local Authority and confirming these records with individual stakeholders. Particular attention should be given to determining private rights-of-way and other burdens which may be affected by the Project and may require inclusion in the compulsory acquisition of land schedule.

• Making all reasonable enquiries to establish the identity of landowners where no reliable records exist (e.g., unregistered land).

• Keeping the relevant local authorities informed of progress on the project and providing such information necessary for them to make informed decisions.

• Coordinating arrangements between Local Authorities as appropriate.

The duties may include but are not limited to all of the above and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

The Qualifications:

Character: Candidates must be of good character.

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

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.

Education, Training, Experience etc: Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

(a) (i) hold an honours bachelors degree (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering accredited at CEng or CEng with FL level by Engineers Ireland*; OR

(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering AND a post-graduate masters degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering; OR

(iii) hold a masters degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering attained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4 years duration and which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accreditation body internationally; OR

(iv) have achieved the registered professional title of Chartered Engineer and be registered on the Register of Chartered Engineers of Engineers Ireland or of a professional institute of another country and recognised by Engineers Ireland as of equivalent status.

(b) have at least seven years satisfactory relevant experience of engineering work;

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

(d) possess a high standard of administrative and management experience;

(e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Criteria for evaluating Qualifications for Senior Executive Engineer and above: When determining if a candidate’s qualifications can be deemed equivalent to a Level 8 degree in Engineering, the following criteria will be considered:

• How has your degree been accredited by Engineers Ireland, or an equivalent accreditation body internationally? Degrees accredited at CEng or CEng with FL level by Engineers Ireland will be understood as a Level 8 Qualification. For International qualifications, consideration will be given to the NARIC Framework and Washington Accord, as appropriate.

• Is the degree at Level 8 on the NFQ scale? Where candidates have achieved their degree in other jurisdictions, the level of the qualification will be determined using the NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualification database.

• Does the degree contain the level and volume of Engineering modules as would be expected in a Level 8 degree in Engineering? At least 80% of the modules covered in the degree should be focused on Engineering and the degree should be underpinned by mathematics and the core science subjects.

Notes:

• Candidates must submit a copy of educational qualifications meeting the requirements of 4(a) above with their application.

• Applications received without the necessary documentation will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.

• 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. Foreign Language qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document. Candidates must also hold a current valid and unendorsed driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving Licence and must advise if this is not the case. A copy of Licence must be submitted with your application.

The Ideal Candidate Shall:

Have experience of participating in and managing and leading multi-disciplinary and cross functional teams and have the ability to motivate, empower, encourage and achieve maximum efficiency and value for money from the personnel and processes under his/her control.

Have experience of maintaining sound employee relations and conflict resolution.

Have experience of managing and scheduling a multiannual portfolio of projects within budget and on time.

Have a track record of delivering results.

Have an understanding of Local Authority services and structures in Ireland or the ability to quickly acquire same.

Be capable of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and in seeking co-operation and consensus with a whole range of bodies and representative groups.

Have knowledge of road design and the various applicable standards.

Have experience of major national road projects and be capable of negotiating with objectors (including CPO listed land and property owners) in the run up to and during oral hearing (An Coimisiún Pleanála) process on behalf of the employer with full authority, most particularly in relation to accommodation works.

Be experienced in meeting regularly with stakeholders, providing updates, presentations and reports, taking customer feedback and ensuring any learning from same is used to enhance the operations of the organisation.

Be experienced in contributing to the operational and strategic planning processes and in the implementation of the agreed aims of same.

Have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.

Have good knowledge and awareness of statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, the implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

Have experience of managing finance and budgets and ensuring value for money.

Have experience of providing information on the pattern of demand and activity and the skills to schedule/programme the carrying out of work.

Have an understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace.

Have good general ICT skills.

Have a focus on the customer and on service improvement including taking ownership and resolving issues arising.

Competencies for the Post:

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates. Evidence/examples should be aligned, in so far as possible, with the Ideal Candidate requirements and Main Duties & Responsibilities of the post as set out above:

Strategic Management and Change

Strategic Ability

• Displays the ability to think and act strategically. Can translate strategy into operational plans and outputs. Evaluates capacity and performance against objectives. Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful strategic outcomes.

Political Awareness

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the organisation.

Networking and Representing

• Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders. Builds networks of technical and professional contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the organisation it represents.

Bringing about Change

• Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change. Develops and initiates change management programmes to meet end objectives. Influences others and fosters commitment to change.

Delivering Results:

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. 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 operations. Delegates, tracks and monitors activity. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used effectively to deliver on operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services. Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard. Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Performance Through People:

Leading and Motivating

• Motivates others individually and in teams to deliver high quality work and customer focused outcomes. Develops the competence of team members and helps them meet their full potential. Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility and a strong customer service ethos.

Managing Performance

• Effectively manages performance including underperformance or conflict. Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

• Recognises the value of communicating effectively with all employees.

• Actively listens to others. Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Presents ideas clearly and effectively to individuals and groups.

Personal Effectiveness:

Relevant Knowledge

• Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility. Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role. Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

• Demonstrates appropriate and positive self confidence. Remains calm under pressure and operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

Integrity

• Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others.

Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

• Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes. Is self motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.

The Principal Terms & Conditions:

Particulars of the Position

The position is wholetime, temporary and pensionable and the appointment will be on the basis of a Specified Purpose Contract of Employment for a period up to the completion of Phases 3 and 4 of the N4 Carrick on Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project. The project is approved and funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and it, and the associated PLO post, is subject to ongoing approval and associated funding provision by TII.

Working Hours:

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. However, the position of Project Liaison Officer may involve additional hours in excess of the standard working week, including evening and weekend work, without additional remuneration. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time. All hours worked will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

Duties

The principal duties and areas of responsibility of the Project Liaison Officer (PLO) are as set out under ‘The Main Duties and Responsibilities’ section above.

Salary:

The salary scale for the position of Project Liaison Officer (PLO), analogous to Senior Executive Engineer, will be within the range (Scale effective from 1st June 2026): €80,680, €83,153, €84,338, €86,828, €89,339, €91,842, €94,364, €97,533 LSI1, €100,692 LSI2.

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with relevant Departmental Circulars. Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to or received by him/her by virtue of the post or in respect of any services, which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Residence:

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority’s Offices, or wherever assigned by the Local Authority. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Department now or in the future. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.