The Position and RoleThe Senior Economic Development Officer will report to the Head of Enterprise & Economic Development.The main role will be to identify, manage and promote specific programs to the business community in Kildare. They will be a key point of contact for businesses in the county, will engage with all stakeholders to understand how we can support their needs and enhance Kildare’s attractiveness to existing and new businesses.The Ideal CandidateThe Ideal Candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:• Possess a relevant third level qualification in Business or an equivalent discipline;• Possess a minimum of five years relevant post graduate experience in development;• Possess excellent knowledge and understanding of enterprise and economic development and the evolving enterprise and economic development landscape both nationally and locally.• Demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.• Have experience in data analytics to include the collection, interpretation, application and presentation of data from a wide variety of sources.• Have experience in developing, promoting, and delivering relevant strategic and sustainable programs.• Demonstrate a very strong competence in the management of staff and working and leading multi-disciplinary teams.• Be highly organised with an ability to prioritise tasks and work in a dynamic environment.• Have very strong interpersonal and communication skills;• Demonstrate a very good understanding of financial systems and procedures, identifying funding streams and grant sources;Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Economic Development Officer will be responsible for the delivery of a range of assigned functions within the division including:• Assisting the Head of Economic Development with engaging existing and new stakeholders regionally & nationally in the realisation of the Annual Service Delivery Plan (ASDP)• Working collaboratively as part of a cross functional Department with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), and other Council Departments, to ensure consistency of service and a coordinated approach towards supporting businesses in the County.• Working as part of a team oversee the delivery of the K Hub Strategy ensuring governance and KPIS are met• Contribute to the development of the Annual Service Delivery Plan, manage the implementation and evaluation of the key Enterprise and Economic Development objectives and associated actions.• Supervision of staff, monitoring and reporting on targets, budgets and other key performance indicators on a weekly basis;• Work as part of a team to develop, collaborate and deliver on all Economic Actions within the LECP for County Kildare, which will promote Kildare as an investment ready location of choice, for new and expanding businesses. Key areas include, but are not limited to, developing Kildare as a Growth Centre Mid East, developing opportunities for entrepreneurship education and up-skilling, the development of Creative Industries and Micro Business Sector and the development and promotion of Communications, ICT and Smart City Concept.• The preparation of reports, submissions and audits on matters of relevance to the future growth of Kildare and its position within the Mid-East Region e.g. County Development Plan and Regional Spatial Economic Strategies and relevant competitions of national significance such as Enterprising Towns Award.• Analysis of relevant key papers and statistics to inform and influence the development and direction of Kildare on matters of economic importance e.g. National Planning Framework.• Engaging with catchments and clusters outside of Kildare to maximise the economic potential of the County.• Working with stakeholders from the private and public sectors and the wider community to develop the strengths and assets of our communities• Ensuring alignment between government legislation and inter-agency policy to maximise enterprise and economic development in the area;• Participation in the network between the relevant local authorities to support the work of the Mid East Enterprise Group and sub-groups to develop and implement strategies along agreed themes including Digital Communications, Infrastructural, Tourism, Culture and Energy etc.• Working co-operatively with all stakeholders, in particular the Chambers Group, Regional Assemblies and Educational and Economic Development Agencies.• Working with Enterprise Hubs in Kildare and other suitable spaces to promote options for remote working and ensure the Hubs viability for attracting economic and enterprise activity and remote working for Kildare.• Investigating and seeking funding opportunities for Kildare including EU funding and liaising with other staff and sections on grant schemes and funding opportunities.• Supporting and advising local organisations, businesses and individuals to take advantage of Enterprise and Economic Development Opportunities;• Deputising for the Head of Enterprise, Economic Development & Tourism or other senior grade when required.• Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required or assigned, from time to time.Driving LicenceApplicants must at the date of application hold a full valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below). They must be a competent driver and, shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. The council must be indemnified on their insurance.QualificationsCharacter:Each candidate must be of good character.Health:Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.Education, Training and Experience etc.:It is desirable that each Candidate should, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications have:• A recognised third level qualification (Level 7 or higher in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Business or an equivalent discipline;• A minimum of 5 years relevant post graduate experience in economic development; this may include development experience in Local Government or equivalent;• An ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of Enterprise and Economic Development generally, and, specifically, the role of Local Government in advancing Enterprise and Economic Development;• An ability to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities (International, National and Local) facing businesses in Kildare;• Satisfactory experience of developing and maintaining effective partnerships and of engaging and influencing various stakeholders;• Satisfactory experience in managing projects;• An understanding of the roles and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace;• Excellent communication, interpersonal and reporting skills;• Excellent team building skills and demonstrated leadership skills, including experience in supervising staff.Please note that 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, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.Competencies for the post of Senior Economic Development OfficerKey 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 to these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by the candidates:Management and Change• Challenges the status quo to see how systems, processes and practices may be improved.• Develops and initiates change management programmes to meet defined end objectives.• Recognises that people react differently to change and manages this accordingly.• Can work with multiple stakeholders to implement change.Performance through People• Demonstrates the ability to build effective teams and motivate and engage staff and stakeholders to achieve quality results.• Can manage the role, performance, and contribution of each staff member for which they are responsible.• Has excellent interpersonal, presentation and communications skills.• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain positive and beneficial relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including citizens, elected members and staff.Delivering Results• Translate the business/team plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of operation.• Takes responsibility for the delivery of results and for bringing projects and tasks to completion in their area of operation.• Makes timely, informed and effective decisions and shows good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations.• Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.Personal Effectiveness• Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several tasks/projects concurrently.• Manages their time effectively, focusing on essential tasks and responsibilities.• Is positive and enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.• Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to exceed goals in service delivery.Knowledge, Experience and Skills• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government including service requirements.• Knowledge of current local government issues.• Understanding of the role of Senior Economic Development Officer• Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Kildare County Council.• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.Particulars of EmploymentThe PostThe post is wholetime (i.e., 35 hours per week) and appointment may be permanent or temporary.LocationKildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.CommencementKildare County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Kildare County Council shall not appoint them.Working Hours (35 Hour Week)Working HoursThe hours of work are 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays (rotas operate for lunchtime opening). Kildare County Council also has a flexi time system in operation, details of which are available from the Human Resources Section.The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time.You may be required to work overtime on various occasions.All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Kildare County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking system.Reporting ArrangementsAdministrative Officers report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee of Kildare County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose.A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.Probationary Period of EmploymentWhere a person is permanently appointed to Kildare County Council, the following provisions shall apply –a) there shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position on probation;b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at their discretion, extend such period;c) such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory;d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts;e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.Remuneration€61,217 per annum to €74,253 per annum (maximum)€76,910 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum)€79,583 per annum (LSI 2) (after 6 years satisfactory service at maximum)On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates employed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history.Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employees nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g., P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I.Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.Superannuation & RetirementA person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required in respect of their Superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.The terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 as amended or the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 or the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act 2012 will apply as appropriate on appointment.Retirement age for employees is dependent on their relevant contract of employment, with due consideration being given to the rules of the Superannuation Scheme to which they belong.• For appointees who are deemed not to be “new entrants” as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, retirement is compulsory on reaching 65 years of age.• The minimum retirement age for “new entrants” to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is 65. There is no mandatory retirement age.• Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks:Retirement age is set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.Compulsory retirement age will be 70.Follow us on Facebook and stay up to date with the latest jobs in Kildare!
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