Senior Executive Officer

THE ROLE / DUTIES

Senior Executive Officer (Operations Support Team Manager – LAWPRO)

Reporting to the Director of Services, the Operations Support Team Manager (Senior Executive Officer) will be responsible for managing the corporate services necessary for the Programme, to enable efficient and effective support to the wider Programme so that the strategic objectives and annual work programme can be achieved. She/he will also coordinate the supporting functions of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and be an active member of the Senior Management Team. The SEO will also provide support to the Farming for Water EIP Administration Team.

The role will include:

• To determine the nature, level and pattern of demand for the services in the Programme and to recommend both service level and strategic policy priorities to the Director of Service (DoS).

• To implement the agreed strategies to meet and to expand or improve the range, quantity or quality of existing services and to recommend changes in the strategies as required.

• To manage and supervise staff up to the position/grade of Administrative Officer or analogous grades and to ensure the training and development of LAWPRO staff.

• Supervise and participate in the Performance Management Development System (PMDS).

• To identify and agree work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensure their subsequent implementation.

• To build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment and maintain sound employee relations and morale as relevant, in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation.

• To develop and maintain relationships with DHLGH and other departments and external agencies, e.g. CCMA, LGMA, and to ensure the agreements to coordinate work programmes are implemented.

• To coordinate national reporting on the service deliverables of LAWPRO.

• To prepare a draft Service Level Agreement in conjunction with the SMT for signoff by Tipperary and Kilkenny County Councils and the DHLGH.

• To coordinate and manage the LAWPRO human resources functions with the two lead authorities and the DHLGH HR Section.

• To implement the systems necessary and coordinate the resources to support the service. This includes systems to manage finance and budgets and ensure value for money; to oversee LAWPRO’s financial reporting to the DHLGH, Councils, and the LAWPRO Oversight Committee.

• To oversee the coordination of the Environmental Health and Safety Management System (EHS), which covers staff from LAWPRO, including the FFWEIP, An Forám Uisce, and Waters of LIFE Integrated Project.

• To manage the Communications Team and work with the Communications Lead and Management Team in the preparation and implementation of a Communications Strategy, annual and quarterly progress reports, as required.

• To coordinate and manage the LAWPRO’s information system and data and GIS functions and develop linkages, as required.

The ideal candidate will:

• Understand the workings of local government and its role as the second tier of government within the county and within tier 3 of the Water Framework Directive Governance structure.

• Lead, manage and motivate a team to deliver on the particular functional areas and programmes within their remit, ensuring a strong focus on delivery of results.

• Initiate, develop and drive appropriate change programmes that can enhance the range and quality of services.

• Work with Elected Councils, Strategic Policy Committees, the Local Community Development Committees, in developing policy and strategic plans for their areas of responsibility that are in line with overall national priorities and aim to deliver services in the most efficient manner possible, to meet the specific needs of the local community.

• Contribute to and implement the Council’s corporate plan, and deliver national and local programmes in a resource-efficient manner.

• Develop and support their staff to ensure optimum service delivery including full utilisation of the PMDS system.

• Network effectively with internal and external stakeholders including representatives of Government departments, state agencies, business and community representatives and other bodies to deliver priority programmes and projects.

• Critically analyse and manage the deployment of resources (including human and financial resources), within their areas of responsibility to ensure the delivery of optimal results with the available resources.

• Promote the role of LAWPRO and the Council and ensure a strong customer focus amongst their teams, reflecting the requirements for balanced and fair decision making and equity of treatment.

• Operate and continually review effective risk management systems for their area of responsibility.

• Keep abreast of relevant external developments, trends and opportunities which may be beneficial to their functional area, including external funding opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1. CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH

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

3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE ETC.

Candidates shall:

(a) be well educated.

(b) have satisfactory experience in any discipline and satisfactory experience in the organisation and control of staff.

The candidate should ideally have:

• the ability to lead, foster and effectively implement appropriate change.

• an understanding of procurement, risk, information technology, financial management, governance and accountability.

• the capacity to work in a complex and dynamic political environment.

• high levels of honesty and integrity and a focus on operating in an impartial and transparent manner to deliver the best possible services to the citizen/customer.

• Understand the workings of local government and its role as the second tier of government within the county and LAWPRO’s role within Tier 3 of the Water Framework Directive Governance structure.

• Lead, manage and motivate a team to deliver on the particular functional areas and programmes within their remit, ensuring a strong focus on delivery of results including full utilisation of the PMDS system.

• Initiate, develop and drive appropriate change programmes that can enhance the range and quality of services.

• Contribute to and implement the LAWPRO Strategy and Work Plans, and deliver national and local programmes in a resource-efficient manner.

• Network effectively with internal and external stakeholders including representatives of Government departments, state agencies, business and community representatives and other bodies to deliver priority programmes and projects.

• Critically analyse and manage the deployment of resources (including human and financial resources), within their areas of responsibility to ensure the delivery of optimal results with the available resources.

• Operate and continually review effective risk management systems for their area of responsibility.

Salary

Current Salary Scale: €80,967 – €107,004 (2nd LSI)

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The employee 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 his/her employment or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

In accordance with Departmental Circular EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point (€80,967).

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The wage cycle may be revised during employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance.

Normal working hours: 35 hours per week.

Probation

The standard provisions apply:

• A probationary period applies (typically one year).

• The employee must be certified as satisfactory to complete probation.

Superannuation

The relevant Superannuation Scheme applies. Contributions vary depending on PRSI class. New entrants join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Minimum service for pension: 2 years.

Retirement Age

• No mandatory retirement age for new entrants (max age 70).

• Non-new entrants are subject to compulsory retirement at 70.

• Staff may be referred to medical advisors to assess fitness.

ISER

Retirees under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement may not apply.

Hours of Work

• 35 hours per week.

• Flexible working arrangements apply.

• Employees must record hours via Kelio.

• Work outside normal office hours may be required.

• Blended working policy in place.

Annual Leave

30 days per annum.

Office closure days (e.g., Christmas) are deducted from annual leave.

Residence

The successful candidate must reside within the district or reasonable distance.

Driver’s Licence

Employees may need to use a personal car for official business and must hold a clean licence and appropriate insurance.

Code of Conduct / Policies

Employees must adhere to all Council codes and policies including Health & Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management, and Use of Electronic Equipment.

Training

Employees must attend and participate fully in training programmes and apply learning to their duties.