Senior Executive Officer

Principle Duties and Responsibilities of the Role: The Head of Economics will report directly to the Director of Insights & Operations and will be responsible for interpreting and predicting economic conditions and advising senior management on implications to key schemes which will improve the quality of strategic decisions taken by the Agency. In that context, the following is a (non-exhaustive) overview of some of the principal duties and responsibilities associated with the position:

• Leadership, management (including performance management), development, training and education of a team of economists to ensure the highest standards of quality;
• Developing, and maintaining relationships with, key stakeholders including senior management, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, academic and other financial analysts, and liaising with same as required;
• Gather, analyse and interpret data on the housing market and the economy in general;
• Prepare economic forecasts to inform housing supply and demand requirements;
• Contribute to costings of new projects/initiatives and advise on funding mechanisms;
• Undertake and manage value for money studies;
• Study economic and statistical data with a view to formalising recommendations, policies and plans
• Leading on change and the introduction of new/revised methodologies as necessary;
• Assisting in the production of economic housing policy advice to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as requested;
• Provide economic advice to help inform the Housing Agency’s strategy;
• Writing reports on the results of any economic research studies and evaluations on housing matters assigned by the Director of Insights and Operations;
• Provision of material in response to Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information requests and Departmental requests as required;
• Help to supervise and ensure the successful completion of any economic research projects carried out by external organisations or individuals contracted by the Housing Agency
• Liaise with external service providers as required;
• Monitoring and managing risk in accordance with The Agency’s risk management;
• Processes and procedures Compliance with all relevant requirements of the Code of Practice for the Government of State Bodies;
• Undertaking other specific functions as required by the Housing Agency from time to time.

The above is not, and does not purport to be, a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities involved and, consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the position which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Essential Requirements The successful candidates will possess: o An appropriate third level qualification, ideally to Masters’ level, in Economics or other relevant discipline where Economics or Finance was a substantive module of the course. o Highly developed IT and numeracy skills, particularly Excel. o Significant relevant post qualification experience operating at a management level in a related field.

Desirable Skills, qualities, and attributes The successful candidate will possess: o An understanding of the current public policy environment within the Housing sector across Ireland, key housing issues and how these might affect the Agency’s work. o Experience of undertaking economic assessments and value for money analyses o Commitment to personal learning and development and openness to feedback. o Possess excellent organisational skills, and be comfortable working in a challenging environment, frequently under pressure, while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient. o Possess excellent analytical skills, with the capacity to quickly identify key issues and the associated opportunities and risks. o Be capable of demonstrating a strong track record in the exercise of sound professional judgement. o Possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. o Exhibit strong leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate, engender a team ethos and promote effective collaboration. o Possess the capacity to operate credibly at senior levels, both within The Agency and externally. o Be capable of demonstrating a strong track record in managing multiple agendas, projects, tasks, and assignments in an effective manner. o Be capable of demonstrating an appreciation of the requirements and challenges for working effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment, including the flexibility to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across sectoral, organisational, and professional boundaries. o Be capable of demonstrating an appreciation of The Agency’s objectives, a keen awareness of the environment within which it operates and of the particular obligations which stem from The Agency’s status as a public body funded entirely by the Exchequer, and a strong commitment to serving the public interest. Competencies Candidates will also be expected to be able to demonstrate that they possess the key competencies: Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance (inspires trust, clarifies purpose, aligns systems and maintains talent and plans actions)
• Contributes to the shaping of The Housing Agency’s strategy and policy
• Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation.
• Develops a culture of learning & development, offering coaching and constructive/supportive feedback.
• Leads on preparing for and implementing significant change and reform.
• Anticipates and responds quickly to developments in the sector/broader environment.
• Actively collaborates with relevant Departments and Agencies

Analysis and Decision Making

• Research issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue.
• Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data)
• Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages
• Makes clear, timely and well-grounded decisions on important issues.
• Considers the wider implications of decisions on a range of stakeholders.
• Takes a firm position on issues s/he considers important.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard.
• Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances.
• Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to the work of the function.
• Looks critically at issues to see how things can be done better.
• Is open to new ideas, initiatives and creative solutions to problems.
• Ensures controls and performance measures are in place to deliver efficient and high value services.
• Effectively manages multiple projects.

Building Relationships and Communication

• Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.
• Promotes teamwork within the section, but also works effectively on projects across Departments/Sectors
• Maintains poise and control when working to influence others.
• Instils a strong focus on Customer Service in his/her area.
• Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing
• Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including members of the Public, Public Service Colleagues, and the political system

Drive and Commitment

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level.
• Demonstrates personal commitment, maintaining determination and persistence.
• Is personally trustworthy and honest, delivering on promises and commitments.
• Ensures the citizen is at the heart of all services provided.
• Is resilient, maintaining composure even in adverse or challenging situations.
• Promotes a culture that fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Knowledge of housing, and housing related issues is desirable.
• Develops and maintains skills and expertise relevant to his/her field.
• Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth.
• Identifies and keeps up to date with key organisational, sectoral, national and international developments, particularly in relation to housing.

Salary Scale – Salary Scale – Senior Executive Officer – Grade 8 LA Scales €80,165, €80,880, €84,026, €87,191, €90,362, €93,500, €96,657, LSI1 €100,238 LSI2 €105,945

New entrants will be appointed on the first point of the scale in line with government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if immediately before appointment you area currently serving civil/public servant.

Eligibility to compete: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA by the date of any job offer. Eligible candidates must be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area. 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 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 Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Closing date for Receipt of Applications – 12.00 noon on Monday 16th of June 2025 Application Procedure Candidates must provide: a. a completed Housing Agency application form b. All sections of the application form must be completed. c. Applications should be typed and submitted via email in PDF format to recruitment@housingagency.ie d. Applicants will be short-listed based on the information supplied. e. Incomplete applications will not be considered for shortlisting. f. Applications will not be accepted under any circumstances after the closing date / Time. g. Canvassing by or on behalf of the applicant will automatically disqualify. Should the person recommended for appointment decline or having accepted the position relinquish it or if any additional vacancy arises, the Agency may, at its discretion, select and recommend another person for appointment on the results of the selection process.