Senior Staff Officer

THE POSITION

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Senior Staff Officer. It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

The Senior Staff Officer is a key frontline management position within the Council, responsible for leading and managing the performance of a department or business unit within the local authority. The role requires an effective and participative leadership approach, with responsibility for the organisation, coordination, and delivery of all operational activities within a section or group of sections, including the supervision, development, and performance management of staff.

Senior Staff Officers may be assigned responsibility across a wide range of functional areas, including but not limited to housing, planning, human resources, community and social development, recreation, amenity and cultural services, environmental services, transportation and infrastructure, and emergency services.

The post holder is responsible for translating the objectives set out in Corporate, Departmental, and Team Plans into effective operational actions within their area of responsibility. The role is typically carried out as part of a multi-disciplinary team and involves close collaboration with senior management to support organisational priorities and service delivery objectives.

A Senior Staff Officer works closely with elected members, external agencies, partner organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused services. The role requires a strong understanding of the political, legislative, and regulatory context of local government, with duties carried out in a manner that promotes public trust, confidence, transparency, and impartial decision-making.

The position demands well-developed administrative, supervisory, interpersonal, and communication skills, together with specific technical or professional expertise relevant to the assigned functional area. The Senior Staff Officer is expected to demonstrate leadership, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of their work, contributing to continuous improvement and effective governance within the Council.

QUALIFICATIONS1. 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 must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

Applicants to Panel B (Open)(i)

(a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, including Irish and/or English and one of the following:

• Mathematics
• Accounting
• Business Organisation
• Economics

AND

(b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics),

OR

(ii)

Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination,

OR

(iii)

Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

(iv)

Shall have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation, and control of staff.

Confined Competition (Panel A)(v)

(a) Be a serving employee in a local authority, or a regional assembly, and have no less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post,

AND

(b) Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation, and control of staff.

Confined Competition (Panel C)(vi)

(a) Be a serving employee of Wicklow County Council, and have not less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post,

AND

(b) Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation, and control of staff.

DUTIES

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to a Senior Staff Officer:

a) Leadership and management of employees in supporting roles up to the position/grade of Staff Officer, including assigning duties and workload.

b) Supporting management in the implementation of work programmes as required by the Council’s Corporate and Operational Plans.

c) Supporting line management to communicate, implement, and manage all change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.

d) Responsibility for the management of a section or function within the Council.

e) Delivery of specific departmental and organisational objectives.

f) Management of conflicting demands within a team environment and to prescribed timelines and deadlines.

g) Provide ongoing leadership, motivation, and support to employees in the department or section, including resolving day-to-day problems and identifying training and development requirements as appropriate.

h) Ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures, including grievance and disciplinary procedures, performance management, and attendance management.

i) Effective communication and liaison with colleagues, managers, and customers in relation to operational matters for their section.

j) Compile, prepare, and present reports as necessary, including preparation of reports or letters which may be of a sensitive and/or confidential nature.

k) Support implementation of good practices with transparent reporting and communications and deliver accountable services within the department or section.

l) Carry out duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision-making.

m) Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Satisfactory knowledge of the functions and duties of Local Authorities, current local government issues, priorities and concerns, and the key influencers of local government.
• Understanding of the role of Senior Staff Officer.
• Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level.
• Experience managing and supervising staff, including performance management.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and leadership skills.
• Good understanding and knowledge of local authority policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Budgetary management skills.
• Supervisory management skills.
• Knowledge and experience operating ICT systems.
• A current, full Category B driving licence.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and people management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines in the delivery of key operational objectives.
• Awareness of relevant legislation and regulations in Health and Safety and data governance, their implications for the organisation and employee, and their application in the workplace.

SALARY

€57,895.00 - €70,730.00 per annum, including 2nd LSI EL 02/2026.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time in line with national policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Starting pay shall be determined in accordance with appropriate Departmental Circular letters. New entrants will be placed on the minimum of the salary scale.