Sports Partnership Programme Manager

The Position & Role Sport Ireland (previously the Irish Sports Council) supported the establishment of Local Sports Partnerships around the country to co-ordinate and to promote the development of sport. The key aims of the Local Sports Partnerships are to increase participation in sport and to ensure that local resources are used to best effect. Sport Ireland sees these partnerships as the best mechanism for delivering recreational sport to the greatest number of people. Sport Ireland and its network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) is committed to the equal treatment of all people when it comes to their participation in sport. In addition to the Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy (2018-2022), the following national policies and plans set out the overarching framework under which sports participation is underpinned: • The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 recognises the important contribution sport makes to Ireland and the key roles played by the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), the Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) and the representative sporting organisations in the delivery of that contribution • The National Physical Activity Plan aims to increase physical activity levels across the whole population. It aims to create a society which facilitates people whether at home at work or at play to lead an active way of life. • The National Participation Plan sets out how Sport Ireland will deliver on the ambition of both the Sport Ireland Strategy and the National Sports Policy

This is an opportunity to gain employment in the role of Sports Partnership Programme Manager.

The Competition The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which temporary posts may be filled at Sports Partnership Programme Manager as vacancies arise.

The Candidate It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have: • Inter-personal skills to involve people, schools and communities in the planning, delivery and evaluation of programmes and initiatives. • Be competent in the area of sports development. • Experience in programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting • A proficiency in IT and communication technology systems • Excellent communication (oral and written), administration, organisational and presentation skills. • Possess excellent professional/technical knowledge and skills. • Excellent team leadership skills • Ability to work independently or within multi-disciplined teams. • Problem solving skills. • A good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health & Safety legislation and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities The following is a non-exhaustive list of the primary duties of the Programme Manager. The appointed person will:

Strategy & Governance • Assist with the development, delivery and reporting of the LSP’s Strategy & Annual Operation Plan • Provide direct support to the Coordinator and the LSP team to achieve a coordinated approach to the development of sport and physical activity throughout the community and for agreed target groups. • Coordinate and manage reviews of the annual operational plan reporting on the effectiveness and impact of work areas.

Management & Programming • Manage and coordinate the work activities of direct reports to achieve the goals and objectives of the LSP. • Be responsible for leading staff, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs. • Plan and manage the work activities of work placement students, volunteers, coaches and tutors. • Create and implement a comprehensive range of physical activity programmes and events for relevant target groups with a view to creating sustainable participation. • Support the coordinator in implementing accurate and efficient reporting structures • Manage and be responsible for programme budgets ensuring timelines and reporting structures are met and budgets adhered to.

Research/Evaluation • Manage the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation framework for all projects, programmes and initiatives. • Conduct research of participation in sport and physical activity in the community including, where relevant, needs analysis to identify suitable support to increase participation in sport and physical activity in the community and target groups. • Prepare reports as appropriate relating to existing and proposed initiatives and present timely and relevant information and advice to the coordinator.

Partnerships and Communication • Develop relationships with appropriate partner organisations and local community groups to create links and encourage collaboration between partners. • Work in partnership with stakeholders to share knowledge and information relevant to target groups in the community to identify the needs and demand for new activities. • Support and guide clubs and communities with various issues as they arise.

Qualifications Character: 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.: Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: a. Hold a relevant third level Degree or 5 years’ relevant experience; b. Three years' relevant experience, experience in the areas of education, social or community development or working in the community sector in a developmental and supportive capacity either in a paid or voluntary capacity c. Experience of the community and voluntary sector, good understanding of programme monitoring and evaluation. d. Experience of working in a project team Candidates shall also: • Strong IT, administrative and organisational skills • Ability to monitor and evaluate work and write reports. • Excellent communications, presentation and facilitation skills • Ability to advise, inform, motivate and support individuals and organisations. • Ability to prepare, monitor and manage budgets and to prepare funding applications. • Capacity to lead, organise and motivate staff. • Experience in managing staff performance, address issues, identifies staff learning and training needs • Understanding of research and evaluation methods • Understanding of the public sector and local government environment • Awareness of the importance and value of participation in sport / active recreation • A constructive, positive and progressive attitude to working as part of the LSP team • Be motivated and committed to sports development and increasing opportunities for participation, in particular among hard-to-reach groups in local communities. • A commitment to on-going training and development. • A self-motivated approach to work Particulars of Employment The Post The post is wholetime (i.e., 35 hours per week) and appointment is temporary.

Location Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign you 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. Commencement Kildare 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 The current working hours are 35 hours per week, the 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 Arrangements The Sports Partnership Programme Manager reports 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 Employment Where 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 €53,345 per annum to €60,828 per annum (maximum) €62,994 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €65,172 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 & Retirement A 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.

Annual Leave Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the nationally agreed annual leave scheme for the sector. The annual leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. The current leave entitlement for this post is 30 days. The Chief Executive of Kildare County Council retains autonomy regarding office closures, (e.g., Christmas Office Closure), any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.

Residence The person holding the office must reside in, or at an address convenient to the Local Authority, as approved by the Chief Executive.

Outside Employment The position is whole-time, and the officer may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Code Of Conduct/Organisation Policies Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Kildare County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment.

Training Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Health and Safety Regulations Kildare County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees. All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to cooperate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything which would place themselves or others at risk.

Canvassing Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of the County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.