Sports Partnership Project Manager

Term of Employment: The position is for a fixed period of 36 months.

Appointments: Subject to the availability of suitability qualified candidates a panel will be formed from which temporary offers of employment may be made.

Salary: €58,474 - €71,437 - with annual increments payable subject to satisfactory overall performance, attendance, etc.

Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Where the person being appointed is a serving local authority employee, normal starting pay rules will apply.

Annual Leave:30 days per annum

Hours of Work:While the normal working week will constitute 35 hours, the appointee will be required to work the hours directed by the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, which will include hours outside of the normal working day associated with the responsibilities and requirements of the post.

A flexible working hours scheme is in operation.

The Person

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.

Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a)     a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), or

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

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 UK 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 the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

Education/ experience, etc.:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms,

(i)    hold a Level 8 Degree in one or more of the following areas:

Sport and Recreation, Health, Exercise Science, Physical Activity, Diversity and Inclusion, Social Justice, Community Development, or a related field

(ii)  have a minimum of three-years relevant experience in a related field

(iii)                    have experience of project management and/or people management

(iv) have experience of the community and voluntary sector

or

(i)    have five-years relevant paid work experience in the sport sector to include both management of staff and project budgets

(ii)  have experience of the community and voluntary sector

Candidates must demonstrate:-

·       an 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

·       motivation and commitment 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

·       Be able to demonstrate a personal commitment to sport and the attainment of the recommended levels of physical activity

It is also desirable, though not essential, that candidates have:

·       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

·       good understanding of programme monitoring and evaluation

·       experience of working in a project team

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Sports Co Ordinator, the responsibilities of the Sports Partnership Programme Manager will include:-

Strategy & Governance

·       Assist with the development, delivery and reporting of the Local Sports Partnership’s (LSP) 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.

In addition, appointees will be required to:

·       ensure compliance with all necessary Health & Safety legislation

·       supervise any employees assigned to him/her, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies

·       undertake further duties which may be assigned to him/her from time to time

·       prepare reports as required

·       attend training as required

·       participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to their grade

·       undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

·       deputise for other employees of a higher grade as required

Essential Skills

Candidates will be required to demonstrate the following as part of their application for the position:

·       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

Desirables:

·       Knowledge of the sport and physical activity sector and policies

·       Understanding of research and evaluation methods

·       Understanding of the public sector and local government environment

Other:

·       Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning.

·       Be prepared to work evenings & weekends when required.

·       Ability to travel efficiently between sites.

·       Must have access to a car and hold a current EU/Irish driving licence

Candidates invited to participate in the interview process will be assessed and marked on the basis of how they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience at interview under the following competencies:-

Management and Change Strategic Ability

Plans, develops and prioritises work programmes that are aligned to Corporate and Operational Plans.

Networking and Representing

Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests. Ability to negotiate and influence and adopt a partnership approach with all stakeholders.

Bringing about Change

Effectively manages the introduction of change and overcomes resistance to change.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation /regulations including Health & Safety, Planning & Procurement.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Can pinpoint critical information and can address issues logically. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

Plans, develops and prioritises work programmes with senior management that are aligned to the Council’s Corporate and Operational Plans.

Managing Resources

Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver on operational plans.

Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services.

Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required

Performance through People

Leading and Motivating

Leads, motivates and engages others to achieve quality results.

Managing Performance

Effectively manages performance and conflict.

Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

Communicates effectively & professionally with range of stakeholders including staff, elected members, businesses & residents.

Is effective in communicating a complex or technical message, using language appropriate to the audience.

Personal Effectiveness

Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.

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.

Qualifications and Knowledge

Keeps up with current and emerging developments, trends and best practice in this area.

Integrity

Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective Public Service.