Staff Officer

Longford and Westmeath ETB invite applications for the above permanent role.

The initial assignment will be within the Further Education and Training Quality System (FETQS) Team; however, LWETB reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any other area of the organisation.

A panel for the above Grade V FETQS role within the FETQS Unit only may be formed and remain in place until 31 August 2027.

Candidates must have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a very high standard.

Function of the Job

To develop and support the FET Quality Assurance (QA) function across the entire Further Education and Training provision on behalf of LWETB to a highly professional standard.

Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.
• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher, Ordinary, Applied or Vocational Programme), or equivalent, or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI Qualifications Framework which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher, or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.
• Be at least 17 years of age on or before the date of advertisement of the recruitment competition.
• Have excellent IT skills, including a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams.

Duties / Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work as part of a FETQS team to help implement the process of continuous improvement in QA for LWETB.
• Provide relevant and timely advice, information and support to Management, the QA team and all other staff on matters relating to the assessment process, the processing of certification, training materials and training aids, training methodologies and training practices to meet the requirements of certifying bodies associated with programme delivery.
• Assist with the timely development of new programmes on behalf of LWETB for existing and emerging client groups/stakeholders.
• Research the procurement of learning materials.
• Engage constructively in the evaluation and continual improvement processes required to keep LWETB FETQA systems relevant and up to date.
• Advise Management and others on improvements or actions required to keep FETQA Systems relevant and up to date.
• Participate in the implementation, renewal, updates and rollout of enhancements to FETQA Systems.
• Assist the QA team with the development and review of Course Specifications, Assessments and Training Plans for all FET provision as set out in QA Systems.
• Support the FETQA team in the development, maintenance and monitoring of effective QA governance.
• Cooperate with the provision of information for the Programme Evaluation Process.
• Administer systems and control the application of assessments and certification processes for FET provision.
• Ensure that all matters relating to assessment and certification processes are conducted correctly and in accordance with LWETB FETQA Systems and the criteria outlined by the relevant certifying bodies, including:
• Participate on Results Approval Panels (RAPs), including:
• Research and produce statistical reports using Microsoft Office applications.
• Support the learner appeal process with relevant documentation for the Assessment Appeals Panel.
• Cooperate with and facilitate external monitoring and verification visits from certification or funding bodies.
• Provide staff and second providers with briefings and training relating to the FETQA System, curriculum, assessment instruments and procedures.
• Assist with Certificate Award Ceremonies.
• Keep abreast of developments in Training Design, Training Delivery and Assessment techniques and advise the Management Team on best practice.
• Engage with wider LWETB activities and developments, particularly audit, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Liaise with relevant FET Support Services, including Technology Enhanced Learning, Enterprise Engagement, Adult Guidance and Recruitment, and keep the Management Team informed of developments.
• Liaise with and support all certifying bodies as appropriate.
• Participate in all professional development opportunities as required.
• Undertake any other duties or projects as assigned.

Competencies Required

The appointee to this permanent Grade V position will be required to show evidence of the following competencies (in no more than 300 words).

People Management

• Consults and encourages the full engagement of the team, promoting open and constructive discussions around work issues.
• Gets the best out of individuals and the team, encouraging good performance and addressing performance issues.
• Values and supports the development of others and the team.
• Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working.
• Deals with tensions within the team constructively.
• Encourages, listens to and acts on feedback from the team to make improvements.
• Actively shares information, knowledge and expertise to help the team meet its objectives.

Information Management, Analysis and Decision Making

• Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues.
• Understands the practical implications of information in relation to procedures, divisional objectives and the broader context.
• Identifies and understands key issues and trends.
• Correctly extracts and interprets numerical information and conducts accurate calculations.
• Draws accurate conclusions and makes balanced, evidence-based recommendations.
• Sees the logical implications of taking a particular position on an issue.

Delivery of Results

• Takes ownership of tasks and sees them through to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Is logical and pragmatic, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results through effective prioritisation.
• Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve customer service delivery.
• Accurately estimates project timelines and makes contingencies to overcome obstacles.
• Minimises errors by reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place.
• Maximises team input to ensure effective delivery of results.
• Ensures service delivery procedures, protocols and reviews are in place and implemented.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Modifies communication style to suit different situations and audiences.
• Actively listens to the views of others.
• Liaises with other groups to gain cooperation.
• Negotiates where necessary to achieve satisfactory outcomes.
• Maintains an effective, efficient and respectful approach to customer service.
• Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Displays high levels of skill and expertise and provides guidance to colleagues.
• Understands the role's objectives and how they support the unit and organisation.
• Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of continuous development for self and the team.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Is committed to the role and consistently performs at a high level.
• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.
• Is resilient and perseveres despite obstacles or setbacks.
• Ensures customer service is central to individual and team performance.
• Is personally trustworthy.
• Acts with integrity and encourages integrity in others.

Terms and Conditions

Base: College of Further Education and Training, Garrycastle Campus, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

The successful candidate will initially be assigned to the above location. However, LWETB reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any other location as service demands require.

Starting Salary: €52,762

For persons commencing at this grade for the first time, or entering the Public Sector for the first time, starting pay will be as above. An incremental salary scale applies thereafter as per Circular 0058/2026. Previous public sector experience at the same grade may be eligible for incremental credit, which will be determined upon appointment. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Hours per week: 35

Citizenship Requirement

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA); or
• Non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.

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.

Applicants who require a work permit must advise LWETB before commencing employment and notify LWETB as soon as possible.

Health and Character

Candidates under consideration may, at the discretion of the employer, be required to complete a health assessment and Garda Vetting. References will also be sought.

Annual Leave

LWETB's annual leave year runs from January to December.

The annual leave allowance for this position is 25 days per annum.

Annual leave entitlement will be pro rata based on contract duration and start date. The allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave. All office closures (other than public holidays, bank holidays and Good Friday) are included within the annual leave entitlement. Leave is subject to Line Management approval and must be requested in advance.

Shortlisting

LWETB reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it considers most appropriate before interview.

Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in the Application Form and the number of vacancies to be filled. Candidates should therefore provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications and experience. Applications will be assessed against predetermined criteria reflecting the skills and depth of experience considered essential for this position.

Interview

Selection from shortlisted candidates will be by means of a competency-based interview conducted by LWETB.

Interviews may take place via video conference. Candidates selected for interview will be provided with guidelines in advance.