Staff Officer

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) 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.

SKILLS

Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service Competency Frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

COMPETENCIES

• Team Working/Supervisory Skills

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Information Management and Decision Making

• Delivery of Results

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administration of the organisation’s Superannuation Schemes, both pre and post 2013, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all pension related queries and crystallisation events.

• Ensure that all employees are assigned to the appropriate pension scheme in accordance with their Applicant Declaration Form.

• Maintain accurate service histories, process estimates, refunds, transfers of service and manage retirement benefits for current and former employees, update service history on the Pensions Module of PeopleXD for legacy Scheme members.

• Ensure the consistent interpretation and application of scheme rules and relevant legislation/circulars issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Education and Youth.

• Provide clear and accurate information to staff on pension entitlements, retirement options, and timelines, ensuring an informed workforce within the organisation.

• Manage all elements of the retirement application process, liaising with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

• Regularly audit the activities of the superannuation function and initiate changes and improvements to policies and procedures designed to strengthen controls and systems.

• Maintain and update a suite of Standard Operating Procedures which will assist in the efficient and effective delivery of Superannuation Services.

• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, pension scheme regulations, and governance standards for public sector pensions.

• Provide MSL ETB Management, ETBI, Department of Education and Youth, Education Shared Business Services, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Department of Public Expenditure, C&AG and the Pension Authority with all reports and information required by them in a timely manner.

• Organise retirement planning courses for staff and prepare and deliver information sessions to staff in relation to the pension schemes.

General

• Work closely with other members of the HR Department in the overall development of the HR Function.

• Cover for HR staff during absence or leave as required.

• Ensure that all duties are conducted in a professional and confidential manner.

• As part of the HR team, contribute where required to strategic and operational HR projects and initiatives.

• Review human resource policies and procedures and develop new policies.

• Participation in task force groups.

Self Development

• To be aware of current developments and issues in human resources and pensions by reading current literature and keeping abreast of new developments, attending seminars, lectures and courses when possible and as appropriate in consultation with your Line Manager.

• To assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and safe work practice.

• To ensure a safe environment for himself/herself, colleagues and visitors.

Supervision of Staff

• Supervise and ensure the well being of staff within own remit.

• Create and maintain a positive working environment among staff members which contributes to maintaining and enhancing effective working relationships.

• Co ordinate, monitor and review the work of the administrative/support staff.

• Contribute to regular staff meetings to keep staff informed and to hear views.

• Identify and agree training and development needs of team and assist in designing a plan to meet needs.

• Share knowledge with team and provide on the job training as required.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the CE and to contribute to the development of the post while in the role.

Key Competencies:

Team Working/Supervisory Skills

• Demonstrates excellent team working skills.

• Provides clear direction to team members about performance expectations and oversight to ensure timely, quality delivery of service required.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing roles.

• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.

• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

• Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Information Management and Decision Making

• Candidates are required to have well developed information management and decision making skills.

• Make sound appropriate decisions in a confident manner and can justify and stand by them.

Delivery of Results

• Taking responsibility and accountability for the delivery of agreed objectives.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.

• Plans and prioritises the work schedule, ensuring the efficient use of all of the resources available and delivering on objectives even with multiple or conflicting demands.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others.

• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work.

• Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.

• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.

• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.

• Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.

• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

The Office

This is a whole time permanent contract of employment. The normal working week is a 35 hour, five day week basis, excluding breaks.

Attendance will be required during normal ETB office hours and at such other times as are necessary for the delivery of the duties of the post. Attendance outside of normal office hours will be by prior agreement with the relevant Line Manager as will the offsetting of such attendance against normal office hours attendance.

The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an officer of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an officer of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with discharge of his or her duties as a MSLETB Officer.

Probation

The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSL ETB’s Probationary Policy.

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to MSLETB any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Salary Scale is in accordance with Circular Letter 0007/2026 (€52,240 - €62,484).

As per Department of Education guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental Credit may only apply if immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Pay policy. Starting Salary is not subject to negotiation.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for the position of Grade V is 25 days. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a five day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Sick Leave

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and Department of Education sick leave circulars.