Staff Officer

The Position

Meath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed-term vacancies for the position of Staff Officer (Grade 5) will be filled.

The Role

The Staff Officer is a front-line supervisory role within the Council. The postholder will manage and supervise staff, meet deadlines, and prepare reports. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required. The Staff Officer will report to the Senior Staff Officer/Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Chief Executive.

Meath County Council will form a panel following interviews. Fifty percent of posts will be confined to sector employees, 30% will be open recruitment, and 20% will be confined to Meath County Council employees. The sector includes all Local Authorities and Regional Assemblies.

Purpose, Duties, and Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise a work area or section, including a team.

• Support the line manager to implement work programmes and operational plans.

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships.

• Provide information and assistance on their area of work.

• Compile, prepare, and present reports, presentations, and correspondence; represent the section at meetings.

• Support the delivery of projects as required.

• Manage day-to-day resources within the section or team.

• Identify service delivery improvements.

• Implement change management initiatives.

• Supervise supporting employees, assign tasks, schedule and prioritise work, and monitor progress.

• Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring compliance with Council policies.

• Participate in corporate activities appropriate to the grade.

• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, policies, procedures, and safe systems of work.

• Deputise for the line manager as required.

• Undertake other duties of a similar level and responsibility as assigned.

Qualifications for the Post

Character: Must be of good character.

Health: Must be in a state of health to perform regular and efficient service.

Education and Experience: Candidates must have:

Confined Competition Panel A & C:

• Must be a serving employee of a local authority or regional assembly with at least two years’ satisfactory experience in a Clerical Officer or analogous post.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of local government structure, functions, and current issues.

• Understanding of the Staff Officer role.

• Relevant administrative and supervisory experience.

• Experience working in a team, preparing reports, and correspondence.

• Strong resource management and ICT skills.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Salary: €52,239 - €62,484 per annum. Increment payment is dependent on satisfactory performance; entry point determined by Department Circulars.

Hours of Work: Normal hours 35 per week. Duties may require evening, weekend, or training work as part of normal hours, subject to the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Timesheets may be required under the 2001 regulations.

Start Date: Appointment is expected within two months of offer; Council reserves the right to withdraw offers if not accepted in this period.

Leave: 30 days per annum.

Sick Leave: Public Service Sick Pay Scheme applies.

Probation: Nine months (extendable at the Chief Executive’s discretion); service must be certified satisfactory to retain post.

Travel:

• Desirable to hold a full class B driving licence.

• A car must be provided and maintained to meet the duties.

• Travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed per relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority policies.

• Must notify the Council immediately of licence revocation or endorsements affecting duties.