Training Standards Officer – QA Officer (Grade VII)

Qualifications/Experience Job Title: Grade VII Training Standards Officer

ESSENTIAL

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 of a 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 Leadership

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Analysis and Decision Making.

• Management & Delivery of Results.

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development.

• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values.

As a key member of the Management Team, the above position will be appointed at Grade VII level with responsibility, under the direction of the manager, to provide relevant and timely advice, information and support to Management, Instructors, Contract Training Officers, Community Development Officers and STB advisers 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 agencies associated with the delivery of FET programmes in MSLETB.

• Liaison and co-operation:

• Chief Executive and FET Management Team

• MSLETB QA Unit

• staff of the Department of Education and Skills

• other Government Departments and Local Authorities and Agencies

• employees Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB

• Staff representatives’ bodies and organisations, inclusive of unions, etc.

• members of the public

• Policy and Legal Framework.

• The post holder will work within the framework of National Legislation, National Agreements and Collective Agreements.

Key Tasks

• Coordinate and project manage Programme Development activity including research, needs analysis and identification/rationale, programme management and governance, structure, access transfer progression and evaluation, to support programme development across FET.

• Identify, in consultation with relevant FET management and staff, new and emerging opportunities for FET programme development, from non-accredited through Level 1 to Level 6 on the NFQ, to maintain and expand the existing portfolio of provision across MSLETB’s FET service.

• Work in consultation with stakeholders, e.g. FET Programme Managers & Teachers/Tutors, Other ETBs, SOLAS, ETBI, Employers, Higher Education, Awarding Bodies etc. for Programme Development activity.

• Support Employer Services, e.g., Apprenticeship - as required, of Employers and Industry Bodies, including building relationships and creating networks.

• Work collaboratively with and take an active role in national initiatives, in association with SOLAS and ETBI, to respond to areas of emerging need, particularly in relation to economic, regional or sectoral change.

• Implement programme evaluation, submission & validation procedures liaising with the appropriate Awarding body, e.g., QQI (QHUB).

• Coordinate programme monitoring and review at FET and Centre level in consultation with relevant staff, undertaking periodic reviews of new and current programmes and courses, using data from outcomes, surveys and feedback, to inform future provision.

• Develop and Implement Projects, Educational Initiatives and Support Services across FET.

• Take an active role in local and national working groups, committees, teams, governance structures and other relevant fora as required.

• Support agreed projects and initiatives for the enhancement of FET Development, Support & Quality across MSLETB.

• Provide direction, support and encouragement to team members in meeting agreed work objectives and work schedules etc.

• Set priorities in accordance with senior management requirements and in line with the FET College(s) strategic priorities and ensure effective delivery of results as required

• Undertake other duties, projects or activities, as may be assigned from time to time in line with MSLETB strategic priorities by our line manager/Director of FET.

• The post holder will contribute to the development, implementation and sustainability of an effective Quality Management System for MSLETB.

• Lead and manage Curricula Development, Programme Development and Programme Validation for MSLETB programmes including the development of new Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

• Play a key role in promoting a continuous improvement QA environment.

• To undertake such other duties, projects or activities as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive/Director of Further Education and Training/Area Training Manager.

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 Leadership

• Supports, develops, leads and manages staff.

• Works as part of a management team, contributing to the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, organisational policies and procedures.

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

Analysis and Decision Making Skills

• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions

• Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these

• Puts forward solutions to address problems

Management and Delivery of Results

• Project Management which involves taking responsibility and accountability for the delivery of agreed objectives

• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time

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

• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers

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 and 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 specific purpose contract until the 13/02/2026. The normal working week is a 35 hours five-day week basis excluding breaks.

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 as per Circular Letter 0052/2025.

The current salary scale for Grade VII Administration Officer is as follows.

Rate from 01/08/2025

€60,010

€61,480

€63,193

€64,913

€66,635

€68,177

€69,745

€71,269

€72,788

€75,395*

€78,014**

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: SALARY: As per DE 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 the Training Standards Officer (Grade VII) is 29 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.

Location/Base

This post will be based in Mayo and the successful candidate will be informed of the specific location/base prior to taking up employment with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any other location or base that is under the control of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, as the need arises. Any change in location or base by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board will not be deemed as redeployment as provided for under the Public Service Agreements

Start Date

MSLETB shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than 6 weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such long period as the MSLETB in its absolute discretion may determine, MSLETB shall not appoint them.

Business Travel

When absent from home and headquarters on duty appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances will be paid subject to the normal Civil Service regulations.

Superannuation Contributions

Persons who become pensionable officers of MSLETB who are liable to pay Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Persons who become pensionable officers of MLETB, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (I.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children)

All person who become pensionable officers of MSLETB are required, in respect of Spouses and Children Contributory Pension Scheme 1986, to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration or net pensionable remuneration, whichever is relevant and in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

Person who become pensionable officers of MSLETB for the first time on or after 1st January 2013 are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children) plus 3% of pensionable pay.