Job Function This is a pivotal role in the development, management and delivery of Institutes successful professional development portfolio.
This portfolio includes role and grade development programmes in the civil service and local authority, management development, leadership and related courses.
Through their leadership, the appointee will be responsible for ensuring that the existing and future portfolio of professional development services contributes to enhancing relevant capabilities and capacity of the public service in Ireland.
The Senior Specialist will be responsible for leading and managing a team and associate specialist resources to design and deliver professional development courses, advisory and related services on behalf of the Institutes clients.
Ongoing scoping, design, promotion and review of appropriate role-, grade-, organisation- and sector-relevant courses and services will be critical to ensure this portfolio continues to successfully meet the needs of the public service.
The post-holder will collaborate with other Specialists across Professional Development and equally across the wider IPA to ensure a quality, holistic, relevant and responsive portfolio of services are available for clients.
The role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution, operating to the highest levels of governance and accountability The role You will be responsible for: Designing and delivering high-quality professional development programmes, including training, seminars, conferences and leadership forums, with end-to-end responsibility for content and delivery.
Leading curriculum development for accredited and non-accredited management and leadership programmes, engaging clients and stakeholders to ensure relevance and best practice.
Maintaining and enhancing quality standards by reviewing programme evaluations and feedback and embedding continuous improvement across the portfolio.
Researching and integrating best practice in leadership and management development, building and maintaining professional networks.
Providing advisory and consultancy services to the public service in leadership and management development.
Strategically planning and implementing a multi-year management and leadership development portfolio aligned with organisational objectives.
Driving delivery of strategic initiatives, setting clear objectives, monitoring progress, and taking proactive action to address risks or delivery challenges.
Leading and managing staff and contracted associates, including performance management, resource planning, and fostering a positive, values-driven team culture.
Managing resources and finances, including budgeting, capacity planning, income/expenditure monitoring, and financial risk management.
Developing business and secure new work through proposals, tendering, marketing activities, and delivery of income targets.
Building and managing client and stakeholder relationships, identifying needs and co-developing learning, development and advisory solutions.
Contributing to organisational leadership and thought leadership, through collaboration, publications, speaking engagements, cross-Institute initiatives, and deputising for senior leadership as required.
Essential Criteria Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline (essential).
Postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in management, leadership, learning and development, public administration/policy, social sciences or a related field (essential).
Minimum of seven years experience at managerial or professional level (essential).
Experience of management of teams in a professional setting (essential).
Minimum of seven years experience of professional development/training, or learning and development, or education (essential).
Experience in course/curriculum development and delivery (essential).
Evidence of managing projects in a complex multi stakeholder environment (essential).
Experience of working in or with a public service system (essential).
Business development experience including revenue generation (essential).
Desirable Criteria An understanding of the role and objectives of the Institute and the business environment within which it operates.
Demonstrated knowledge of the latest trends in professional development within the Irish public service in general.
In-depth understanding of public service operations and challenges in Ireland.
Working knowledge of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights duty.
Proficient in use of Microsoft suite, virtual delivery and e-learning technologies.
How to Apply Completed application forms must be uploaded via the Conscia Talent website no later than 1pm (Irish time) on Monday 16th February ****.
Applications will not be accepted by any other method, nor if received after the closing date.
CV's will not be considered.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Conscia Talent.
Skills: Training & Development Relationship Management organisation