Overview
The Administrative Officer is a middle management position within Sligo County Council and is responsible for the administration and management of one or more sections or departments handling specific areas of the Council's activities, including the management of staff. The Administrative Officer contributes to and implements the strategic and policy decisions of the Council, through ensuring the implementation of operational plans. The post holder will work closely with senior managers and elected representatives in delivering services to the highest standard and to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and policies. The Administrative Officer is the primary point of contact and liaison with other departments or directorates in relation to all operational matters for the service delivery section or sections for which they are responsible. The Administrative Officer is expected to carry out duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.
Employment Benefits
Salary and benefits are as per Council terms. Benefits may include: 30 days annual leave (pro rata), flexi-time (accruing one day in a four week period), Blended Working (up to two days per week subject to departmental requirements), family friendly policies, Cycle to Work Scheme, paid maternity & paternity leave, pension scheme, and access to services under the Council’s Employee Assistance Programme.
Qualifications and Eligibility
1. Character Each candidate shall be of good character.
2. Health Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
3. Citizenship Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom (UK) or Switzerland (or have certain eligible circumstances with stamp 4 visas) or be a dependent family member as defined in the Act. See original text for full details.
4. Education and Experience On the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
* Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass) in five subjects from the approved Leaving Certificate list, including Irish and/or English and one of Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics, and have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level papers in three subjects; or
* Hold a comparable standard in an equivalent examination; or
* Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard; and
* Have satisfactory administrative experience, including practical experience in executive work, office organisation and staff control.
5. Confined Competition (a) Be a serving employee in a local authority or regional assembly with at least two years in a Clerical Officer or analogous post, and (b) have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures as above.
Desirable Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
* Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government.
* Knowledge of current local government issues, priorities and concerns and the strategic direction of local government.
* Understanding of the role of an Administrative Officer.
* Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level.
* Experience of managing and supervising staff, including performance management.
* Experience in compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, and correspondence.
* Effective budget, financial and resource management skills.
* Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.
Car & Driving Licence
It may be necessary for the person employed to travel in the course of their official duties. On the latest date for receipt of application forms, applicants must hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a car in the course of duties.
Competencies
The Local Authority competencies for this post include:
* Management and Change: Think and act strategically; develop and maintain productive relationships; manage change effectively.
* Delivering Results: Develop operational plans, plan and prioritise work, establish service standards, make timely decisions.
* Leading and Motivating and Managing Performance: Lead, motivate and engage employees; manage performance.
* Communicating Effectively: Effective verbal and written communication.
* Personal Effectiveness: Take initiative, manage time and workload, maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
The Post
The post is Administrative Officer (Grade VII). It is a pensionable whole-time position on a 35-hour week. Vacancies will be filled from panels formed for this competition as per local procedures.
Duties
The duties include the following, under the general direction of the Chief Executive or their nominee:
* Manage and administer one or more sections or departments, including staff management and workload planning.
* Contribute to and implement Council strategy and policies by ensuring work programmes are delivered to meet corporate and operational plans.
* Develop and maintain productive relationships with external agencies, elected representatives and stakeholders; provide information and assistance as required.
* Communicate and liaise with employees, managers, customers and other stakeholders on operational matters.
* Research, analyse and communicate information on issues and policies; prepare and present reports, presentations and correspondence.
* Represent the local authority on committees and report progress as required.
* Provide support for project delivery and assist in financial management of capital and operating expenditure; prepare budgets and maximise funding opportunities where appropriate.
* Identify opportunities for service improvements, value for money, and efficiency; use performance indicators to communicate and manage change; supervise staff and training requirements as needed.
* Ensure compliance with Council policies, governance standards, and statutory requirements; assist in interpreting policies to staff and stakeholders.
* Participate in corporate management activities as appropriate and maintain Health and Safety compliance.
* Deputise for the line manager as required and undertake other duties of a similar level as assigned.
Salary
The current salary scale is published by the Council and may be amended; salary bands are as follows: €58,252 – €70,656 and higher levels; new entrants start at the minimum of the scale. Salaries are set in accordance with relevant Circulars.
Superannuation
Details of PRSI contributions and superannuation schemes are as described by the Local Authority and applicable legislation (including Local Government Superannuation and Single Public Service Pension Scheme).
Probation
There shall be a probationary period of six months, which may be extended at the Chief Executive’s discretion. A successful probation results in continued employment; otherwise, the appointment may be terminated.
Retirement
For new entrants under the Public Service Superannuation Act provisions, retirement age may be 70; otherwise no compulsory retirement age applies for new entrants. Conditions depend on the applicable pension scheme.
Residence
The holder shall reside in the district where duties are performed or within reasonable distance thereof.
Method of Selection
Selection shall be by competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of Sligo County Council. Interviews will be in person. Panels will be formed from the most successful candidates. The life of the panels is typically one year. Short-listing criteria may include education, experience, competencies, attention to detail, and other relevant criteria. Short-listed candidates may be called for a final competitive interview.
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