SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others. SOLAS holds responsibility for setting the strategic direction for the FET Sector via a five-year strategy that sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Further Education and Training (FET). The last FET Strategy ( FutureFET: Transforming Learning) concluded at the end of 2024 and the next FET Strategy 2025-2029 will be published shortly. This new FET Strategy will look to build upon the successes of the previous FET Strategy with a focus on skills delivery, sustainability, digital transformation and community values as well as consistent support for learners. The new strategy will also focus on supporting enterprise and on providing an excellent experience for learners. It will deliver cutting-edge and innovative skills as well as developing a FET system that is flexible and, in a position, to respond to changing needs. SOLAS wishes to recruit four Assistant Managers (temporary, 3 years) to oversee and implement this new transformational agenda for FET. The roles are with the SOLAS TPMO which is responsible for implementing and providing the overarching governance framework for the implementation of the strategy as well as a leading role in the implementation of specific cross-sectoral projects. The Assistant Managers will be key to the management of the TPMO and the delivery of the FET Strategy. Reporting to the TPMO Manager, the Assistant Manager(s) will have a coordinating, oversight and account management role in strategic priority areas in the new strategy and maintaining an overall view of all projects. Working with project sponsors, project leads, advisory groups and working groups associated with individual strategic priority areas, the focus of the roles will be to drive implementation of activities and actions specified in the Strategy, as well as reporting on progress and outcomes throughout the lifetime of the Strategy. Key responsibilities Managing, coordinating and overseeing FET Strategy implementation under each of the strategic priorities outlined in the new FET Strategy. Managing and reporting on individual transformational projects arising from both the previous FET Strategy and the new FET Strategy. Providing leadership on FET Strategy implementation and leading on individual transformational projects. Creating change management plans for projects or change initiatives to include - analysis, planning, implementation, communication and other associated change considerations. Developing project charters, objectives, workplans for projects in accordance with SOLAS project management handbook. Developing the governance framework for the implementation of strategy projects and tracking progress. Managing the strategic priorities of the TPMO including the embedding of project management approaches to strategy implementation. The project managers will work collaboratively with FET providers and other SOLAS Business Units to deliver on: Providing input and advice to other SOLAS Business Units on embedding a project management approach in SOLAS. Developing positive working relationships with key external stakeholders to support delivery of FET strategy objectives. Exploring new and innovative ways of communicating progress of the priorities and associated objectives to internal SOLAS staff. Leading out on and participating in the overall objectives of the TPMO. Assessing and providing analysis of documentation, reports, and correspondence with key stakeholders. Coordinating meetings, events and other stakeholder and promotional activities. Developing and implementing mechanisms to monitor impact and progress in key areas of responsibility. Carrying out any other duties deemed appropriate for the position by the Manager/Director. Essential Requirements At least 3 years experience in a similar role in the Further Education and Training Sector. Demonstrated experience of working and leading in the area of project management coupled with proven experience of developing and implementing new programmes or initiatives. Knowledge of project management and use of project management tools. The ability to summarise results and present them to internal and external stakeholders. Proven track record on attention to detail and accuracy in analysis and reporting. Strong verbal and written communication including ability to present information clearly, concisely, and confidently when speaking, and excellent report writing skills. Strong team player, who supports and collaborates with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Ability to work well under pressure on multiple tasks and to achieve deadlines. Proven ability to work on own initiative and to take responsibility for assigned tasks. Experience leading self and others to achieve personal and organisational success. Ability to prioritise and delegate work to ensure timelines are met whilst ensuring quality is achieved. Proven experience in liaising with stakeholders at a senior level. Proven experience of dealing with multiple demands and competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines is essential. Proven experience of working with external stakeholders. An understanding of the work of Cedefop and the European Vocational Education and Training landscape. Excellent IT skills. Experience of working with tools that support project management is desirable. A relevant Further Education and Training or third level qualification in project management or similar is desirable. These 4 posts are temporary (3 year) positions for which the salary scale ranges from €72,970 to €92,343 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service. SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number569by 12pm, Monday 23 June 2025. Please complete the application form as specified. SOLAS will not accept CVs. A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives TravelPass Scheme