Competition Booklet 11/2018 – Principal Officer ICT

CANDIDATE INFORMATION BOOKLET

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Open Competition for Appointment to the Role of
Principal Officer - ICT Infrastructure & Operations
in the
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

This competition will be run in compliance with the Codes of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on

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Contact: Competitions & Recruitment Section Tel: 0761 064453

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Eir Building

Knockmay Road

Portlaoise

Co. Laois

R32YK81

Candidate Information Booklet

Please Read Carefully

Contents

Section 1: Overview of the Department

Section 2: Job Specification

Section 3: Person Specification

Section 4: Application and Selection Process

Section 5: Eligibility to Compete

Section 6: Principal Conditions of Service

Section 7: Important Information

Section 8: Data Protection Notice

Principal Officer - ICT Infrastructure & Operationsin the

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Section 1: Overview of the Department

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a multi-functional organisation which provides a wide range of services both directly and through specialist state agencies operating under its aegis. The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, taxpayers, consumers, food processers and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bio-energy, research as well as diverse EU institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups. Irish agriculture has developed a global network where we provide safe and high quality food to consumers in at least 175 countries around the world. (DAFM) is at the forefront of these exciting developments as it implements its mission to lead the sustainable development of the agri-food and marine sector and to optimise its contribution to national economic development and the natural environment.

The Information Management and Technology (IMT) Group is responsible for the delivery of all ICT related services to the DAFM and to other Departments on a shared service basis. High quality ICT Services underpin every aspect of the Department’s activities and a high functioning, resilient and secure IT infrastructure is a critical component in the delivery of these services. IMT Group is currently one year into a new strategy that has placed particular emphasis on ensuring that the Department is best positioned to avail of the opportunities that new and emerging technologies offer to the Department and to the Civil Service and the Agri-Food industry as a whole.

Vacancy

The Department seeks to employ aPrincipal Officer - ICT Infrastructure & Operations.The post will be located atDepartment headquarters at Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard will be placed on an Order of Merit from which one appointment will be made. The post will be offered to the candidate ranked first and, if refused, to the remaining candidates in sequence until the post is filled. While it is envisaged that only one appointment will be made from this panel, the panel will remain in place for a period of two years and will be used to fill further vacancies, if any, that may arise during that period.

Section 2: Job Specification

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of the DAFM IMT Infrastructure Division which is one of four Divisions reporting to the Chief Information Officer of the Department. IMT Infrastructure Division consists of a number of multi-disciplinary teams with a mix of internal staff and external contractors. These teams are responsible for the delivery of all aspects of infrastructure including (among other things) desktop hardware and software, mobile devices and phone services, networks, internet security, backend servers and virtual machines, Oracle Database and application services, email, helpdesk and backups.

The appointee will be responsible for the:

  • Management of the Department’s ICT Infrastructure in support of the Government, the Department and the agriculture, food, forestry and fishing sectors, many of which rely on internet access to our ICT systems, 24 hours a day on a 7 days a week basis.
  • Management of the computer operations, technical support, virtualisation environment, operating systems, application server, and database administration functions.
  • Provision and management of mobile and fixed line telephony, circa 220 networked sites, desktop, laptop and tablet device support, email and help desk support in respect of over 4000 users.
  • Delivery of ICT infrastructure shared services to other Departments and Agencies such as the Department of Communications, (DCCAE), the Department of the Taoiseach, Teagasc and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
  • Development of further e-Government ICT shared services in accordance with the Public Service Reform plan, such as infrastructure support for the Financial Shared Services (FSS) Project.
  • Working with the Office of Government CIO (OGCIO) in relation to the delivery of the objectives of current and future Public Sector ICT Strategies.
  • Development of technology strategy and implementation of the infrastructure activities underpinning the DAFM IMT Strategy 2017-2020.
  • Provision of technical support to the application development project teams for existing systems and for major new projects such as CAP and CFP reform implementation.
  • The overall management of the Department's data centre covering many diverse technology platforms and the Department's Wide Area Network, incorporating the Departments' offices and in premises such as meat factories, fishery harbours, import/export locations etc.
  • All aspects of ICT security, the Single Sign-On (SSO) system, network security, cyber-security, contingency planning, disaster recovery incorporating data centre and network and working closely with multiple ICT security and audit bodies.
  • Working with the Department’s Enterprise Architecture Group to ensure that the Department’s Technology Architecture is fit for purpose.
  • Procurement of computer hardware, software and technical support personnel.
  • Contributing to the overall management of the ICT function as a key member of the senior management team.
  • Presenting and reporting to the Management Board and other groups on critical issues affecting the Department.
  • Ensuring that the Department achieves and/or maintains relevant accreditations and certifications.
  • Managing projects and teams for results and delivering technology services to high standards. He/she will ensure that all ICT activities under his/her remit are delivered on time, and on budget, using an appropriate mix of internal and external resources to achieve best value-for-money.
  • Representing the Division at meetings of the Project Boards, Steering Groups and cross organisational committees.
  • Representing the Department at inter-departmental, national or international working groups, meetings or other decision making fora.
  • From time to time, the delivery of non-ICT infrastructure projects.
  • Undertaking Principal level functions as necessary.
  • Performing other duties as directed or required.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive.

Section 3: Person Specification

Essential Educational Qualifications

  • A minimum Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Honours Bachelor Degree level) in Information Communication Technology related disciplines.

or

  • A minimum of 5 years recent relevant ICT experience at an appropriate senior level including the development and delivery of large scale ICT projects AND a suitable 3rd level qualification in a technology related discipline considered relevant to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.

Other Essential Requirements

Candidates for this position must have substantial recent relevant ICT experience at an appropriate senior level as follows:

  • Proven management ability in a large, enterprise level ICT area, keen intelligence and sound judgment.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage a large multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
  • A highly evolved knowledge and understanding of modern large-scale ICT systems.
  • The ability to work on his/her own initiative, as part of a team and as a leader of a group.
  • A high level of resilience and ability to deal with competing demands to tight timeframes.
  • Well-developed knowledge of modern systems architectures, of advances in Information Management and Technology and the development of IMT strategy.
  • A proven record in the identification, development and implementation of appropriate technology solutions to meet urgent and critical business needs.
  • A proven record in the understanding and utilisation of procurement regulations and their implementation, including dealing with a diverse range of suppliers.
  • A proven record in the delivery of large scale projects with responsibility for those projects from beginning to end
  • Evidence of experience in the area of strategic thinking and leadership.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • A proven track record of delivery of results.
  • Proven strategic, leadership, management and organisation skills.
  • The ability to rapidly assimilate information and make decisions as required.
  • Otherwise possess the requisite knowledge, ability and disposition to perform the duties of the position.

In addition, candidates must already have or have the ability to quickly acquire, the necessary knowledge/competency to:

  • Manage the Department’s own large data centre covering diverse technology platforms that it currently operates
  • Manage a large Wide Area Network.
  • Manage all aspects of computer security and cyber security, including working with the ISO27001 Business Team to maintain ISO 270001:information security standard certification
  • Quickly and effectively acquire a deep understanding of the policies and dynamics of the sectors concerned and be immediately effective in the post.
  • Become familiar and effective with regard to organisational structures and with regard to the European and international environments in which the Department operates.

Competencies

Applicants should have all the attributes required of a Principal Officer in ICT Infrastructure and Operations and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to-date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of a Principal Officer working in ICT Infrastructure and Operations as identified in the following competency framework.

  1. Leadership & Strategic Direction
  • Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems and facilitating high performance
  • Contributes to the shaping of the organisation’s strategy and policy
  • Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation
  • Develops a culture of learning and development, offering coaching and constructive/supportive feedback
  • Leads on preparing for and implementing significant change and reform
  • Anticipates and responds quickly to developments in the sector/broader environment
  • Actively collaborates with other organisations and agencies.
  1. Judgement & Decision Making
  • Identifies and focuses on core issues when dealing with complex information/situations
  • Sees the relationships between issues and quickly grasp the high level and socio-political implications
  • Identifies coherent solutions to complex issues
  • Takes action, making decisions in a timely manner and having the courage to see them through
  • Makes sound and well informed decisions, understanding their impact and implications
  • Strives to effectively balance the sectoral issues, political elements and the citizen impact in all directions.
  1. Management & Delivery of Results
  • Initiates and takes personal responsibility for delivering results/services in own area
  • Balances strategy and operational detail to meet business needs
  • Manages multiple agendas and tasks and reallocates resources to manage changes in focus
  • Makes optimum use of resources and implements performance measures to deliver on objectives
  • Ensures the optimal use of ICT and new delivery models
  • Critically reviews projects and activities to ensure their effectiveness and that they meet requirements
  • Instils the importance of efficiencies, value for money and meeting corporate governance requirements
  • Ensures team are focused and act on business plan priorities, even when faced with pressure.
  1. Building Relationships & Communication
  • Speaks and writes in a clear, articulate and impactful manner
  • Actively listens, seeking to understand the perspective and position of others
  • Works effectively within the political process, recognising and managing the tensions arising from different stakeholders perspectives
  • Proactively engages with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and builds strong professional networks
  • Makes opinions known when s/he feels it is right to do so.
  1. Drive and Commitment
  • Consistently strives to perform at a high level
  • Demonstrates personal commitment to the role, maintaining determination and persistence
  • Is personally trustworthy and honest, delivering on promises and commitments
  • Ensures the customer is at the heart of all services provided
  • Is resilient, maintaining composure even in adverse or challenging situations
  • Promotes a culture that fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
  1. Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
  • Develops and maintains skills and expertise across a number of areas that are relevant to his/her field and is recognised by colleagues as an expert in those areas
  • Keeps up-to-date with key ICT industry, business sectoral, national and international policies and economic, political and social trends that affect the role
  • Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth.

Candidates should note thatadmission tothe competition does not imply that they meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore candidates should satisfy themselves that they meet the eligibility criteria for this competition.

Section 4: Application and Selection Process

How to Apply

Application forms may be downloaded from:

  • All sections of the form must be fully completed.
  • One hard copy of your application form must be submitted.

Closing Date

Your application must be submitted no later than 4pm on Wednesday 18th July 2018 to;

Competitions & Recruitment Section

PO ICT Infrastructure & Operations

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Eir Building

Old Knockmay Road

Portlaoise

Co Laois

R32YK81

Applications will not be accepted after this date.

Selection Process

The methods used to select candidates for this post may include some or all of the following:

  • completion of online Assessment Questionnaire(s)
  • online and/or paper-based assessment test(s)
  • shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application
  • a competitive preliminary interview
  • presentation or other exercises
  • a final competitive interview which may include a presentation and/or additional assessment exercise(s)
  • any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate

Communication

Candidates should note that all communications relating to this competition from Competitions & Recruitment Section, including the provision of results, will issue by way of email only. Candidates should ensure that a valid email address is provided on the application form and should check that email address on a regular basis.

Candidates should make themselves available on the date(s) specified by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and ensure that the contact details specified on the application form are correct.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.

NOTE: Candidates should note that where a short listing exercise based on the information supplied in the application form is applied, a board will examine application forms and assess them against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position as outlined in this booklet. It is therefore in candidates’ interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of their experiences relevant to this post in the application form.

Candidates must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all relevant qualifications and experience claimed by them, if required.

Section 5: Eligibility to Compete

Eligibility to compete and certain restrictions on eligibility

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA by the date of any job offer.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the Public Service by any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility)

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are not eligible to apply for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010):

The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010 introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER scheme that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for re-employment in the public health sector or in the wider Public Service or in a body wholly or mainly funded from public moneys. The same prohibition on re-employment applies under the VRS, except that the prohibition is for a period of 7 years. People who availed of the VER scheme are not eligible to compete in this competition. People who availed of the VRS scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility).