NWRA GIS Project Manager (Grade VII) Comp Guidelines Mar 2018

The Square

Ballaghaderreen

Co Roscommon

Ph: 094 9862970

Fax: 094 9862973

Email:

Web:

OpenCompetition for Appointment to the Position of
GIS Project Manager(Grade VII)
Fixed Term Contract – 3 Years
Competition Guidelines

GIS Project ManagerGrade (VII)

Fixed Term Contract – 3 Years

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

The Northern & Western Regional Assembly was established on 1st January 2015. The Regional Assembly is responsible for co-ordinating, promoting and supporting strategic planning and sustainable development of the region. This includes making, implementing and monitoring progress on a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the region. It also has responsibility for the provision of statutory observations on Local Authority Development Plans, Local Economic and Community Plans and for promoting regional policy in Ireland.Additionally, the Regional Assembly manages the Regional Operational Programmes as well as monitoring and making proposals in relation to the general impact in their region of all EU programmes of assistance from the EU.

The Regional Assembly now wishes to recruit for the position of GIS Project Manager (Grade VII) on a fixed termcontract of three yearsand to form a panel from whichfuture vacancies will be filled.

Recruitment Procedure

Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly. A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Regional Assembly that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. The life of the panel will not be more than one year from the date of creation of the panel.

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies. While you may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition and you may indeed exceed same, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, it may be decided that a number only will be called to interview. In this respect, there will be a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates who are, prima facie, better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. Criteria to be used for short listing purposes will be based on the competition guidelines and the information supplied on the application forms. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend for interview, is not to be taken as implying that such person fulfils the requirements of the position or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration.It is important therefore for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview – see attached Duties, Qualifications & Particulars of Office.

The Regional Assembly shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month. If he or she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Regional Assembly in its absolute discretion may determine, the Regional Assembly shall not appoint the person.

Making an Application

ApplicationsApplications must be made on the official application form and posted/delivered (original and three copies) to Director, Northern & Western Regional Assembly, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. When completing the application form accuracy is essential as you may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied. Any inaccuracy in completing the form may result in rejection. Therefore, it is in your own interest to ensure that the information supplied in your application is complete and correct.

Closing DateApplications must be delivered, orposted in sufficient time to ensure delivery not later than 4.00pm Thursday 29th March 2018. An acknowledgement will issue to applicants by email. Allegations of loss or delay will not be considered unless supported by a Certificate of Posting. The cost of postage must be borne by the applicant. Change of address must be notified to us immediately in writing.

EqualityThe Northern & Western Regional Assembly is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.

ConfidentialitySubject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, applications will be treated in strict confidence.

CanvassingAny attempt, direct or indirect, by a candidate to influence the selection process will automatically disqualify the candidate. Do not send a reference without it being requested or induce anyone to make representations on your behalf. If you do, you run the risk of being disqualified.

General The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available for interviews on the date(s) specified and to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure that they receive communications sent to them at the address specified on their application form. Candidates are responsible for all expenses incurred by them in connection with this competition.

You will be told of the result of the competition as soon as practicable.

Deeming ofCandidates who:

Candidature to

be withdrawn

a)Do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as is required in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature;

b)Do not attend the interview(s) at the time(s) and place(s) appointed;

c)Do not attend for the medical examination as directed; or

d)When offered appointment, do not accept appointment and take up duty as arranged shall, unless the Regional Assembly in its absolute discretion decides otherwise, be deemed to have withdrawn their candidature.

Duties & qualifications

Job Summary

The GIS Project Manager’s primary role isthe delivery of a project, funded as part of the EU Atlantic Area InterRegProgramme2014-2020, which has the NWRA as one of eight partner Bodies, and undertake any other duties as required in line with corporate objectives of the Assembly. The objective of the Project (Maritime, Ocean Sector and Ecosystem Sustainability - MOSES) is to examine the ‘blue’ growth path for the sustainable development of the major sectors operating in the Atlantic space as envisaged in the Atlantic Action Plan, building on the expertise gained in the parent EU INTERREG Atlantic IV project MARNET.

The successful candidate shall take responsibility for the delivery of the Project work packages that are the responsibility of the NWRA, such as mapping the growth of key marine sectors using specialist GIS expertise and to take responsibility for any project related GIS requirements of others across the relevant work packages.

The GIS Project Manager is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

Duties

Reporting to the Director or Assistant Director, the principal duties of the GIS Project Manager within the Regional Assembly will be:

  • Create and maintain a suitable GIS in support of the Moses Project.
  • Develop and manage a spatial data infrastructure incorporating data that represent relevant physical, ecological, socio-economic, demographic, and institutional information to enable quantification of scale-relevant pressures within and between marine and coastal sectors. Ability to integrate with other modelling and database support packages (e.g. R, Python) is key.
  • Implementation of GIS applications and processes for sourcing and collation of spatial data from partner bodies and a variety of other third party data sources using open standards.
  • GIS data collection, conversion/editing, integration, storage, updating, quality assurance and management.
  • Ensure that asset databases in the GIS system are maintained and are fit for purpose.
  • Coordinate GIS activities between NWRA, partners and stakeholders.
  • Updating and further developing the existing Marnet Programme through provision of data to it and consuming data from it into MOSES GIS.
  • Carry out assessment of the sectors of Blue Growth, and activity achieved, across the Atlantic Area Region.
  • Creation of map services complying with ISO, OGC and Inspire standards: data cataloguing and discovery, data visualization, downloading, filtering and extraction to be available through web services (WMS, WFS and WPS protocols).
  • Map Generation using MapInfo, Arc GIS, Auto CAD and AutoCAD Map.
  • Create and present GIS based data reports and mapping.
  • Use of GIS editors such as Mapinfo, Sus25, Autocad, An Post GeoDirectory.
  • Ability to consume and work with data from the above packages alongside the GeoDirectory and a Leaks Database.
  • Present project updates to Project Partners and other stakeholders in a clear, concise, comprehensive and convincing manner.
  • Ensure project needs are aligned with best practice in data management.
  • Support NWRA staff with analytic and management of GIS systems implementation.

In the context of the principle duties and responsibilities for the post of GIS Project Manager listed above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies:

Qualifications

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms have:

  • A Third Level Qualification in Computer Science, or a GIS related field (Up to a minimum of Level 7 under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Essential Requirements

  • Have acquired at least 5 years satisfactory experience in GIS and GIS Implementation and Development
  • Possess database design and management experience
  • Be the holder of a full driving licence and have the use of a car

Desirable Requirements

  • GIS System design and implementation experience
  • Spatial database design and management experience
  • GIS Project Management experience
  • Experience in the use of MapInfo
  • Experience in the use of AutoCAD Map
  • Experience in the use of ArcGIS
  • Experience in the use of FME
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to communicate theresults of technical analysis to non specialists
  • Possess exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Have ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team
  • Have experience of public policy analysis and knowledge of the local government structures and processes in planning and economic development
  • Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of Regional Assemblies

Core Competencies

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following core competencies:

Data Management

  • Relevant and successful track record in the design and development of GIS systems
  • Knowledge of spatial data infrastructures
  • Proven expertise in GIS Project Management
  • A track record of collating, analysing and designing appropriate databases
  • A proven track record in reporting results

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • Communicate in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team appreciating views and contributions of other team members
  • Effectively influence others to take action
  • Ability to consult, collaborate & build relationships with key stakeholders

Management andDelivery of Results

  • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives
  • Plans and manages resources and organises their own work effectively in addition to planning and organising resources in order to meet objectives within agreed time-scales
  • Successfully manages a range of different work activities at the same time
  • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available
  • Provides clear information and evidence as to what is required
  • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives

Analysis and Decision Making

  • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors
  • Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions
  • Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions
  • Makes sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale
  • Puts forward solutions to address problems

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1.Appointment

The GIS Project Manager post is fixed term contract of three years. The Regional Assembly shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Regional Assembly in its absolute discretion may determine, the Regional Assembly shall not appoint him/her.

2. Reporting Relationship

The GIS Project Manager will report to the Director or Assistant Directors and/or any other employee of the Regional Assembly as instructed by the Director.

3.Superannuation

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Regional Assembly, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to 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 the State Pension Contributory).

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

Widows and Orphans/Spouses and Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Regional Assembly are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986 to contribute to the Regional Assembly at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

New Entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme ‘A’ Officers/Non-Officers

For new entrants recruited on or after 1st January 2013 as well as former public servant returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pension (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution.

Retirement Age

New Entrants to the Public Service on or after 1st January 2013 have a compulsory retirement age of 70 years under the provisions of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions Act 2012).

New entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 do not have a mandatory retirement age.

Any candidate who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 66 years.

4. Salary

Salary is analogous to that of Administrative Officer (Grade VII) in the Local Authority Service currently €48,493 to a maximum of €63,042(inclusive of long service increments) and will attract increments, subject to annual review based on performance.Holders of the office shall pay to the Regional Assembly any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their offices or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

5. Travel

The successful candidate will be required to travel both throughout and outside the Northern and Western Region and may be required to undertake international travel from time to time.

6. Place of Work

Headquarters for the successful candidate will be Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, but consideration will be given to alternative regional locations should the arrangement suit the NWRA. Any offer of alternative arrangement is at the sole discretion of the NWRA management in consultation with successful candidate. In addition, travel will be required regionally, nationally and possibly internationally.

7. Probation/Performance Review

There shall be a period after appointment during which the appointee will hold the position on probation. The period of probation will be prescribed by the Director. Employment may be terminated during the probationary period should service be deemed by the Director to be unsatisfactory. Employment may be terminated at the end of the probationary period unless the Director has certified that the employee had satisfactory service. Tenure of employment following probation will be subject to satisfactory service.

8. Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum exclusive of public and bank holidays.

9. Working Hours

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 37 hours per week. The Regional Assembly reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

10. Travel & Subsistence

Travel and subsistence costs arising in the course of official duties will be payable at Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government rates.

11. Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Regional Assembly. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

12. Garda Vetting

Successful candidates will be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures.

13. Removal Expenses

Removal Expenses will not be payable to the successful applicant.

End