Higher Executive Officer (HEO) - Permanent

JOB DESCRIPTION

Higher Executive Officer (HEO) - Permanent

National Disability Authority

The National Disability Authority is the independent statutory body that advises and informs the Government and public sector on disability matters; assists in the co-ordination of disability policy and promotes excellence in universal design to benefit the wider population.

The National Disability Authority’s statutory functions include:

·  To act as a central national body to assist the Minister in the co-ordination and development of disability policy

·  To undertake, commission or collaborate in research projects and activities and to assist in the development of statistical information for the planning, delivery and monitoring of disability programmes and services

·  To advise the Minister on standards for disability programmes and services, to prepare codes of practice and to monitor the implementation of standards and codes in this regard

·  To promote, through the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design, the principles of universal design in relation to products, services, Information Communications Technology, and the built environment.

Further information is available on the NDA’s website at http://www.nda.ie

Job Description

The officer will have duties to support the Director in addition to undertaking and managing projects and relevant work to support the Corporate Services Department within the NDA.

The officer will be required to support the Director and Senior Management Group, including co-ordinating and producing a range of reports, manage diary, engagements and briefings and to ensure effective records systems. The officer will have responsibility for projects to support achievement of effective corporate governance compliance by the NDA and achievement of quality standards across a range of areas, as well as support effective facilities management working closely with the Corporate Services Manager.

There is an important communications element to this role and the officer post holder will be required to engage and communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including staff, the Chairperson and external stakeholders, e.g. Officials from government departments and public bodies, private sector bodies, disability organisations and others. As a staff member, the holder of the post will be expected to actively contribute to and participate in the overall development of the NDA and to promote its policies at all times.

The person appointed will be part of the NDA’s Corporate Services Department but will report to the Director in the first instance. The officer may be redeployed to another role at HEO level within the organisation, as needs arise. The position is full-time.

Officer Duties and Responsibilities

The core duties and responsibilities will include the following:

·  To support the Director, by managing diary and providing practical support for meetings including briefing material, reports for the Director etc and dealing with correspondence as required.

·  To provide support for meetings of the Senior Management Group, including actively preparing and presenting reports such as those for the Dept of Justice and Equality and Authority.

·  To support the NDA Chairperson with regard to queries for his/her attention, information, briefing, correspondence and other matters as appropriate, including the Chairperson’s meetings with the Minister and other stakeholders.

·  To develop and ensure effective corporate databases and systems to comply with relevant standards including associated documentation, such as project management and file systems.

·  To support the Corporate Services Manager in all aspects of governance by undertaking work and managing projects to assist organisational compliance with governance requirements, for example the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies. To carry out analysis, development, and updating of policy documents and guidance as required. This may include managing and working on projects with other staff.

·  To communicate with staff on governance and other related requirements and ensure staff are fully briefed and aware of their responsibilities in this regard and promoting a culture of compliance.

·  To oversee and monitor facilities management within the organisation and ensure the effective delivery of the contracted services and corresponding maintenance schedules, including identifying cost savings and opportunities for efficiencies.

·  To lead in the coordination and production of the NDA Annual Report

·  To manage staff, if so required.

·  To carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The Person

The following are considered essential to fulfil the role of Higher Executive Officer:

·  Recognised further/higher education qualification

·  A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience

·  An aptitude for precision, attention to detail and commitment to quality results

·  Excellent interpersonal skills including experience of interacting effectively with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies

·  Drive, initiative and flexibility

·  Good judgement, decision-making, analysis and problem-solving skills

·  Excellent written and oral communication skills

·  Can demonstrate effective project management and ability to work on multiple projects at the same time and to adapt to changing priorities and adaptable to change

·  Evidence of an ability to work on own initiative complemented by a capacity to work well in teams

·  Exceptional planning and organisational skills with ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively

·  A high degree of computer literacy, including knowledge and experience in the use of Microsoft Word.

The following criteria are considered highly desirable for the post:

·  Knowledge and understanding of governance requirements

Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this Job Description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required.

In applying for the post applicants must clearly demonstrate how they fulfil these criteria. Failure to do so may result in failure to be shortlisted for interview.

Team leadership – works with team to facilitate high performance, is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision Making – gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors. Takes account of any broad issues and related implications to inform work. Makes sound decisions and puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results – takes responsibility and is accountable for delivery of agreed objectives and projects. Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. Structures and organises their own work effectively; responsive to business needs. Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality outputs.

Interpersonal and communication skills – Presents information, both written and oral, clearly, concisely, understanding audience. Works well with colleagues to assist in performing role; projects commitment, adheres to NDA values.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development – Has high level of expertise in research as required for the role. Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the organisation goals and plan. Committed to improving performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values – strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives; demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.

Starting Salary:

The HEO scale commences at €47,081. The minimum point on the scale is the normal starting pay on appointment to the public service.

The salary for this position, with effect from 1 April 2017 for established officers appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits for General Service Grades:

€47,081, €48,458, €49,831, €51,204, €52,581, €53,955, €55,329, €57,314¹, €59,294²

This rate will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.

Where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995, and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution, the following scale will apply:

€44,816 – €46,125 – €47,426 – €48,730 – €50,035 – €51,347 – €52,653 – €54,532¹ – €56,415²

1= after three years satisfactory service at the maximum.
2= after six years satisfactory service at the maximum.