Legal Aid Board

Competition for Appointment of Grade 1 Solicitor in the Legal Aid Board with specific responsibility for managing the Board’s International Protection Services provided out of Smithfield Law Centre

  1. Position Available

Applications are invited for the position of Grade 1 Solicitor in the Legal Aid Board (“the Board”).

  1. The Legal Aid Board

The Board is an independent, publicly funded organisationwith a statutory responsibility to provide civil legal aid and advice and family mediation services.In addition the Board manages a number of ad hoc criminal legal aid schemes and it is anticipated that there will shortly be legislation to transfer responsibility for the management and administration of the main criminal legal scheme to the Board.
The statutory Board consists of achairperson and twelve other members who are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality and have a five-year term of office.The Board has a Chief Executive and a full time equivalent staff of over 400 located in 50 offices throughout the country.

The Board’s statutory responsibilities are set out in the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995(as amended) and the Regulations made thereunder.

  1. The position – Grade I Managing Solicitor with specific responsibility for the provision of legal services in the area of international protection in the Board’s Law Centre in Smithfield, Dublin 7

Reporting to the Director of Legal Aid, It will be the responsibility of the person appointed to this position to manage and provide leadership in the area of the Board’s international protection services and specifically in the delivery of those services out of the Board’s Law Centre in Smithfield. This will involve, among other things:

-the management of staff including a team of solicitors;

-managing the availability of early legal advice to the Board’s international protection clients;

-managing outputs and performance expectations for staff working in the area;

-deploying available resources to optimise service delivery;

-ensuring appropriate quality assurance mechanisms are in place, particularly in relation to internal service delivery;

-contributing to the oversight of delivery of legal services in the international protection area through the use of private solicitors;

-acting as part of a team in Smithfield Law Centre including working with other Managing Solicitors / Managers;

-building relationships with other stakeholders both internal and external, including other law centres providing services in the area of international protection, the International Protection Office and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal;

-taking a leadership role in relation to the provision of services and the development of the Board’s policies in the area of international protection;

-the strategic development of international protection services;

It is important to note that it is the Board’s wish that staff working in the area of International Protection get experience in other areas of the Board’s legal work and that while there will be a significant focus on managing the provision of legal services in the International Protection area, the role may also involve the management and oversight of staff involved in the delivery of legal services in other areas of law.

Furthermore the successful candidate will be required to perform any other duties assigned to him/her from time to time by the Director of Legal Aid or the Chief Executive, as appropriate to the position. In this regard it is important to note that it is the Board’s preference that managers get broad experience and the Board reserves the right to transfer the successful candidate to any other position commensurate with the Grade.

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  1. Location

The successful candidate will be basedin the Board’s office in Smithfield, Dublin 7. The position is full time.Removal expenses will not be paid to candidates to take up the position.

  1. Requirements

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be qualified as a solicitor with at least 5 years relevant practice experience.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the competencies, skills and experience set out in paragraph no 3 above and in Appendix 1. Furthermore the successful candidate will:

-demonstrate a good understanding of the issues and complexities that arise for the Board in delivering legal services in international protection cases;

-demonstrate the capacity to effectively manage a multi-disciplinary team of staff in a complex and dynamic policy context;

-demonstrate the capacity to deliver services efficiently and in a way that delivers value for money.

  1. Applications andSelection Process

The competition will consist of a competitive interview, at which the successful candidate will demonstrate that s/he meets all the requirements set out in para 5 above. Candidates will be required to make a formal application in a prescribed format, and may be shortlisted for interview on the basis of this application.

The interview Board will assess the candidate’s capacity to deal with the issues listed at paragraphs 3 and 5 and the candidate’s capabilities in terms of the competency framework at Appendix I.

Furthermore candidates will also be required to make a short presentation (no more than eight minutes) on the following topic:

“The challenges of managing the delivery of legal services and providing leadership in the area of international protection, particularly in the light of the changes introduced on foot of the International Protection Act 2015, and how I would address them.”

The interview board will question candidates on the contents of their presentation. It should be noted that candidates will not have access to any form of visual aid, e.g., PowerPoint, overhead projector, etc. for the purpose of their presentation, but they can bring notes if they wish.

8.Probation

The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete a probationary period of one year before his/her appointment can be confirmed.

9.Application Form

The Application Form is attached to this Notice and is on the Board’s website. Completed forms must be emailed, not later than 4pm onthe 15thDecember 2017.

Interview times

Prospective candidates should note it is envisaged that the interviews will take place shortly after the closing date for applications.

Jean O’Neill,

Personnel Officer.

Appendix 1

General Competency Framework for Grade I Managing Solicitor

Leadership & Strategic Direction

Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance;

Facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication;

Contributes to the shaping of Board strategy and policy;

Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation;

Develops a culture of learning & 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 relevant Departments, Organisations and Agencies.

Judgment & Decision Making

Identifies and focuses on core issues when dealing with complex information/ situations;

Assembles facts, manipulates verbal and numerical information and thinks through issues logically;

Sees the relationships between issues and quickly grasps 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 sectorial issues, political elements and the citizen impact in all decisions.

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 Organisational requirements;

Instils the importance of efficiencies, value for money and meeting corporate governance requirements;

Ensures team are focused and act on Business plan’s priorities, even when faced with pressure.

Building Relationships & Communication

Speaks and writes in a clear, articulate and impactful manner;

Actively listens, seeking to understand the perspective and position of others;

Manages and resolves conflicts / disagreements in a positive & constructive manner;

Works effectively within the political process, recognising & managing tensions arising from different stakeholders perspectives;

Persuades others; builds consensus, gains co-operation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals;

Proactively engages with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and across other Organisations and builds strong professional networks;

Makes opinions known when s/he feels it is right to do so.

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 recognised by people internal and external to the Organisation;

Keeps up to date with key policies and economic, political and social trends that affect the role;

Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Consistently strives to perform at a high level;

Demonstrates personal commitment to the role, maintaining determination and persistence and a sense of balance and perspective in relation to work issues

Contributes positively to the corporate agenda

Is personally trustworthy, honest and respectful, delivering on promises and commitments

Ensures the citizen 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

Appendix II

Codes of Practice Governing the Competition

The recruitment and selection process for appointment to this position will be

conducted in accordance with the Code of Practice titled Selection of Persons for

Appointment on Promotion to Positions in the Civil Service (No. 02/04) published by

theCommission for Public Service Appointments.

The Code of Practice reflects the following core principles:

  • Probity
  • Appointments Made on Merit
  • An Appointments Process in Line with Best Practice
  • A Fair Appointments Process Applied with Consistency
  • Appointments Made in an Open, Accountable and Transparent Manner

Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the contents of the Code of

Practice including, inter alia, the provisions in relation to the responsibilities placed on candidates who participate in the recruitment and selection process.

Complaints and Requests for Review:Complaints/requests for review will be

considered by the Board in accordance with the procedures set out in the Code of Practice.

The Code of Practice may be accessed by visiting

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