The National Disability Authority (“NDA”) is seeking to appoint a Director to lead the organisation. Reporting to the Authority, the Director is responsible for the overall management and advancement of the NDA in fulfilling the organisation strategy, policy and objectives. The Director leads the Senior Management Team and guides a high performing organisation that comprises a multidisciplinary team of skilled staff, ensuring that the NDA delivers quality outputs and accomplishes strategic objectives.
The Organisation
The NDA is the independent statutory body that provides information and evidence informed advice to the Government on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities. The NDA’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design engages with a wide range of stakeholders to promote the design of the built environment, products, services and ICT so that they can be easily accessed and used by everyone regardless of age, size, ability or disability.
Principal duties of the Director of the NDA
The Director will lead and manage the staff, administration, governance and business of the NDA and will perform any other functions as may be conferred by the Authority. The Director will be answerable to the Board in respect of the efficient and effective management of the NDA and in respect of the performance of their duties.
In particular the Director will be responsible for:
- Assisting the Authority in the development of the Strategic Plan and to ensure its effective implementation through the work plans and activities of the NDA;
- Ensuring effective implementation of the NDA’s functions, including delivery of high quality relevant and evidence-informed advice for the Minister, other government Ministers and Officials, and the effective promotion of Universal Design to all relevant stakeholders through the NDA’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design;
- Creating and maintaining effective relations with key stakeholders to deliver practical results in advancing the work of the NDA;
- Leading the Senior Management Team to work collaboratively in the effective management and development of the NDA and its staff, and the effective deployment of resources;
- Developing a high performing staff team with appropriate skills and expertise;
- Demonstrating strong commitment to excellent internal and external communications, including being the spokesperson for the NDA and acting as the public face for the NDA in contributing to national discussion and in engaging with the media as appropriate;
- Ensuring the NDA maintains the highest corporate governance standards, and in ensuring all proper books of accounts of all income and expenditure are kept and reported in an appropriate timeframe;
- Supporting the NDA to achieve best possible impact in line with its functions in disability and Universal Design matters.
Further Information
Further information on this role is available at www.mazars.ie (Search Ref. NDA0120).
All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Mazars Executive Recruitment Team by email to execrecruit@mazars.ie or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.
Your Application
Applications to be submitted online to www.mazars.ie/Consulting/HRServices and must include:
1. A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position;
2. A completed Application Form.
Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of the NDA.
No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to the NDA.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 25th March 2020 at 5.00pm GMT.
Please note the NDA is an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcomes applications from persons with disabilities.
Essential Requirements
The ideal candidate is expected to have:
- Significant leadership experience, at an appropriately senior level;
- A breadth of senior management experience to include some, or all, of the following areas: strategy development, strategic management, policy development, human resources, finance, resource management, general administration and managing change;
- A proven record and ability to build, inspire and manage a high functioning Senior Management Team and staff, achieving quality outputs and performance improvement across a multidisciplinary team;
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, excellent critical and analytical thinking as well as problem solving/decision making skills;
- Exceptional communication skills including speaking publicly, the ability to positively influence policy and direction at senior levels within an advisory capacity, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and to speak publicly;
- Requisite knowledge and ability including an appreciation of public service administrative, governance and financial requirements;
- Strong personal drive, commitment, resilience, flexibility and an ability to cope with competing demands and challenges.
Desirable, but not essential
The following are also desirable:
- An excellent understanding of policy and issues relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities in Ireland;
- Knowledge and understanding of Universal Design;
- Experience of working with and engaging with a Board;
- A strong public service ethic.