Western Development Commission Opportunities
Vacancy Type:
Government
Practice or Client:
Western Development Commission
Description:

The following vacancies are currently available in the WDC.

CORPORATE POSITIONS (3)

1. Head of Corporate Services
(Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover)

Purpose of position:
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Corporate Services is responsible for actively contributing to the effective delivery and management of the Corporate Services function including Governance, Finance, Procurement, Administration and Human Resources and also holds the position of Secretary to the WDC Board.
The WDC employs 25 staff and is a modern and flexible organisation complying with legislative requirement, public service modernisation and best practice. The Head of Corporate Services has a key role in giving effect to this objective and will work with the Chief Executive, Board, Management Team and Parent Department in its delivery. The work of the WDC is outlined in the organisation’s five year strategy available on the WDC website (www.wdc.ie).

This is a fixed term contract, maternity leave cover with a projected start date of 1 November 2020. The contract will be for a minimum of six months however this may be extended by a further four months (subject to approvals granted).

Key responsibilities:
Lead the Corporate Services Team (four to six team members), and any other staff within the shared administration function, ensuring a best-in-class corporate services support structure is available to assist the WDC meet its’ strategic objectives.
Ensure the effective co-ordination and delivery of services within the Finance function, including the delivery of annual projects allocated to the Corporate Resources team. Support individual departments by helping them to create and adhere to budgets through the provision of robust and timely reporting and analysis.
Participate in the management team which is responsible for the effective design, development and implementation of the WDC Strategic Plan.
Oversee compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) including the Internal Audit function and Public Procurement guidelines. Be the key point of contact within the WDC on the Procurement Process ensuring policy is interpreted and implemented accordingly by various departments.
Maintain and improve HR processes and procedures, including tracking and updating HR policies and practices in line with legalisation, public sector circulars and best practice. Support the CEO and department managers in successfully managing any HR matters that may arise.
Manage and monitor organisational compliance with legislative obligations, to include Health & Safety and Risk Management.
Liaise with the parent Department [Rural and Community Development] on all the above areas along with general operational matters as required.
As Secretary to the Board, provide coordination and administration support services including meeting planning, collation and dissemination of board papers, minutes management and other general administration support.
Note: the functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The job holder requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Experience:
Essential
Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with at least 5 years’ plus post-qualification experience.
At least three years’ experience operating within the public sector environment.
Proven experience in leading and managing a small team delivering multiple support services in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong IT skills and comfort with new systems adoption, particularly in a remote working environment. Proven experience of using Office 365 and Sage Finance.
Excellent communications, interpersonal and leadership skills with proven experience in managing and motivating staff as well as contributing within a fast-paced team environment.
General HEO competencies as per “Appendix A” below.

Desirable
Proven experience of working within the Irish public sector.
Hands on experience of Corporate Governance for State Bodies including:
Code of Practice for State Bodies.
Internal Audit.
Public Procurement (value for money).
Best practice in the public sector.
A knowledge of HR and public sector HR policies and practices.
Conditions:
The post is a full-time, fixed term six-month contract, subject to a three-month probationary period.

All staff members are required to sign up to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Roscommon, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC.
Due to COVID-19 the WDC is presently operating a remote working model in line with Government requirements.

The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st January 2020 is as follows €48,868 – €50,297 – €51,722 – €53,147 – €54,577 – €56,003 – €57,429 – LSI 1 €59,4891 – LSI 2 €61,545

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous reckonable public sector experience.

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and CV (of no more than four pages) detailing your experience, qualifications, office location preference and any other relevant information to careers@wdc.ie
Applicants can also apply through www.publicjobs.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 26th August at 5.00 pm

The WDC is an equal opportunities employer
Canvassing will disqualify
Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge

_______________________________________________________________

2. Clerical Officer (Permanent)

Purpose of position:
Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services, the successful candidate will play a key role in the provision of an effective and efficient administrative support service to support the work of the Western Development Commission. The Corporate Services team provides support to the WDC teams to deliver on the WDC strategic pillars of Regional Promotion, Regional Leadership and Sustainable Enterprise. More detailed information on the organisations five year strategy is available on the WDC website (www.wdc.ie).

Key responsibilities:
Clerical duties in support of the WDC strategic pillars to include working as part of a team to deliver services to managers and colleagues.
Database administration, word processing, data entry and general administration duties.
Administrative support for the configuration, implementation and ongoing support of systems. Initially this will focus on populating data for the in-house WIF SmartSimple Management System.
Administrator of Office 365 system including provision of support to colleagues which may include troubleshooting, training and assistance to resolve any service requests.
Day to day administration and support of IT infrastructure and key applications, including management of backups and replication.
Assist the organisation with the planning and scheduling of conferences, meetings, events and travel arrangements.
Prepare regular reports to support the effective functioning of the WDC.
Communicate and deal with the public / customers by responding directly to enquiries via phone and email.
Note: the functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position may be changed from time to time. The job holder requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities as assigned by their manager.

Experience:
Minimum NFQ Level 6 in Business Administration / Information Systems or similar
At least two years’ relevant experience working in administration, systems management within a busy, deadline-driven office environment
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Demonstrates strong professional manner in engaging with the public and colleagues.
Strong IT and IS skills with detailed knowledge of MS Office 365 and other commonly used software programmes
Previous experience of Content Management Systems and Customer Relationship Management applications is advantageous
Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, image management and web editing
Excellent organisational skills with proven project management experience and the ability to plan, complete and co-ordinate activities independently.
Ability to support the on-going workings of the WDC in all matters of administration
Ability to work on own initiative and as a team member. Demonstrates a flexible approach to work commitments while using own initiative to manage workload.

Conditions:
Appointment to this post will depend on a six month probationary period and all staff appointments are subject to the WDC Act. All staff members are required to sign up to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Roscommon, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC. Due to COVID-19 the WDC is operating a remote working model in line with Government requirements.
The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Clerical Officer Standard Scale:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st January 2020 is as follows: €24,104, €25,681, €26,083, €26,864, €28,017, €29,167 , €30,319, €31,157, €32,105, €33,209, €33,986, €35,078, €36,162, €37,855, LSI 1 €39,186, LSI 2 €39,796.

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous reckonable public sector experience

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and CV (of no more than four pages) detailing your experience, qualifications, office location preference and any other relevant information, to Patricia Teatum, Head of Corporate Resources, WDC, Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon or careers@wdc.ie

Applicants can also apply through www.publicjobs.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 26th August at 5.00 pm
The WDC is an equal opportunities employer
Canvassing will disqualify
Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge

___________________________________________________________________________
3. Communications Clerical Officer
(Fixed Term 12 Month Contract)
Purpose of position:
Public relations, Public affairs & Communications play a key part in The Western Development Commission success and joining our team will put you front and centre of our mission to promote both social and economic development in the Western Region.
The successful candidate will report to the Head of Corporate Services and support the communications team to effectively and positively promote the work of the Western Development Commission. This work is outlined in the organisation’s five year strategy available on the WDC website (www.wdc.ie) As the WDC is about to launch a new website, campaign and a number of key projects, this is an exciting time to join the team.

Key responsibilities:
As part of the communications team you will be responsible for supporting the work across the strategic pillars of Regional Promotion, Regional Leadership and Sustainable Enterprise. These include:
Working with the communications team to support and implement the organisations communications strategy, including the coordination of communication, marketing, and media activities for the WDC and Atlantic Economic Corridor.
Working with the communications team to implement the Atlantic Economic Corridor Hubs project and develop the Atlantic Economic Corridor brand.
Maintaining regular communications with all stakeholders through a variety of channels including external communications, media relations (traditional and social), events, campaigns, and customer service.
Providing day-to-day support for the new WDC talent tool by engaging with key stakeholders and employers in the region and supporting the team to build a sustainable strategy for the project.
Assisting the team with event planning (both online and physical events) including venue booking, logistics, promotional materials etc.
Daily updating of the WDC and AEC websites with press releases, news and relevant content. (All websites are built on WordPress)
Administrative support with financial drawdowns, payments, filling and reports.
Preparation of e-zines/newsletters and circulation of press releases.
Clerical duties in support of the WDC daily operations.
Note: the functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position may be changed from time to time. The job holder requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities as assigned by their manager.
Experience:
The successful candidates would ideally have a Minimum NFQ Level 6 in Office Management / Marketing /Communications.
At least 2 years relevant experience, working in communications, a press office, public relations, or an equivalent field.
Hands on experience in using Microsoft Office 365 (in particular Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and has experience updating and maintaining WordPress websites.
Excellent customer service skills within an administration / office environment.
Excellent communication skills in particular with proven experience of writing new content, letters and documents. Demonstrates strong professional manner in engaging with the public and colleagues.
Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and proven ability to plan and organise multiple tasks, events and schedules.
Initiative and flexibility – demonstrates a flexible approach to work commitments while using own initiative to manage workload.
Teamwork and has proven ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Proven experience of working remotely is advantageous.

Conditions:
This post is a full-time, fixed term 12 month contract, subject to project funding and a six month probationary period. All staff members are required to sign up to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Roscommon, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC. Due to COVID-19 the WDC is operating a remote working model in line with Government requirements.

The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Clerical Officer Standard Scale:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st January 2020 is as follows: €24,104, €25,681, €26,083, €26,864, €28,017, €29,167 , €30,319, €31,157, €32,105, €33,209, €33,986, €35,078, €36,162, €37,855, LSI 1 €39,186, LSI 2 €39,796.

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous reckonable public sector experience.

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and CV (of no more than four pages) detailing your experience, qualifications, and office preference with any other relevant information, to Patricia Teatum, Head of Corporate Resources, WDC, Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon or careers@wdc.ie

Applicants can also apply through www.publicjobs.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 26th August at 5.00 pm
The WDC is an equal opportunities employer
Canvassing will disqualify
Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge

___________________________________________________________________________
EU PROJECT POSITIONS (2)

1. Bizmentors – EU Project Officer
(Fixed Term Contract 6mths)
Purpose of the post
BIZMENTORS is a project funded under an EU transnational Interreg programme called the Northern Periphery & Arctic Programme 2014-2020. This project commenced in 2018 and is scheduled to finish Sept 2021. Its main aim is to develop an open access online trans-national business mentoring capability to address poor access to business expertise and networks for SMEs and entrepreneurs across the region and internationally.
The WDC is the lead Partner in the project (https://bizmentors.eu/ ) and works closely with its project partners in Finland, Ireland, Iceland and Northern Ireland.
The WDC wishes to recruit an EU Project Officer for a minimum 6 month contract commencing September 2020.

Key responsibilities
The Project Officer is a fixed-term post for a six month period of an EU Interreg-funded project called Bizmentors.
The WDC is the lead partner for the project which necessitates considerable staff and time input. It is responsible for ‘Project Management’ and ‘Communication Activities’ (project coordination, governance, financial claims, reporting, monitoring, events, social media, publications, website and PR).

The WDC is also a partner in other work packages and will contribute to other project activities.
A list of the main tasks undertaken by the Project Officer is as follows:

Specifically:
Structure, responsibilities, and procedures, for the day- to- day management and coordination
Dissemination, evaluation and reporting on project outputs Risk and quality management
Project Co-ordination – data collection and monitoring, file management, document archiving, financial record keeping
Managing Partner meetings and communications internally within the partnership
Managing Project Governance – adherence to NPA governance requirements, development of progress reports for NPA
Project Monitoring & Evaluation – use of Gantt charts, and recording of indicators, deliverables, products and services
Ensuring all information required from partners is collated using clear templates and timelines
Developing promotional material and publications, content creation for websites and social media.
Design relevant content for project website
Communicating with the NPA and claims management – liaising with the NPA project desk officer, progress reporting, submission & distribution of claims, preparing budget adjustments if necessary
Completion of all project claims, reports and deliverables.
Please note that this post will involve international travel (subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions)

3. Key requirements
Experience of successfully submitting project claims to EU funding bodies
Experience of developing and maintaining robust record keeping and filing systems
Excellent organisational skills, ability to schedule tasks and meet on-going deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team and to use own initiative
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
Ideally experience of using modern digital communication platforms to manage and promote projects e.g. Social media channels, Websites, Webinar platforms, Drop box etc.
Ability to support and interact with a diverse project team in order to achieve common goals
Preferably a Level 7 NFQ qualification (an Ordinary Bachelor Degree see https://www.qqi.ie/Articles/Pages/National-Framework-of-Qualifications-(NFQ).aspx for more information) in a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Preferably 3 years’ experience in a similar role
Proven track record of working autonomously
Desirable experience
Previous experience of EU co-funded projects
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Power point
Good writing skills and attention to detail
Interest in learning from other regions and countries
Willingness and ability to travel intermittently in support of the project
Conditions
This post is subject to sanction from the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The post is a full-time, fixed term 6 month contract, subject to a three month probationary period

The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Roscommon, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC. Due to COVID-19 the WDC is operating a remote working model in line with Government requirements, this is anticipated to continue throughout the project duration.

The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Executive Officer Standard Scale:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st January 2020 is as follows: €30,278, €32,036, €33,028, €34,965, €36,702, €38,380, €40,053, €41,691, €43,346, €44,954, €46,614, €47,712, €49,2741 €50,834 2
Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous reckonable public sector experience.

6. How to Apply
Please clearly state the project name and role you are applying for in the subject line of the email, submit a cover letter and CV (of no more than four pages) detailing your experience, qualifications and any other relevant information, to: Patricia Teatum, Head of Corporate Resources, WDC, Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon or careers@wdc.ie Applicants can also apply through www.publicjobs.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 4th August @ 12pm
The WDC is an equal opportunities employer

Canvassing will disqualify
Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge
__________________________________________________________________

2. BCE – EU Project Officer
(fixed term contract)

Purpose of Post
The Blue Circular Economy is an EU Interreg transnational project funded by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme, that helps Small and Medium-Sized enterprises (SMEs) offering products and services, within fishing gear recycling solutions, to grow and attain a great market reach (https://bluecirculareconomy.eu/)
The project involves partners in Norway, Scotland, Denmark, Greenland and Ireland. The WDC is leading on the project communications and clustering work packages. The project began in late 2018 and will run until September 2021.
A position is currently available to become the lead project officer for the WDC, reporting to the Head of Regional Development, and undertaking sole responsibility to implement all aspects of the project up to the project close, both operational and budgetary.

Key Responsibilities
The Project Officer is a fixed-term post for the duration of the EU Interreg funded BCE project.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) is responsible for two work packages (WP) in the BCE project:
Clustering
Communications (Currently the communications strategy is finalised and key elements such as the website and social media channels are in place).
The following are the main tasks to be undertaken by the BCE Project Officer:
Clustering
Lead the Clustering work package (WP), with the Norwegian partner, NTNU. In essence this WP seeks to identify and create a cluster or network in the West of Ireland that can engage in the circular economy activity of Fishing gear ocean plastic recycling. Norway already has an advanced network and The West of Ireland region seeks to link with this to grow significantly.
Prepare reports on the cluster development, with a view to policy contributions.
Investigate the economic development opportunities for fishing net recycling with SME’s in Ireland.
Facilitate the sharing of knowledge share by drawing on the lessons learned from Norway.
Communication
Implement the Communication Strategy WP which defines the methodology & protocol for internal and external communications of the project and the three year action plan.
Continue the development of promotional material, website, social media channels and publications, including project reports, project newsletters etc.
Organise events, training, and workshops for internal and external communications.
Adhere to EU and mandatory programme publicity requirements.
Identify and manage risks associated with communication activities.
Administration
Prepare NPAP reports & funding updates (i.e regular “claims” are to be compiled and submitted to the EU programme body with attendant activity reports) .
Prepare & give presentations – online as circumstances dictate.
Administer procurement process for service providers where applicable.
Participate in monthly project conference calls, partner meetings and internal communication forums.
Completion of all project claims, project reports and deliverables.
Please note that this post will involve international travel subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

3. Key Requirements
Experience in the Blue economy (Marine), Environmental management (Plastic recycling) or relevant Business development, arena.
Experience of developing and maintaining robust record keeping and filing systems.
Excellent organisational skills, ability to schedule tasks and meet on-going deadlines.
Ability to work as part of a team and to use own initiative.
Excellent interpersonal and communications (written, verbal and presentation) skills with good attention to detail
Experience of using modern digital communication platforms to manage and promote projects e.g. Social media channels, Websites, Webinar platforms, Dropbox etc.
Ability to support and interact with a diverse project team in order to achieve common goals
Preferably a Level 7 NFQ qualification (an Ordinary Bachelor Degree see https://www.qqi.ie/Articles/Pages/National-Framework-of-Qualifications-(NFQ).aspx for more information) in a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Preferably 1-3 years’ experience in a similar role
Proven track record of working autonomously
Willingness to travel intermittently in support of the project
Desirable Experience
Previous experience of EU co-funded projects
Previous experience or demonstrated interest in the project subject area
Proficiency in MS office, capability to use CMS and social media tools
Interest in learning from other regions and countries
Conditions
This post is a full-time, fixed term contract to 30th September 2021, subject to a three-month probationary period.
The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Roscommon, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC. Due to COVID-19 the WDC is operating a remote working model in line with Government requirements, this is anticipated to continue throughout the project duration.
The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Executive Officer Standard Scale:

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st January 2020 is as follows: €30,278, €32,036, €33,028, €34,965, €36,702, €38,380, €40,053, €41,691, €43,346, €44,954, €46,614, €47,712, €49,2741 €50,834 2
Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous reckonable public sector experience.

6. How To Apply
Please clearly state the project name and role you are applying for in the subject line of the email, submit a cover letter and CV (of no more than four pages) detailing your experience, qualifications and any other relevant information, to:
Patricia Teatum, Head of Corporate Resources, WDC, Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon or careers@wdc.ie

Applicants can also apply through www.publicjobs.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 4th August @ 12pm

The WDC is an equal opportunities employer

Canvassing will disqualify
Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge

Qualification Level:
Various
Required Experience:

Various

Application Email:
careers@wdc.ie