Candidate Information Booklet. Regional Skills Forum Manager. 3 Year Fixed Term Post. Closing Date for Applications:

Transcription

1 Candidate Information Booklet Regional Skills Forum Manager 3 Year Fixed Term Post Closing Date for Applications: Noon, Tuesday 9 th February

2 Table of Contents 1. Maynooth University Page Regional Skills Fora Page Role Description Page Terms and Conditions Page Former Public Servants Page Eligibility to apply and certain restrictions on eligibility 6. Selection Process Page Closing Date Page General Information Page 14 2

3 1. Maynooth University Formally established as an autonomous university in 1997, but tracing its origins to the foundation of the Royal College of St. Patrick in 1795, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (Maynooth University) draws on a heritage of over 200 years commitment to education and scholarship. The last two decades have seen the University grow rapidly in scale, strength and stature. Maynooth University is today a university of international standing, renowned for the quality and value of its research and scholarship, for its dedication to excellent teaching, for providing an outstanding learning experience for its 10,000 students, and as a uniquely collegial environment in which to pursue scholarly work. Maynooth University is embarking upon a new and exciting phase of its development under the University Strategic Plan with a vision to consolidate the international reputation of Maynooth University as a university known for outstanding teaching, excellent research, a global outlook, effective engagement with the society we serve, and our distinctive approach to the challenges facing modern higher education. The University Strategic Plan sets seven strategic goals for the university: to offer students an outstanding university education, the best available in Ireland, an education which challenges and supports all students to achieve their full potential, and prepares students for life, work and citizenship, and for complexity, diversity and change; to be recognised by 2017 as playing a leading international role and being the clear national leader in a number of thematic areas of research that address the major societal challenges of the 21st century; to achieve a step change in our international activities, doubling the number of international students on campus and doubling the number of domestic students spending time abroad, in order to create a truly intercultural and multilingual institution; to strengthen our engagement with all stakeholders through sustained partnerships with enterprises, communities, civil society and public bodies, to build support for the mission of the university, to serve the needs of society, and to open new opportunities for research and learning; to maximise our unique and distinctive contribution to the national system of higher education through a set of purposeful and sustained strategic partnerships at regional and national level, and to extend our international reach through a network of global partnerships; to be an excellent place to work, known for a collegial ethos which empowers all staff to contribute fully to the development of the university; to enable the achievement of ambitious strategic objectives in challenging circumstances through careful planning, excellent services and infrastructure, and sound governance and management. The University has distinctive institutional strengths in six thematic priority areas: People, Place and Environment; 3

4 Social and Economic Transformations; Human Health; Mathematics, Communications and Computation; Humanities in Practice; Sources, Resources & Discourses; Human Cultures, Experience & Creativity. The University has 27 academic departments which are organised into three Faculties: Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy; Science and Engineering; and Social Sciences. The University is also home to a number of multi- and trans-disciplinary research institutes, including the Hamilton Institute, the National Centre for Geocomputation, the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, and Institute of Immunology. In a pioneering recent development, Maynooth University, Dublin City University and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland have established the 3U Partnership, a new strategic association that brings together the distinctive and complementary strengths of the three institutions. 2. Regional Skills Fora Introduction For many employers, it can be hard to understand the different types of providers, courses and services available across the further and higher education and training system and how to access them. With over 185,000 employers in the business economy alone, the majority employing less than 10 people each, establishing links and building relationships with individual employers can also poses significant challenges for Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). To help foster stronger links between employers and the education and training sector. The Department of Education and Skills (DES) is creating a network of 9 Regional Skills Fora in the North West, North East, South West, South East, Midlands, Mid East, Mid West, West and Dublin. The new network will: Provide a cohesive education led structure for employers and the further and higher education system to work together in building the skills needs of their regions; Help employers better understand and access the full range of services available across the education and training system; Enhance links between education and training providers in planning and delivering programmes, reduce duplication and inform national funding decisions. The work to create the new skills fora is being undertaken in the context of the strong focus on the skills agenda as part of Government policy to support economic 4

5 recovery and development, job creation and tackling unemployment. This includes the development of a new national Skills Strategy and Enterprise Policy statement to 2025 and the publication of 9 Regional Action Plans for Jobs. A national Project Advisory Group has been established to advise on all aspects of the establishment and development of the network. The Fora are being established primarily on the basis of the NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) 111 regional classifications in order to align with wider Government policy and initiatives on regional economic development, including the Regional Action Plans for Jobs and actions providing for the establishment of the Skills fora are being included in each of the regional APJs. The key labour market data and statistics which will inform the work of the fora are also collected using the NUTs 111 classification. It is hoped that the new skills structures will contribute to better outcomes for learners and support enterprise development and job creation by providing: More robust labour market information and analysis of employer needs; Better alignment of education and training provision with the skills needs of each region; Greater collaboration and utilisation of resources across the education and training system and enhancement of progression routes for learners; Maximisation of employment, career progression and entrepreneurships opportunities available to learners in each region. The fora are intended to provide a framework to support and facilitate, not replace or cut across, the implementation of actions by individual ETBs or HEIs. Regional Skills Forum Manager The Education and Training Provider Group (ETPG) in each of the 9 Regional Skills Regions will have overall responsibility for the establishment and operation of the Regional Skills Forum. The Department of Education and Skills is resourcing the establishment of each Regional Skills Forum in 2016 through direct funding to enable the recruitment of a Regional Skills Forum Manager. Each person to be appointed to the role of Regional Skills Forum Manager will be employed by one of the members of the ETPG as a shared resource for the ETPG in the region in the establishment and operation of the Regional Skills Forum. Make up of Regional Skills Fora Skills Forum/NUTS III regions Mid West Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary Education and Training Provider Group (ETPG) Limerick/Clare ETB Tipperary ETB, University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology, MIC, Skillnets Employer Limerick Institute of Technology 5

6 West Galway, Mayo Roscommon South West Cork, Kerry South East Carlow, Kilkenny, Sth Tipperary, Waterford City, Waterford County, Wexford Galway/Roscommon ETB Mayo/Sligo/Leitrim ETB Donegal ETB, NUIG, GMIT, Letterkenny IT, Sligo IT, Skillnets Cork ETB Kerry ETB, Cork IT, IT Tralee, UCC, Skillnets Kilkenny/Carlow ETB, Waterford/Wexford ETB, Tipperary ETB, IT Carlow, Waterford IT, Skillnets NUI Galway Cork Institute of Technology Institute of Technology Carlow Midlands Laois, Longford, Offaly Westmeath Mid East Louth, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow Border-North East Cavan, Monaghan, Louth Border-North West Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim Dublin Laois/Offaly ETB Longford/Westmeath ETB, Athlone IT, Skillnets Louth/Meath ETB, Kildare/Wicklow ETB, Maynooth University, Skillnets Cavan/Monaghan ETB, Louth/Meath ETB, Dundalk IT, Skillnets Donegal ETB, Mayo/Sligo/Leitrim ETB, Letterkenny IT, Sligo IT, St Angela s NUIG, Skillnets City of Dublin ETB, Dublin/Dun Laoghaire ETB, DCU, UCD, TCD, NCAD,DLIADT, DIT, IT Tallaght, IT, Blanchardstown, NCI, Skillnets Athlone Institute of Technology Maynooth University Dundalk Institute of Technology Sligo Institute of Technology City of Dublin Education and Training Board 6

7 3. Role Description Overview The role of Regional Skills Forum Manager will be a critical element in achieving the desired strategic outcomes for each Region. As a newly established position the successful candidates will be required to demonstrate a high level of proactive engagement with all the relevant stakeholders (enterprise, education, training and others) to ensure that the status of each Forum is quickly established within their Region as a credible force for change and growth. The range of key responsibilities outlined below reflect the essential requirement that the successful candidates possess and can demonstrate significant personal qualities of credibility in building relationships (in both commercial and academic contexts), allied with robust leadership, organisational and analytical skills. In terms of key responsibilities the list below represents current thinking on the scope of the role. However, it should be noted, as this is a newly established position, other tasks and responsibilities may emerge as the role and Fora develops. The Regional Skills Forum Manager will be required to establish and manage a strong network of working relationships between the stakeholders in the region, with particular focus on liaison between enterprise and education and training stakeholders in advancing the objectives of the Skills Forum. These will include: Facilitate the involvement of enterprise stakeholders in a collaborative framework with education and training partners in the identification, development and delivery of skills development responses. Manage the establishment, development and operation of the Regional Skills Forum, in furtherance of delivering the objectives of the Forum. Lead on the development and delivery of an Annual Operating Plan(AOP) to cover all aspects of education sector and employer engagement and in alignment with National Policy initiatives. Establish and manage a strong network of working relationships between the stakeholders in the region, with particular focus on liaison between enterprise and education and training stakeholders in advancing the objectives of the Skills Forum. Be part of a National Forum Manager network to share views and best practice across the region. Identify, monitor and report on appropriate measures of success in consultation with the Skills Forum and in line with National reporting requirements as they emerge across the Fora network. 7

8 Represent the Regional Skills Forum on local/national groups including those that may be established to progress activities on a network wide basis. Provide on-going progress reports on key project activities and outcomes for the Skills Forum and meetings of the national Project Advisory Group. Work with the Education and Training Provider Group to develop an integrated approach to implementation of actions that ensures the coordinated achievement of objectives and the cross-sectoral sharing of best practice. Working in cooperation with SOLAS/CSO, in order to provide regular data updates to ensure a strong evidence base for decisions. Conduct periodic project evaluation and review to ensure success, including annual reviews of progress in achieving Forum objectives Identify and implement the most effective means for sharing and disseminating information to external stakeholders Actively promote the activities and achievements of the Regional Skills Forum. Become familiar with the full range of pertinent data sources relevant to the skills development needs of the region and manage the input of the Forum to the analysis and further development of such data. The successful candidate will become familiar with the broad range of current offerings from the education and training providers in the region, in terms of disciplines, levels and current practices. The successful candidate will act as an enabler for the provision of collaborative solutions to skills needs across the region; whether this is done via joint awards or training provision, or via progression arrangements. Regional Skills Forum Manager Person Specification The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement in the following: 8

9 Required Profile: Excellent networking, client-focus and relationship-building skills. This should include a proven ability to represent the Forum in a commercially credible manner with the enterprise and education and training sectors. Excellent leadership skills; dynamic and highly effective with a demonstrated record of achievement, particularly in complex environments balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders in complex environments. Excellent project management and organisation skills. High levels of motivation displaying vision and enthusiasm. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes in a timely manner. Goal focused and confident in measuring performance against targets. Strong knowledge/experience of the enterprise sector, with a particular emphasis on the needs of SMEs. Working knowledge/experience of the Irish further and higher education and training landscape. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Proven analytical skills, with an ability to manage research data from multiple sources and assimilate into meaningful action. Desired Profile: Third level or professional qualifications commensurate with the role. Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of social media platforms Experienced in marketing and promotion including through social media and online channels. Experience of managing budgets Experience of public relations and event management 4. Terms and Conditions of Appointment Salary The salary for the Regional Skills Forum Manager, who will be employed by Maynooth University, will be in line with the grade of Senior Administrative Officer 3 on an incremental salary scale starting in year 1 at 68,782 rising to 76,604 in year 3. Tenure The appointment is for a specific full-time role with the title of Regional Skills Forum Manager for a fixed term contract not exceeding 3 years. The post may be renewable after the 3 years and at which time may be open to a competitive process. 9

10 Pension arrangements This is a pensionable position. For new entrants to the public sector the successful candidates will be offered the appropriate superannuation terms and conditions as prevailing in the employer organisation at the time of being offered an appointment. In general this means being offered appointment with pension entitlements that are governed by the Single Public Service Pension Scheme ( Single Scheme ). If a former or serving civil or public servant is appointed to the post different terms and conditions, including abatement, may apply depending on their past service. Place of Work The Regional Skills Forum Manager will be required to operate from a number of different locations in the specified region. Office space will be made available by the education and training providers in the region to facilitate this requirement. Travel and expenses will be paid by the employer in line with public sector regulations. Driving Licence Due to the necessity to travel between locations within the Region, a full clean driving licence is required for the role. Probation A probationary period of 12 months applies to the post during which performance and conduct may be subject to review. The Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, applies to this position. Health Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Health Certificate The person appointed must obtain, at the Board s expense, a satisfactory Health Certificate from a Doctor nominated by the Board. Birth Certificate The person appointed to the post must obtain, at his/her own expense, a Birth Certificate for the Board. Hours of attendance Normal hours will be those hours required to discharge the functions of the post but will amount to not less than 37 hours net per week. The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and 10

11 necessary for the proper performance of his/her duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations for no extra re-numeration. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement will be linked to the relevant grade of the post within the employer institution. This entitlement is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in the civil service, is based on a five day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays. The employer reserves the right to allocate and schedule annual leave in accordance with the requirements of the role of Regional Skills Forum Manager. Sick Leave Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the sick leave circulars and with established procedures and conditions for the public service generally. Officers who will be paying Class A rate of PRSI will be required to sign a mandate authorising the Department of Social Protection to pay any benefits due under the Social Welfare Acts directly to the employing Organisation. Payment during illness will be subject to the officer making the necessary claims for social insurance benefit to the Department of Social Protection within the required time limits. Health and Safety While the employer will, as far as practicable, ensure a safe and healthy work environment, the responsibility for health, safety and welfare at work rests with each staff member. You will, therefore, be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities taking due care regarding your own health, safety and welfare, and the health, safety and welfare of other persons. Verification of Qualifications The offer of employment is made on the clear understanding that information provided by the applicant in his/her written application and/or at interview is correct in every respect. Were this found not to be the case, the employer reserves the right to withdraw the offer, or terminate the employment relationship, or take such other action as it considers appropriate in the circumstances. The employer reserves the right, inter alia, to require you to provide evidence of academic qualifications and/or to take such other steps to verify academic qualifications as it considers appropriate. References The appointment is conditional on satisfying any legal requirements regarding employment in this country. The offer of employment is subject to the employer receiving 2 references in respect of your current/previous employers and/or other referees which, in the opinion of the employer, are satisfactory. It is a condition of appointment that should a reference, whether as regards employment and/or 11

12 character, given in good faith, and on an objective basis, prove unsatisfactory, in the opinion of the employer, the offer of employment may be withdrawn, or terminated by the employer at reasonable notice. Important Notice The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate(s). If a serving civil or public servant is appointed to the post different conditions may apply depending on their past service. 5. Former Public Servants - Eligibility to apply and restrictions on eligibility General Eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss Citizens under EU agreements may apply. Declaration for former Public Servants Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or the collective agreement outlined below. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position. Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010): The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010 introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER scheme that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for re-employment in the public health sector or in the wider public service or in a body wholly or mainly funded from public money. The same prohibition on re-employment applies under the VRS, except that the prohibition is for a period of 7 years, after which time any re-employment will require 12

13 the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. People who availed of either of these schemes are not eligible to compete in this competition. Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for reemployment in the public service by any public service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts ) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. Thereafter the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be required prior to re-employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility) and the Minister s consent will have to be secured prior to employment by any public service body. 6. Selection Process All applications must be submitted by Noon, Tuesday 9 th February 2016.If you do not receive an acknowledgement receipt within 3 days of applying, please the relevant application address. Final interviews for each of the 9 posts are likely to be held in the second half of February How to Apply Completed Application Forms should be submitted in the format set out below. Mid East Skills Forum 1. Contact person: Mark Leonard at recruitment@nuim.ie 2. Direct line Human Resources, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare 4. Link for the ad: 13

14 7. Closing Date All applications must be submitted by Noon, Tuesday 9 th February If you do not receive an acknowledgement receipt within 3 days of applying, please the relevant application address. Final interviews for each of the 9 posts are likely to be held in the second half of February General Information Confidentiality Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and 2003 applications will be treated in strict confidence. Security Clearance Garda vetting may be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. The applicant will be required to complete and return a Garda vetting form should they come under consideration for appointment. This form will be forwarded to An Garda Siochana for security checks on all Irish and Northern Irish addresses at which they resided. Refund of expenses There will be no refund of expenses incurred by candidates in attending interviews. 14