TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL. Qualifications

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1 TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL BUSINESS ADVISOR LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE (SENIOR STAFF OFFICER) This is a specific panel for Business Advisor at Grade 6. This is not a general Grade 6 Panel for Tipperary County Council. Qualifications Character Each candidate shall be of good character and references shall be sought. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Education, Training, Experience Each candidate shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms 1. Have good general standard of education 2. Have three years satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff. 3. The Holder of the Post of shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Qualifications 1. It is desirable that the candidate will possess/hold a professional qualification in Business and/or Financial Management (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience. 2. It is also desirable that the candidate will possess strong business acumen with relevant experience that demonstrates an understanding of the phases of business development including a demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret business proposals from various perspectives, e.g. finance, marketing, process/operations, etc. 1

2 Tipperary County Council BUSINESS ADVISOR LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE (SENIOR STAFF OFFICER) This is a specific panel for Business Advisor at Grade 6. This is not a general Grade 6 Panel for Tipperary County Council. Particulars of Office BACKGROUND The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. The LEOs are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and through which financial and other supports can be provided to the business community. The dissolution of the previous City and County Enterprise Boards and the transfer of their functions to Enterprise Ireland led to the formation of the 31 LEOs in The Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities and are a significant element in the enhanced role which local authorities now have in the whole area of economic development. The Local Enterprise Office Tipperary as established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the business support unit of Tipperary County Council 2 County Enterprise Boards Tipperary North CEB and South Tipperary CEB - and forms part of the Community & Economic Development Directorate of Tipperary Council. Local Enterprise Office Tipperary has 2 offices located in Nenagh and Clonmel and due to the nature of the work all roles involve the performance of duties at a variety of locations throughout the County from time to time. The main functions of the LEO office are the provision of: Business Information and Advisory Services Enterprise Support Services Entrepreneurship Support Service Local Enterprise Development Services / Economic Development THE JOB The primary role of the Business Advisor will be to support the Head of Enterprise in the delivery of services and operations in line with the Service Level Agreement in the achievement of the LEO s business goals. The role will involve significant client engagement at the individual and/or business level, and requires engagement with the 2

3 wider business community and More specifically, the role and responsibilities of the Business Advisor encompass the following key areas: The Business Adviser will report directly to the Head of Enterprise or assistant Head of Enterprise as appropriate and will attend meetings of the Evaluation & Approvals Committee, the Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development, LECP sub Committees, Municipal District or other as required. Specific duties will include the following:- Provide business information and advice to small business promoters and advise them about current and future trends, legislative and revenue matters and guide them in relation to incentives and support services available to start and scale a micro business; Event Management co-ordinate events and competitions such as IBYE, Enterprise Awards, National Womens Enterprise Day, Local Enterprise week etc. Evaluation and assessment of project proposals for financial assistance, including carrying out due diligence and ensuring that applications are up to the standard required; Preparation and presentation of reports to the Head of Enterprise, Evaluation & Approvals Committee, the Local Authority, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation as required; Assist in attainment of the annual targets set in the Local Enterprise Development Plan, the economic elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan and the Action Plan for Jobs Mid-West at local level in line with national government policy objectives and commitments on enterprise and entrepreneurship; Facilitate the delivery of all commitments between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authority and uphold Protocols with other Government Departments and State Agencies. Design and delivery of relevant training and management development programmes for owner-managers of micro-enterprises, to include the organising and overseeing of enterprise training courses, seminars and the LEO s mentoring and Specialist Support programmes; Input into promotional activities including the preparation of promotional material (e.g. press releases, brochures, newsletters, etc.); Play a pivotal role in relation to budgeting, financial management and updating the grants management information system; Proactively encourage owner-managers of small business and intending entrepreneurs to avail of supports provided by the LEO (as appropriate); Liaise with clients of the LEO and provide a range of aftercare services, in particular to small business operators receiving financial support from the LEO; Deputise for and carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Enterprise from time to time including representing LEO Tipperary at local and national events. Manage, develop and grow the LEO client portfolio Provide support and direction to Networks such as Women in Business, Food Producers, Craft or Green Business. 3

4 Research, develop, resource and delivery of new initiatives, events and programmes within the Local Enterprise Office in support of micro-enterprise and economic development in Tipperary. Promote and implement innovation and continuous improvement in the processes and programmes of the Local Enterprise Office. Keeping abreast of new technologies and communications possibilities including the utilisation of social media communication and marketing opportunities for both LEO clients and the LEO itself Management of certain LEO external contracts and ensuring best practice in the procurement of goods and services Liaising with clients to ensure the provision of a quality customer service and assistance towards the management of the LEO s front-office services Contribute to the on-going awareness campaign of the Local enterprise Office Promotion of an enterprise culture in Co. Tipperary Provision of support in any Business Service, Consulting or Research Assignments Provision of professional support to the LEO Management Team Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the LEO services may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the LEO and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA Candidates must demonstrate: An excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community Excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management Significant experience in event management and/or delivery of projects and special events, including budget, delivery on tight deadlines, project management and reporting of outcomes and results. Be self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic smallteam environment. Demonstrate a willingness to support the team in the delivery of and administration for the National LEO unit as directed. Decision making and problem solving skills Ability to manage resources while delivering quality outcomes including an ability to motivate and empower staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance. Experience in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective Experience in the management and utilisation of new communications technologies (in particular digital marketing) and the ability to utilise social media communication and marketing opportunities for both LEO clients and the LEO itself. A strong capability to multi task and work to deadlines 4

5 Be self-motivated and able to work on own initiative within a dynamic small-team environment An understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses, knowledge of the startup environment and available supports, and the role of the Local Enterprise Office, including knowledge of its supports, services and processes. SALARY Salary: 45,849 to 56,031 gross per annum. SUPERANNUATION A. Officers joining the Public Service after the 1 st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. A Class rate of PRSI contribution will apply. A rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC). This includes a contribution to a Spouse s and Children s Scheme. OR B. Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 1 st January 2013 and who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of the net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC). You will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of your pensionable remuneration to the Spouses & Children s Pension Scheme. OR C. Officers who become pensionable officers of a Public Service prior to 5 th April 1995 and who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. If an option to join a dependent scheme was made you will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% to a Dependents Pension Scheme. RETIREMENT Retirement is dependent on the superannuation scheme you become a member of and details will be made available to you upon appointment. HEALTH For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo at his/her expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate. PROBATION Where a person is permanently appointed to Tipperary County Council, the following provisions shall apply - There will be a probationary period of 9 months from date of appopintment, The Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend this period, You shall cease to hold office at end of the period of probation unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that your service is satisfactory. 5

6 Officers who have already completed a probationary period with another Local Authority will not be obliged to serve probation with Tipperary County Council LOCATION LOCAL ENTERPRISE Office Tipperary operates from 2 locations with offices at Civic Offices, Limerick Road Nenagh and Ballingarrane House, Cahir Road Clonmel. It is important that you specify preference on the application form. RESIDENCE The holder of the office shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance, thereof. RECRUITMENT Pursuant to Article 8 of the Local Government (Appointment of Officers) Regulations, 1974 the Minister has given directions as follows:- (i) (ii) (iii) Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. Tipperary County Council reserves it right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate which may include shortlisting on the basis of qualifications and experience. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form. A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the office and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. The life of the panel will not be more than one year, unless extended. Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on their application form. PERIOD FOR ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER The local authority shall require persons to whom appointment is offered to confirm acceptance of offer within two weeks and to take up such appointment within a period of not more than six weeks from original offer. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period or any longer period agreed, the local authority shall not appoint them. Closing date for receipt of applications 4.00pm on Friday 27 th October 2017 Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on their application form. Canvassing will automatically disqualify Tipperary County Council is an equal opportunities employer. 6