Job Description
SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers.
It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.
Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy , the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy and others.
It is more than reading and writing.
Its being able to understand, use and act on information.
It involves listening, speaking and using everyday technology to communicate and handle information.
Literacy allows us to fully engage in society and be active citizens.
It provides us with opportunities and is essential to developing an equal society.
Literacy is a human right.
In Ireland, more than 500,000 people have unmet literacy needs.
Even more have unmet numeracy and digital literacy needs.
This means they may be unable to fill in a form, vote, read instructions on medicines, add up a bill, help kids with homework or search the web for information.
Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) is Irelands 10-year literacy, numeracy and digital literacy Strategy that aims to: ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential; and support organisations and services to be literacy friendly and fully accessible to adults with unmet needs.
SOLAS is seeking to appoint a Manager on a 3 year fixed term contract for the National Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme Office.
A key leadership role within the National Programme Office, the successful candidate will be expected to operate and communicate at a strategic level, bringing insights and considered actions that will inspire, support and motivate colleagues.
Key Task/Responsibilities The ALL Strategy National Programme Office Manager will have leadership accountability and management responsibilities for the following: Support the Director in engaging with key stakeholders, building and maintaining effective strategic partnerships to deliver the ALL Strategy.
Work closely with the Director and National Programme Office colleagues to devise and implement annual workplans, monitor delivery, producing quarterly progress reports for SOLAS, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills and the ALL Strategy Cross Government Oversight Group.
Lead, inspire and manage a high-performing team via direct line and dotted line management, motivating and empowering colleagues to lead and perform to the best of their ability, whilst being responsible for the performance management process for the team.
Support the network of 16 Regional Literacy Coordinators by ensuring collaborative peer working and professional development opportunities are available, and that regular information and guidance is issued to support their work.
Establish and maintain positive and proactive communication and liaison structures within SOLAS.
Deputise for the Director as required from time to time.
Any other duties which may be specified from time to time.
Requirements:
Essential At least 5 years of experience and accomplishment managing key aspects of an organisations programme and strategic activities at a senior manager level.
A third-level degree (NFQ Level 8) or post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline for the role, or exceptional relevant leadership and/or management work experience.
Experience of advising and working closely with people in the senior leadership of an organisation.
Experience of contributing to and implementing strategic initiatives or developments.
A track record of managing, developing, or enhancing processes and systems to support success and efficiencies.
Experience of creating, developing, and managing key external strategic relationships and/or partnerships.
Demonstrable experience of effectively managing several works streams and a range of projects in tandem.
Strong working knowledge of key sectoral policies, best practice, and strategies.
Highly IT literate (including MS Office) with strong grasp of CRM systems.
Excellent interpersonal, networking and influencing skills with the ability to effectively connect with a diverse range of people and organisations.
A natural capacity to manage a busy and varied role, combined with a high level of proficiency in planning and organisational skills.
Ambitious with a desire to work to a high standard and a clear appetite to stay up to date with relevant best practice guidelines and latest regulations.
Exemplary public service values including the highest standard of professional integrity and operating with probity.
This is a 3 year fixed term position for which the salary scale ranges from€79,021 to €103,398 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week.
Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.
SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.
Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number545, by 12pm Tuesday, 29 October2024.
A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1).
Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Skills:
Strategic Leadership Manage a team Strategic Management Strong IT
Skills Interpersonal Skills Benefits:
Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme Travel Pass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives