Candidate Information
The Teaching Council is an equal opportunities employer and all applications for employment will be considered based on merit. The Teaching Council welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of belief, gender, disability, race, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether or not they have dependants.
The Teaching Council is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Official Languages Act and welcomes candidates with competence in the Irish language, or an interest in developing same.
- E-mail: recruitment@teachingcouncil.ie
- Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 Y7X0
- For further information on the Teaching Council please visit www.teachingcouncil.ie
Background
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for teaching in Ireland. Its core aim is to promote and regulate the profession of teaching in Ireland. Currently, there are over 119,000 primary, post-primary, further education and student teachers registered with the Teaching Council.
The Teaching Council are currently seeking to appoint a Communications Officer at Executive Officer level.
Location
Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare (Blended working arrangements are available in accordance with the Teaching Council’s Blended Working Protocols).
Job type
24-month fixed term contract.
Job Description
Role and purpose
The Communications team is responsible for communicating the work of the Teaching Council to the public through our website, media releases, social media channels, stakeholder engagement, and other appropriate fora. The team also manages all media queries and parliamentary questions, delivers internal communications to ensure staff are fully informed on key Teaching Council activities, and provides strategic communications oversight for the Council.
The Communications Officer will be central to the delivery and execution of the Teaching Council’s communications strategy and will support the production of engaging and innovative digital content and measurement of strategic, effective digital promotions and communications.
The role will suit a creative digital communications professional, with excellent writing skills who is keen to work in a collaborative, busy and dynamic communications environment.
The communications team works with a third-party provider to provide design services. We also work with a third-party translating company to ensure we meet our obligations under the Official Languages Act.
Key Responsibilities
Appointed Executive Officers will report to a line manager, typically a Higher Executive Officer or Head of section to which they are assigned. In turn, Executive Officers may act as line manager for Clerical Officers in their section. The following outlines the type of work that the officers may be required to undertake:
- Support the Communications Manager to implement the Communications strategy
- Liaise with all sections on a regular basis to ensure communications are planned and scheduled appropriately
- Draft press releases and website notices
- Issue replies to parliamentary queries and queries from media
- Plan and organise stakeholder events
- Attend events on behalf of the Council to promote teaching as a career
- Ensure that the Council adheres to its obligations under the Official Languages Act
- Plan and promote key projects and updates, and drive engaged, relevant traffic through digital marketing and communications
- Identify opportunities for digital projects and development of content
- Continually monitor and develop the website to provide trusted, engaging, informative and accessible content which is up to date, and work with staff to develop content
- Closely manage, monitor and refine Search Engine Optimization to ensure the website is as effective as possible in reaching our target demographic
- Manage the social media content calendar and posting schedule
- Evaluate opportunities to run digital campaigns; set up, monitor and report on paid digital advertising
- Provide regular reports on all digital communications and media related activities
- Research relevant digital developments and trends from wider landscape, test technologies and formats, connect with communities of peers to stay up to date with best practice and strategic use of digital
- Ensure the Teaching Council brand identity guidelines are adhered to internally and externally while ensuring accessibility in all content across a range of devices
- Drafting and editing of communications for internal and external use, including online content, press releases, weekly internal communications update, correspondence, briefing documents, and other requests as they arise.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Excellent written and verbal communication with a high level of attention to detail
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in digital communications team
- Experience of supporting multiple teams with diverse goals
- Experience of using Word Press, Hootsuite and Canva
- Experience of analysing and reporting on data from Google Analytics and other analytical tools
- Have an excellent knowledge and understanding of digital analytics, goal setting and reporting
- Excellent knowledge of up-to-date digital best practice, and an innovative and creative approach to designing, delivering and publishing digital content
- Excellent organisational skills with a focus on outcomes and deadlines and a proven ability to manage a complex workload
- Ability to plan, execute and evaluate a communication campaign and support others with developing strategic digital activities
- Self-starter with initiative and drive, energy and enthusiasm, an ability to work independently, to think creatively and identify opportunities
- Ability to give honest and constructive feedback, advise clearly on best practice, and direct colleagues towards strategic digital activities
- Be dependable and have an adaptable attitude to work and receiving constructive feedback
Desirable:
- Fluency in the Irish language
- A qualification in Communications, Marketing or Digital Communications or similar at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications
- Experience of working in public sector
- Website content development and management
- Creation of visual content – graphics and/or video
- Experience of using Adobe photoshop (or similar) and in-design
Candidate assessment criteria
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the job description outlined above, evidence of meeting the requirements set out above and the competency framework for Executive Officer grade staff shown below.
Executive Officer Competencies
People management
- Consults and encourages the full engagement of the team, encouraging open and constructive discussions around work issues
- Gets the best out of individuals and the team, encouraging good performance and addressing any performance issues that may arise
- Values and supports the development of others and the team.
- Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working.
- Deals with tensions within the team in a constructive fashion
- Encourages, listens to and acts on feedback from the team to make improvements
- Actively shares information, knowledge and expertise to help the team to meet its objectives.
Analysis and decision making
- Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues
- Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which s/he works – procedures, divisional objectives etc.
- Identifies and understands key issues and trends
- Correctly extracts & interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations
- Draws accurate conclusions & makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence
Delivery of results
- Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion
- Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation
- Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery
- Accurately estimates time parameters for project, making contingencies to overcome obstacles
- Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place
- Maximises the input of own team in ensuring effective delivery of results
- Ensures proper service delivery procedures/protocols/reviews are in place and implemented
Interpersonal and Communication skills & Teamwork
- Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/ audience
- Actively listens to the views of others
- Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation
- Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome
- Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues
- Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing
Specialist knowledge, expertise and self development
- Displays high levels of skills/ expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues
- Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives, and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department/ Organisation and can communicate this to the team
- Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for self and the team
Drive and commitment to public service values
- Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level
- Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change
- Is resilient and perseveres to obtain objectives despite obstacles or setbacks
- Ensures that customer service is at the heart of own/teamwork Is personally honest and trustworthy
- Acts with integrity and encourages this in others
Competition Process
How to apply
Applications should be made by completing the application form. All sections of the form must be fully completed. Once you complete your application you must forward it to recruitment@teachingcouncil.ie
All application forms must be submitted in Microsoft Word format only.
Closing date
Your application must be submitted by email no later than 10 am Monday, 6 November 2023
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 5 working days of applying, please contact recruitment@teachingcouncil.ie .
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.
Candidates should make themselves available on the date(s) specified by the Teaching Council and should make sure that the contact details specified on the application form are correct.
Selection methods
The selection will include:
- Shortlisting of candidates based on the information contained in their application form.
- Competency Based Interview
Shortlisting
Normally, the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, the Teaching Council may decide that a number only will be called to interview.
In this respect, the Teaching Council provides for the use of a short-listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position. An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.
Appendix 1
Part 1 (Conditions which particularly apply to this position)
Pay
The scale of pay is as follows:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate
€34,562 €36,464 €37,538 €39,634 €41,513 €43,330 €45,141 €46,914 €48,705 €50,446 €52,264 €53,482 €55,219¹ €56,969²
This rate will apply where the appointee is a new recruit to the public service or is a civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is making a compulsory personal pension contribution. This rate will be adjusted in line with revised pay-scales published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
*LSI 1 is Long service Increment after 3 years on Max of scale.
*LSI 2 is Long service increment after 6 years on Max of scale.
The Non-Personal Pension Contribution (Non PPC) pay rate will apply where the successful candidate is current civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a compulsory personal pension contribution. This rate will be adjusted in line with revised pay-scales published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Important Note: Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Increments may be awarded subject to satisfactory performance and to changes in the terms and conditions relating to salary increments in the Civil/Public Service generally. In certain circumstances, different conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant. Please note that fixed period secondments from other Public Sector bodies may be considered.
Pension Abatement
If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.
Please note: In applying for this position, you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.
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.
Appendix 2
Part 2 (other conditions which apply generally to the officer to this position)
Probation
The appointee must serve a probationary period, which normally will last for six months. Should the appointee’s service be satisfactory as regards health, conduct, efficiency, and performance generally during the probationary period, the appointment will be confirmed.
Duties
The appointee will be required to perform any duties assigned from time to time as appropriate to the position.
Outside employment
The position is whole-time, and the appointee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business, which would interfere with the performance of official duties. Clarification must be sought from line management where any doubt arises.
Headquarters
The Teaching Council’s headquarters are located in Maynooth, Co. Kildare and this post will be based there. The Teaching Council has developed a blended working protocol in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisation. Employees may apply for blended working arrangement in accordance with organisational requirements.
Hours of attendance
Hours of attendance will be fixed and will amount to not less than 35 hours net of breaks per week. No additional payment will be made for extra attendance as the rate of remuneration payable covers any exceptional extra attendance liability that may arise from time to time. Flexi time is available.
Annual leave
The annual leave allowance will be 23 days per year, rising to 24 after five years’ service, 25 after ten years’ service, 26 after twelve years’ service and 27 after fourteen years’ service. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave and is on the basis of a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.
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 Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sick leave circulars.
Superannuation and retirement
The appointee will be offered public service pension terms and retirement age conditions in accordance with pension arrangement in the Teaching Council depending on the status of the successful appointee:
- In general, an individual who has no prior pensionable Public Service history in the 26 weeks prior to appointment or who is not currently on a career break or special leave with/without pay from a pensionable Public Service position will be a member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (Single Scheme) which commenced from 1 January 2013 –Section 10 of the Public Service Pension (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 refers.
- An individual who is on secondment will remain a member of the parent organisation’s pension scheme and the pensionable remuneration will be based on their substantive grade i.e., the grade at which the individual is employed in their parent organisation
- An individual who was a member of a ‘pre-existing public service pension scheme’ as construed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Pensions) Act 2012 and who does not qualify for membership of the Single Scheme will have standard public service pension terms reflecting new entrant or non-new entrant status for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004
Other information
The Teaching Council will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.
The admission of a person to a campaign, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that the Teaching Council are satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense.
Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the Teaching Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made.
Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or having accepted it, relinquish it or if an additional vacancy arises, the Teaching Council may, at its discretion, select and recommend another person for appointment on the results of this selection process.
Confidentiality
Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Security clearance
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 the National Vetting Bureau for security checks on all addresses at which they resided. If unsuccessful this information will be destroyed by the Teaching Council. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.
Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required by the Teaching Council, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as the Teaching Council require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.
Feedback regarding the process
Feedback will be provided on written request following the interview stage. Feedback is not provided at the shortlisting stage. Such a request should be made within 5 working days of being notified of the Council’s decision.
Review process
Should a candidate be unhappy with an action or decision in relation to their application for appointment, they may write to the recruitment@teachingcouncil.ie, setting out the basis on which they seek a review. This request must be made within 5 working days of receiving notification of the decision on their application. This review will be carried out internally by the Teaching Council.
Candidates’ obligations
Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process.
Candidates must not:
- Knowingly or recklessly provide false information,
- Canvass any person with or without inducements,
- Interfere with or compromise the process in any way.
A third party must not personate a candidate at any stage of the process. Any person who contravenes the above provisions or who assists another person in contravening the above provisions if found guilty of an offence. A person who is found guilty of an offence is liable to a fine/or imprisonment.
In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process, then:
- Where the candidate has not been appointed to a post, they will be disqualified as a candidate,
- Where the candidate has been appointed subsequently to the recruitment process in question, they shall forfeit that appointment.
Data Protection Act 2018
When your application form is received, we create a record in your name, which contains much of the personal information you have supplied. Such information held is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018. To make a request under the Data Protection Act 2018 or GDPR 2018, please submit your request in writing to dpo@teachingcouncil.ie
Please ensure that you describe the records you seek in the greatest possible detail to enable us to identify the relevant record. Certain items of information, not specific to any individual, are extracted from records for general statistical purpose.