Job title: Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training
Employer: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Location: Dublin
Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 6th March 2025
Salary: Starting at €163,209
About the Employer:
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) was established by Government in 2020 to drive an ambitious reform agenda and make a lasting contribution to Ireland’s economic and social progress. The Department is responsible for policy, funding and governance of the higher and further education and research sectors and for the oversight of the work of the State agencies and public institutions operating in those areas.
About the Role:
The person appointed to this role is expected to work collaboratively at Management Board and with the Senior Management Team to drive the delivery of the Department’s strategic goals and objectives. The Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education Training in DFHERIS exercises a wide and broad mandate and set of responsibilities in relation to policy, funding and governance and performance of the Further and Education and Training system, Ireland’s Apprenticeship System and the National Skills System working closely with SOLAS and Skillnet Ireland as well as the 16 Education and Training Boards co-ordinated through the work of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI).
Effective performance of the role requires very substantial joint working, collaboration and engagement as well as governance oversight of SOLAS and Skillnet Ireland. It also encompasses substantial cross-Governmental working, in particular with DETE, DSP and DECC.
About You:
The successful candidate will have:
1. A proven record of accomplishment as a leader and senior manager, leading teams in a large complex organisation;
2. Knowledge of and understanding of the challenges facing the national skills system, the workforce, and the economy;
3. Excellent communication skills and a proven track record in effective interpersonal skills, managing relationships, providing developmental leadership and managing for results;
4. An understanding, or the ability to acquire an understanding, of the Department’s range of responsibilities at national and/or international level as required;
5. The ability to exercise sound judgement on complex inter-linked issues across a range of policy areas, and a measured approach to the benefits and implications of different approaches;
6. Demonstrated at senior level the capacity to network, influence and negotiate effectively and the ability to deal effectively with a range of state and/or international stakeholders;
7. A proven capacity to provide sound advice to Ministers, steering a strategic direction, and understanding how the responsibilities under their remit impact the wider public policy and political context;
8. The capacity to negotiate and deliver on matters of national strategic importance and public policy and relate effectively to the political process and environment in driving Government priorities in legislation and policy;
9. Proven capacity in developing and presenting major policy options, securing political agreement to them and taking them forward.
Ideally, applicants will meet at least two of the following criteria at a senior level:
1. Experience in more than one organisation;
2. International experience (e.g. working abroad or significant engagement with international organisations and processes);
3. Experience outside the Civil Service;
4. A variety of experience (e.g. policy, strategic planning and operational).
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 6th March, 2025.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
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