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. At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others. SOLAS is seeking to recruit an Application Support and Test Analyst within the ICT & Digital Team. In this role the successful candidates will be primarily responsible for Application Support, Test Planning, Execution and Reporting on software applications. In your role as a Support & Test Analyst, you will be primarily responsible for application support and test planning, execution and reporting on software applications. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with an inhouse software development team on key custom-built applications. The suitable candidate will have enthusiasm for web technologies, an aptitude for problem solving and a can-do attitude. Key Tasks and Responsibilities: Use SQL to query databases to select, analyse and update data. Please note that intermediate SQL skills and database knowledge are essential requirements for this role. Please refer specifically to your experience with using SQL in your application. Support end users on a custom web-based system by responding to and resolving support tickets. Trouble shooting and resolving issues for end users. Support for online applications and websites. Liaise with development team on incidents and recommend fixes to common requests. Test planning, co-ordination, and execution for various ongoing projects. Providing support for project rollout and implementations. Status reporting to the ICT & Digital Team and/or stakeholders in relation to an agreed plan. Keep abreast of trends and developments in the ICT and Digital industry. Collaborate with other staff within the ICT & Digital unit. Represent SOLAS on committees or at meetings. Other duties may be prescribed from time to time. Requirements Essential: Intermediate SQL skills and database knowledge (must have). Relevant qualifications in information technology or working towards same. Minimum 4 years relevant experience including support/testing of IT applications. Understanding of software development lifecycle. Excellent client-facing and communication skills. Good interpersonal skills, enjoys working as part of a team. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. A strong technical aptitude with ability to learn new technologies quickly. Enthusiastic & committed individual who wishes to progress within the organisation. Good Data Analytical & Problem-solving skills. Be flexible and adaptable in their approach to work, embrace change and adapt to work practices accordingly. Be efficient and effective at working and be self-organising. Work well in fluid/evolving environment. Desirable NFQ/QQI Level 7/8 standard of education in ICT. Coding knowledge & experience. Experience working with test automation and test automation tools. Project Management skills. Experience in deadline driven environment. Knowledge of SOLAS and its services. Evidence of self-development. This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €45,203 to €71,810 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. 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 number532by 12pm Thursday, 28 November 2024 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). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. 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. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Skills: SQL Database IT applications testing communication skills. Teamwork Problem Solving Flexible Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme CycleToWork Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives Travel Pass Scheme