InformationBooklet

Open Competition for Appointment to Director of Corporate Services (equivalent to Senior Lecturer III)

ClosingDate:15:00 on 6 October 2017

Contact:Hazel Whelan

Recruitment Plus

20 Lr Kilmacud Road

Stillorgan

Co Dublin

Ph: +353 1 2788610

Email:

Status ofposition:Permanent Contract

Authority: Quality and Qualifications Ireland

Location: 26 – 27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2

TitleofPosition: Director of Corporate Services

Quality and Qualifications Ireland, 26 – 27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2. Tel. +353 1 9058100

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Job Specification

Requirements

PrincipalConditionsofService

Pay

Part II(Otherconditionswhichapplygenerallyto appointeesto thisposition)

Competition Process

HowtoApply

Selection Methods

Shortlisting

Confidentiality

SecurityClearance

Candidates'Obligations

Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003

About Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is a state agency established by theQualifications and Quality Assurance(Education and Training) Act 2012 with a board appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills and a staff of approximately 77 people.

Qualifications, Standards, Awards, Recognition

  • In the area of qualifications, we are responsible for maintaining the ten-level NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications).
  • We are also an awarding body and set and review standards for awards we make in the NFQ.
  • Wealso provide advice on recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland and on the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad.
  • As a new function of QQI, we will publish a directory of providers and awards in the NFQ.

Quality Assurance

  • In the area of quality assurance, we are responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of quality assurance in further and higher education and trainingproviders in Ireland. This includes the universities, institutes of technology, Education and Training Boards and providers in the private further and higher education and training sectors (availing of QQI awards).
  • Wevalidate education and training programmes and make extensive awards in the further education and training sector including in the Education and Training Boards.
  • We also make awards in higher education mainly to learners in private providers. The universities and institutes of technology largely make their own awards.

International Education Mark

Anothernew function of QQI will be to authorise the use of an International Education Mark (IEM) for providers.

This will be awarded to providers of education and training (including English language education) who have demonstrated compliance with a statutory code of practice in the provision of education and training to international students.

Job Specification

Job Environment

The Corporate ServicesDirectorate develops and implements leading-edge corporate affairs strategies designed to enhance organisational performance and effectiveness. It is responsible for the human resources, finance, IT, legal affairs, freedom of information, corporate governance, and general facilities management functions of the organisation.

Job Purpose

The Director of Corporate Services is key to ensuring QQI achieves its business objectives internally and externally, building the organisation’s impact and reputation and ensuring its future success. The post holder will head up QQI’s corporate functions and will manage strategic business processes, including business planning, governance and performance management. This role reports to the Chief Executive, sits on QQI’s Executive Management Team and is the Company Secretary.

The basic purpose of the post is to provide leadership and direction for QQI in the areas of corporate strategy and planning and reporting, corporate governance, human resource management, finance management, legal affairs and in the exploitation of information technology. The post holder will have an important role in the overall management of these functions within the corporate services directorate. He/she will ensure that the directorate supports other areas of QQI in undertaking relevant actions to improve efficiency and effectiveness and to achieve the mission and corporate goals of QQI. He/she will ensure that QQI is legally compliant and functions in accordance with public sector policy regulations.

The post holder will work in close collaboration with other members of the Executive Management Team in developing and implementing strategic plans and annual service plans. The post holder will also ensure that QQI operates in accordance with modern management thinking and practices, by keeping abreast of developments in the world of management.

Key Accountabilities

  • Corporate Governance and Relationships with the QQI Board
  • Maintaining a sound, overarching corporate governance and risk management strategy for the organisation to ensure the highest level of accountability in the organisation’s decision-making processes
  • Procuring and managing relationships with providers of organisation's professional services (e.g. legal, audit, financial)
  • Keeping under review all corporate governance arrangements that might affect the organisation and ensure that the Board is fully briefed on these matters and the implications
  • Ensure that the organisation is compliant with data protection, freedom of information, employment and other relevant legislation
  • Secretary to the Board and the Board Audit and Risk Committee
  • Provision of information and advice to the QQI Board, Executive Management Team and staff on all matters concerning corporate governance, e.g., Government policy, legal and financial obligations governing QQI’s activities, including declarations of interests and the procurement of external legal advice where necessary
  • Corporate Planning and Strategy
  • Developing an appropriate planning system for QQI to support the achievement of its corporate goals. Work with the CEO to manage the business planning process, facilitating the development and implementation of integrated work programmes for the organisation
  • Managing the annual Management Framework Agreement (MFA) with the Department of Education and Skills
  • Overseeing the production of the statutory Annual Report
  • Identifying and managing risks in relation to the corporate functions
  • Producing annual work plans for the Corporate Services division and oversee the management of the annual budgeting process
  • Working with other members of the Executive Management Team to ensure the implementation of operational and strategic plans
  • Implementing and overseeing change management initiatives
  • Developing and implementing initiatives to improve overall management and operational efficiency and effectiveness
  • The Finance function – Advising on and implementing policies in the following main areas:
  • Annual budget negotiations with Department of Education and Skills
  • Finance reports to the Board on expenditure/income against budget
  • Annual financial report and accounts for Board, for annual report of QQI, and for audit by Comptroller and Auditor General
  • Development of modern financial approaches, e.g., management accounts and financial systems
  • Maintenance of proper books of account
  • Control and monitoring of ongoing income and expenditure across the different areas of QQI
  • Management of the payroll function
  • Procurement management
  • Provision of advice to line management and staff
  • The Human Resources function - Advising on and implementing policies in the following main areas:
  • Performance management
  • Salary, staff benefits and superannuation issues
  • Workforce planning
  • Development of employee skills/competencies to address future needs of the organisation
  • Talent management, recruitment and retention and staff deployment
  • Leadership training and development
  • Staff engagement and communications
  • The Information Technology (IT) function

Overseeing the development of IT strategy and programme, planning and advising on and implementing policies in the following main areas:

  • Provision of ongoing service to ensure efficient operation and development of QQI’s information technology systems and capability
  • Procurement, monitoring and project management of IT services
  • Development and maintenance of appropriate systems to meet specific QQI internal and external requirements
  • Provision of a fully effective IT service as an integral part of the core business of QQI, including database development and support for web-based services and facilities
  • Provision of advice to line management and staff on IT matters
  • Line management
  • Lead, develop and motivate assigned staff
  • Implement Performance Management Development Systems (PMDS) for direct reports
  • Other responsibilities include overseeing the following functions:
  • Freedom of Information and Data Protection
  • Health, Safety and Welfare
  • Office Accommodation and security
  • Organisational risk register
  • Servicing the statutory Appeals Panel
  • Carry out other such duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Knowledge and Experience

The role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to be hands-on and highly results-orientated, with proven leadership and successful management experience, able to manage complex projects and high-level stakeholder relationships.

  • Appropriate academic and/or professional qualifications related to the principal job accountabilities
  • An excellent track record, of at least five years, at senior management level, in a position(s) with a similar range of responsibilities to the job
  • Proven managerial capabilities, particularly in leading and motivating staff and in achieving results
  • A strong strategic vision with a demonstrable ability to work with others in implementing successful strategic and other change initiatives
  • A focused approach and an ability to identify the key priority areas where the corporate services area can make the maximum contribution to the operation and future development of QQI
  • An appreciation and understanding of the role of QQI, of its relationships with central Government, and of its legislative framework
  • Must be computer literate. The standard business software in QQI is Microsoft Windows 10 and Office 365

Required Competencies

  • Leadership and strategic direction
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Management and delivery of results
  • Building relationships and communication
  • Specialist knowledge, expertise and self-development
  • Drive and commitment to Public Service values

Further information on the work of Quality and Qualifications Ireland is available at

PrincipalConditionsofService

Part 1(Conditionswhich particularlyapplytothisposition)

Pay

Thesalaryscalefor this positionisasfollows:

€79,733, €82,412,€85,092,€87,773,€90,453, €93,132, €96,014,€98,716, €101,579

Incrementsmaybeawardedsubjecttosatisfactoryserviceandtochangesinthetermsand conditions relatingtosalaryincrementsintheCivil/Public Servicegenerally.

Therateofremunerationmaybeadjustedfrom timeto timeinlinewith Governmentpaypolicy.

Salary:Theappointmentwill bemadeonthesalaryscale atapointinlinewithcurrent GovernmentPayPolicy.NewEntrantstotheCivilor Public Sector,as definedinCircular 18/2010, willcommenceonthefirst point ofthesalaryscale.Differentpay andconditionsmayapplyif, immediatelyprior to appointment,theappointeeis aservingcivilorpublic servant.

AnnualLeave:AnnualLeavewillbe30workingdays. This leaveis exclusiveofpublicholidays.

HoursofAttendance:Workinghourswillbeinaccordancewiththestandard arrangements inQQIandwill equate tonoless than 37hours(netofrestbreaks) per week.

Noadditionalpaymentwillbemadeforextraattendanceastherateofremunerationpayable covers anyexceptionalextra attendanceliabilitythatmayarisefromtimeto time.

Location:This positionis currentlybasedat26 – 27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2.

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Part II(Otherconditionswhichapplygenerallyto appointeesto thisposition)

1.Tenure: Thepositionwillbeappointedonapermanent basisinQQI.

Theappointee mustserveaprobationary period, whichnormallywilllastfortwelvemonths. Shouldthe appointee’sservicesbesatisfactory asregardshealth,conductandefficiency generally duringtheprobationary period,theappointee, oncompletionoftheperiodwillbe finally appointed. Ifthe appointee’sservicesbe unsatisfactory,the appointment may be terminated atanytimeduringtheperiod of probation.

2.Duties: Theappointeewillbeexpectedtoperformallacts,dutiesandobligationsas appropriatetothis position(which mayberevisedfrom timeto time).

3.OutsideEmployment:Thepositioniswhole-timeandtheappointeemustavoidinvolvement inoutsideemployment/businessinterestsinconflictorinpotentialconflictwiththebusinessof QQI.Clarificationmust besoughtfrommanagement where anydoubt arises.

4.SickLeave:Sickleavewithfullpaymaybeallowedatthediscretion ofQuality and Qualifications Irelandinaccordancewithestablishedproceduresandconditions for thepublicservice generally.

5.RetirementandSuperannuation:Theappointeewillbeofferedpublicservicepensionterms andretirementageconditionsinaccordancewithpensionarrangementsinQQIdepending onthestatusofthesuccessful appointee:

a) Ingeneral,anindividualwhohas nopriorpensionablePublicServicehistory inthe 26weeks priortoappointmentwillbea memberoftheSinglePublic ServicePensionScheme(Single Scheme)whichcommencedfrom1January 2013(Section 10ofthePublicServicePensions (SingleSchemeand Other Provisions) Act2012refers);

b) Anindividualwhoisonsecondmentwillremainamemberoftheparentorganisation’spension scheme andthepensionableremunerationwillbebased on his/her substantivegradei.e.the grade atwhichtheindividual is employedinhis/her parentorganisation;

c)Anindividualwhowasa memberofa“pre-existingpublicservicepensionscheme” as construedbythePublicServicePensions(SingleSchemeandOtherProvisions)Act2012and whodoesnotqualify formembershipoftheSingleSchemewillbeamemberoftheQQI’s Staff SuperannuationSchemeandAssociated SpousesandChildren’s Scheme;

d) Atthetimeofbeingofferedanappointment, QQIinconsultationwiththeDepartment of EducationandSkills andtheDepartmentofPublic ExpenditureandReformif necessary,will,in thelightoftheappointee’s previousPublicService(and/or other) employmenthistory, determinethe appropriatepensionterms andconditions toapply for thedurationofthe appointment.Appointeeswillberequiredtodisclosetheirfullpublic servicehistory.Detailsof the appropriatesuperannuation provisionswill be provided upon determination ofappointee’s status;

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e) InaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheSuperannuation(MiscellaneousProvisions)Act,2004 staffmaynotretirebeforetheir65thbirthdayunlessitisongroundsofill-health.Different retirement arrangementsapply tostaffemployedinthe publicservicepriortothe aforementioned2004Act;

f)Thefollowingpoints shouldbenoted:

PensionAccrual:A40-yearlimitontotalservicethatcanbecountedtowardspension where aperson hasbeena memberofmorethanoneexisting publicservicepensionscheme will apply.This40-year limit,whichis providedforinthePublic ServicePensions (SingleScheme andotherProvisions)Act2012cameintoeffecton 28July 2012.Thismay haveimplications for anyappointeewhohas acquiredpensionrightsina previouspublic service employment.

PensionAbatement:ThePublicServicePensions(SingleSchemeandOtherProvisions)Act2012 extended pensionabatementsothataretiree’s publicservicepensionis liableto abatementonre-enteringpublic serviceemployment,evenwherethe newemploymentisina differentareaofthepublicservice.However,iftheappointeewaspreviously employedinthe CivilServiceandawardeda pensionunder voluntary earlyretirementarrangements(other thantheIncentivisedSchemeofEarly Retirement(ISER) ortheHealthServiceExecutive VER/VRSwhich, as outlined below,renderapersonineligible forthecompetition)the entitlementtopaymentofthatpensionwillceasewitheffect fromthedateofreappointment. Special arrangementswill,however,bemadeforthereckoning ofpreviousservicegivenby theappointeeforthepurposeofanyfuturesuperannuationawardforwhichtheappointeemay be eligible.

DepartmentofEducationandSkillsEarlyRetirementSchemeforTeachersCircular102/2007:TheDepartmentofEducation andSkillsintroducedanEarly RetirementScheme forTeachers.ItisaconditionoftheEarly RetirementSchemethatwiththeexceptionofthe situationssetoutinparagraphs10.2and 10.3oftherelevant circular,andwiththose exceptionsonly,ifateacheraccepts early retirementunderStrands1,2or3ofthisscheme andissubsequently employedin any capacity inany areaofthepublicsector, payment of pensiontothatpersonunderthescheme willimmediatelycease.Pensionpaymentswill, however,beresumed onthe cesser ofsuchemployment orontheperson’s 60thbirthday, whicheveristhelater, butonresumption,thepensionwillbebasedontheperson’s actual reckonableservice asateacher (i.e.theaddedyearspreviouslygrantedwill notbetakeninto accountinthecalculationofthepensionpayment).

Ill-HealthRetirement:PleasenotethatwhereanindividualhasretiredfromaCivil/Public Servicebodyonthegroundsofill-healthhis/herpensionfromthatemploymentmaybesubject toreviewinaccordancewiththerulesofill-healthretirementwithinthepensionschemeofthat employment.

6.PensionRelatedDeduction:This appointmentis subjectto thepension-relateddeductionin accordancewiththeFinancialEmergencyMeasuresinthePublicInterestAct2009.Forfurther informationinrelation topublicservicesuperannuationissues pleaseseethe following website:

7.Eligibilitytocompete:Candidatesshouldnotethateligibilitytocompeteisopentocitizens oftheEuropeanEconomic Area(EEA).TheEEAconsistsoftheMemberStatesofthe EuropeanUnionalong with Iceland,LiechtensteinandNorway.

8.Incentivised Schemefor EarlyRetirement(ISER):Itis acondition oftheIncentivised

Schemefor EarlyRetirement(ISER)as setoutinDepartmentofFinanceCircular 12/09thatretirees,underthatScheme,are debarredfromapplyingfor anotherpositionin thesame employmentor thesamesector.Therefore,suchretireesmaynotapplyfor thisposition.

9.DepartmentofHealthandChildrenCircular(7/2010):TheDepartmentofHealthCircular7/2010 dated1November 2010introducedaTargetedVoluntary Early Retirement(VER) SchemeandVoluntaryRedundancySchemes(VRS).ItisaconditionoftheVERschemethat personsavailingoftheschemewillnotbeeligibleforre-employmentinthepublichealthsector orinthewider publicserviceorinabody wholly or mainly fundedfrompublicmoneys.The same prohibitiononre-employment appliesunder theVRS, exceptthatthe prohibitionis fora periodof7years,after whichtimeany re-employmentwillrequirethe approval oftheMinister forPublicExpenditureandReform. Peoplewhoavailedofeitheroftheseschemesarenot eligible tocompetein this competition.

10.CollectiveAgreement:RedundancyPaymentsto PublicServants

TheDepartmentofPublic ExpenditureandReformletter dated28thJune2012toPersonnel Officers introduced,witheffectfrom 1stJune 2012,aCollective Agreementwhichhadbeen reachedbetweentheDepartmentofPublic ExpenditureandReformandthePublic Services Committeeofthe ICTU inrelation toex-gratiaRedundancyPayments toPublic Servants. Itis acondition oftheCollective Agreementthatpersons availing oftheagreementwill not be eligiblefor re-employmentinthepublic service byanypublic service body(as defined bythe Financial EmergencyMeasures inthePublic InterestActs2009–2011)for aperiod of2 years from termination oftheemployment.Thereafter theconsentoftheMinisterfor Public ExpenditureandReformwill berequired prior tore-employment.Peoplewho availed ofthis schemeandwhomaybesuccessful inthis competitionwill have to prove theireligibility (expiryofperiod ofnon-eligibility) andtheMinister’s consentwill have tobesecured prior toemploymentbyanypublic service body.

11.Declaration ofprevious publicservice employmenthistory:

Applicantswillberequiredtodeclare whether they havepreviously availedofa publicservice schemeofincentivisedearly retirementand/orthecollectiveagreement outlinedabove. ApplicantswillalsoberequiredtodeclareanyentitlementstoaPublicServicepensionbenefit (inpaymentorpreserved) from any otherPublicServiceemploymentand/orwherethey have receivedapayment-in-lieuinrespect ofserviceinanyPublic Service employment.

Competition Process

HowtoApply

Applications should be made by sending a current CV and cover letter, including a supporting statement as outlined below outlining suitability for the post by email to Hazel Whelan, Recruitment Plus, Email no later than 15:00 on 6 October 2017. Alternatively,applicationscanbesentbypostto Hazel Whelan, Ref QQI, Recruitment Plus, 20 Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin

Supporting Statement: In a supporting statement please outline the reasons you are applying for this post. Please refer to the competencies set out in the "required competencies" section and outline how you specifically meet each of the competencies by providing at least one example for each.

Applicantswillberequiredtoprovideadeclarationasoutlinedinparagraph 11.

Applications will not beaccepted after theclosingdate.

Selection Methods

Theselection may includeshortlistingofcandidatesonthe basisoftheinformationcontainedin theirapplication

 interview

 satisfactoryreferences(refereeswill notbecontactedwithoutthecandidate’s prior agreement

Quality and Qualification Irelandreserves therighttorequirecandidates toattendasecondinterview.

Shortlisting

Normallythenumberofapplicationsreceivedforapositionexceedsthatrequiredtofillexistingand futurevacanciestotheposition. Whileacandidatemaymeettheeligibilityrequirementsofthe competition,ifthe numbers applyingfortheposition aresuchthatitwould not be practicalto intervieweveryone,QQI maydecidethatanumberonlywillbecalledtointerview. Inthis respect,QQIwill providefortheemploymentofashort-listingprocesstoselectagroupforinterview who,basedonanexaminationoftheapplicationforms,appeartobethemostsuitableforthe position.Anexpertboardwillexaminetheapplicationformsagainstpre-determinedcriteriabased ontherequirementsoftheposition.Thisis nottosuggestthatothercandidatesarenecessarily unsuitable orincapableofundertakingthejob,ratherthatthere are somecandidates,whobased ontheir application, appeartobe betterqualifiedand/orhavemorerelevantexperience.Itis thereforeinyourowninteresttoprovideadetailedandaccurateaccountofyourqualifications/ experienceinyour application.

Confidentiality

Subject tothe provisionsofthe Freedom ofInformationAct, 1997 asamended,applicationswill be treatedinstrictconfidence.

SecurityClearance

Policevetting may besoughtinrespect ofindividualswhocome underconsiderationfor appointment.TheapplicantwillberequiredtocompleteandreturnaGardaVettingformshouldthey come underconsideration for appointment. Thisformwill beforwardedtoAnGardaSíochána for securitychecksonallIrishandNorthernIrishaddressesatwhichtheyresided.Ifunsuccessfulthis information willbe destroyedbyQQI.Iftheapplicantsubsequentlycomesunderconsideration for another position,theywill berequired tosupplythis informationagain.

Other importantinformation

QQI will notberesponsiblefor refundinganyexpenses incurred bycandidates.

Theadmissionofapersontoacampaign,orinvitationtoattendan interview,isnottobetakenas implyingthatQQIare satisfiedthatsuchpersonfulfils therequirements ofthecompetition or is notdisqualifiedbylawfromholdingthepositionanddoesnotcarryaguaranteethatyourapplication willreceivefurtherconsideration. Itisimportant,therefore,foryoutonotethattheonusisonyou toensurethatyoumeettheeligibilityrequirementsforthecompetitionbeforeattendingforinterview. Ifyoudo not meettheseessential entry requirements but neverthelessattend forinterview youwill beputtingyourselftounnecessaryexpense.

Priortorecommending any candidateforappointmenttothispositionQQIwillmake allsuch enquiriesthataredeemednecessarytodeterminethesuitability ofthatcandidate.Untilall stages oftherecruitmentprocesshavebeenfullycompletedafinaldeterminationcannotbemadenorcan it bedeemed or inferred thatsuchadeterminationhasbeenmade.

Shouldthe personrecommendedforappointmentdecline, or havingacceptedit,relinquishit orif anadditional vacancyarises QQImay, atits discretion,select andrecommendanother person for appointmentontheresults ofthis selection process

Candidates'Obligations

Candidatesshouldnotethatcanvassingwilldisqualifyandwillresultintheirexclusionfromthe process.

Candidatemustnot:

 knowinglyor recklessly providefalseinformation

 canvass anypersonwith or withoutinducements

 interfere with or compromisetheprocessinany way

A thirdpartymustnotpersonateacandidateatanystageoftheprocess.

Any personwhocontravenestheaboveprovisionsorwhoassistsanother personincontravening the above provisionsisguilty ofanoffence. Apersonwhois foundguilty ofanoffenceis liableto afine/or imprisonment.

Inaddition,whereapersonfoundguiltyofanoffencewasorisacandidateatarecruitmentprocess, then:

  • where he/shehas notbeen appointedtoapost, he/shewill be disqualified asacandidate;and
  • where he/shehas been appointedsubsequentlyto therecruitmentprocess inquestion,he/she shallforfeitthatappointment.

Deeming of candidatureto bewithdrawn

Candidateswhodonotattendforinterview orothertestwhenandwhererequiredby QQI,or whodonot,whenrequested,furnishsuchevidenceasQQI requiresinregardtoany matter relevanttotheircandidature,will have nofurther claimtoconsideration.

Quality Customer Service

Weaim toprovideanexcellentqualityservicetoall our customers.If,for whatever reason,you are unhappywithanyaspectoftheserviceyoureceivefromus,weurgeyoutobringthistotheattention ofthe unit orstaff memberconcerned.This isimportant asit ensuresthatweare awareofthe problemandcantaketheappropriatestepstoresolveit.

Feedback will be providedonwrittenrequest.

Data ProtectionActs, 1988 and 2003

Whenyourapplicationformisreceived,wecreatearecordinyourname,whichcontainsmuch of thepersonalinformationyouhavesupplied.Thispersonalrecordisusedsolelyinprocessingyour candidature andshouldyoubesuccessfulcertaininformationyouprovidewillbeheldby QQI. SuchinformationheldissubjecttotherightsandobligationssetoutintheDataProtectionActs,19882003.Tomakearequestunder theData Protection Acts19882003,pleasesubmit your requestinwritingto: Facilities, QQI, 26 – 27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2,ensuringthatyoudescribetherecordsyouseekinthegreatestpossible detailtoenableustoidentifytherelevantrecord.Afeeof€6.35shouldaccompanyyourrequest. Paymentshouldbemadebywayofbankdraft,moneyorder,orpersonal cheque,made payableto ‘QQI’.

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