JOB DESCRIPTION

Standards Officer

Higher Executive Officer (HEO) - Permanent

National Disability Authority

The National Disability Authority is the independent statutory body that advises and informs the Government and public sector on disability matters; assists in the co-ordination of disability policy and promotes excellence in universal design to benefit the wider population.

The National Disability Authority’s statutory functions include:

  • To act as a central national body to assist the Minister in the co-ordination and development of disability policy
  • To undertake, commission or collaborate in research projects and activities and to assist in the development of statistical information for the planning, delivery and monitoring of disability programmes and services
  • To advise the Minister on standards for disability programmes and services, to prepare codes of practice and to monitor the implementation of standards and codes in this regard
  • To promote, through the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design, the principles of universal design in relation to products, services, Information Communications Technology, and the built environment.

Further information is available on the NDA’s website at

Job Description

In the first instance the post holder will fulfill the duties of Standards Officer within NDA but may be redeployed at Higher Executive Officerlevel as needs arise within the agency. As Standards Officer the post holder will be required to provide technical expertise in relation to the standardsand monitoring of programmes and services accessed by people with disabilities as well as the wider stakeholders relating to universal design that includes people with disabilities but also people of any age, size or ability, under the direction of the Head of Department [Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, Standards & Monitoring Dept (CEUDSM)].

For the successful implementation of this role, there are a number of key relationships to be fostered and developed. These will be with colleagues and personnel from a range of agencies, including the public and private sectors and representative organisations of people any age, size, ability or disability. A high degree of flexibility and creativity will be required. As a staff member, the holder of the post will be expected to actively contribute to and participate in the overall development of the NDA and to promote its policies at all times.

The person appointed will be part of the NDA’s CEUDSM Department and will report as agreed by the department Head. The position is full-time.

Standards Officer Duties and Responsibilities

The core duties and responsibilities will include the following:

  • Tocontribute to the reporting on the development and implementation of standards, guidelines and Codes of Practice as applicable covering services for people with disabilitiesas well as wider stakeholders such as people of any age, size, or ability from a universal design perspective
  • To contribute to the review and evaluate existing standards.
  • To participate in keeping abreast of and monitoring all developments pertaining to standards methodologies and standards relating to disability and universal design.
  • To provide advice and expertise both internally and externally on the development and implementation of standards and guidelines for programmes and services for people with a disability and in the area of universal design,
  • To support and work closely with NDA’s Research, Policy and Public Affairs staff in cross-functional and interdepartmental projects.
  • To undertake research and information gathering on standards generally for people with disabilities but also in the wider context of universal design.
  • To contribute to the research and policy analysis when necessary to underpin and provide evidence-based advice on standards, policy and practice
  • To liaise with external organisations as appropriate in information and data gathering.
  • To carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The Person

The following are considered essential to fulfil the role of Senior Standards Officer:

  • Primary degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent knowledge and experience of quality assurance, monitoring or development of standards and /or quality assurance systems
  • A minimum of five years’ work experience
  • A sound knowledge of standards
  • An aptitude for precision, attention to detail and commitment to quality results
  • Strong influencing skills with a track record of effective engagement with external stakeholders;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including experience of interacting effectively with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies
  • Drive, initiative and flexibility
  • Good judgement, decision-making, analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated project management experience, ability to work on multiple projects and adaptable to change
  • Evidence of an ability to work on own initiative complemented by a capacity to work well in staff teams
  • A high degree of computer literacy, including experience of databases, and knowledge and experience in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and possible graphic software

The following criteria are considered highly desirable for the post:

  • An understanding of the policy environment in Ireland;
  • Knowledge and experience of disability-related issues;

In applying for the post applicants are strongly advised to clearly demonstrate how they fulfil these criteria.

Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this Job Description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required.

Starting Salary:

The HEO scale commences at €46,081. The minimum point on the scale is the normal starting pay on appointment to the public service.

Revised pay with effect from 1st January 2016 for established officers appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits for General Service Grades:

Higher Executive Officer Scale – PPC

€46,081 - €7,458 - €48,831 - €50,204 - €51,581 - €52,955 - €54,329 - €56,3141 - €58,2942

Where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995, and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution, the following scale will apply:

€43,816 – €45,125 – €46,426 – €47,730 – €49,035 – €50,347 – €51,653 – €53,532¹ – €55,415²

1= after three years satisfactory service at the maximum.
2= after six years satisfactory service at the maximum.

The successful candidate must be available to take up the appointment within 4 weeks of being offered it.