SENIOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE (GRADE VII) 1. CHARACTER Candidates shall be of good character. PERMANENT POST QUALIFICATIONS 2. HEALTH Candidates shall be in a state of health such as, would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, ETC. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms must: (a) hold a professional qualification at degree level (level 7 NFQ) or above in Business / Entrepreneurship or equivalent. (b) have significant experience of working in or working with small and micro businesses and be familiar with the broad range of supports and agencies available to support local businesses. (c) be computer literate and have good verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable speaking in public. 4. DRIVING LICENCE The holder of the post shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.
BACKGROUND: The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. The LEOs are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and through which financial and other supports can be provided to the business community. The dissolution of the previous City and County Enterprise Boards and the transfer of their functions to Enterprise Ireland led to the formation of the 31 LEOs in 2014. The Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities and are a significant element in the enhanced role which local authorities now have in the whole area of economic development. The Local Enterprise Office Carlow was established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the business support unit of Carlow County Council & Carlow County Enterprise Board - and forms part of the Economic Development Directorate of Carlow County Council. Its offices are currently located in Enterprise House, O Brien Road, Carlow, but due to the nature of the work all roles involve the performance of duties at a variety of locations as required. The main functions of the office are the provision of: Business Information and Advisory Services Enterprise Support Services Entrepreneurship Support Service Local Enterprise Development Services / Economic Development The ideal candidate should: Have an excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community. Have excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management. Have significant experience in event management and/or delivery of projects. Be experienced in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective. Have experience in the management and utilisation of new communications technologies in particular digital marketing. Have a strong capability to multi task and work to deadlines. Be self motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic smallteam environment. Have a strong understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses and the role of the Local Enterprise Office, including knowledge of its supports, services and processes. Have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance.
Possess a strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates an understanding of the phases of business development including a demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret business proposals from various perspectives, e.g. finance, marketing, process/operations, etc.
SENIOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE (GRADE VII) PERMANENT POST PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The office is a whole-time, permanent and pensionable post. Note: The following 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 issued to the successful candidate. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties of the office shall be to give to the local authority under the direction and supervision of its appropriate officer such services of an executive, supervisory and advisory nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers and duties and shall include the duty of deputising for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be required in relation to the area of any other local authority. The Senior Enterprise Development Officer is a specialist role within the broad Economic Development function of Carlow County Council. The Senior Enterprise Development Officer will facilitate the delivery of a high standard quality system of co-ordinated and cohesive State support to the micro and small business sector. The successful candidate will be required to make a significant contribution to the implementation of a strategic plan to support enterprise, entrepreneurship and job creation at a local level. Success will be measured by the extent to which the LEO services as a First Stop Shop to provide services to start, grow, and develop micro and small business in the local area. The primary role of the Senior Enterprise Development Officers is to support the Head of LEO in the management of operations and in the achievement of the LEO s business goals. This support lies in operational management and the provision of Business Information and Advisory Services; Enterprise Support Services; Entrepreneurship Support Services and Local Enterprise Development Services. Specific responsibilities include:
Assisting the Head of LEO in: Creating and administrating the appropriate range of supports for SMEs Generating and maintaining an Enterprise culture in the LEO s geographical area Providing broad administrative support to the LEO management team Establishing and managing a central business information and advisory service Establishing and maintaining strategic alliances and close exchanges with other business support agencies and institutions Managing a range of public relations activities Acting as a point of contact for clients in delivering customer services Leading, coaching and developing the LEO team(s) to deliver a quality service in all assignments Conducting research and informational activities as required Evaluating and assessing funding applications made to and by the LEO Co-ordinating and monitoring external contracts placed by the LEO Supervision of the operational management of the LEO offices The Senior Enterprise Development Officer will also: Ensure the Head of LEO is fully informed of operational and performance activities and overall team progress Represent the Head of LEO at functions/client activity in their absence Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the LEO services may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the LEO and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team. KEY DELIVERABLES: The Senior Enterprise Development Officer will be an integral member of the Local Enterprise Office team, facilitating the establishment, development and growth of the small and micro enterprise sector and in helping to develop the local economy of County Carlow. The Senior Enterprise Development Officer will report directly to the Head of Enterprise. S/he will attend meetings of the Evaluation & Approvals Committee and the Strategic Policy Committee as required. Specific duties will include the following:- Provide business information and advice to small business promoters, and advise them upon business planning and management capability, as well as of the incentives and support services available to small and micro business; Evaluation and assessment of project proposals for financial assistance, including carrying out due diligence and ensuring that applications are up to the standard required; Preparation and presentation of reports to the Head of Enterprise, Evaluation & Approvals Committee, Strategic Policy Committee, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation as required;
Pivotal role in the financial management and budgeting of the Local Enterprise Office; Assist in attainment of the annual targets set in the Local Enterprise Development Plan, the economic elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan and the South East Action Plan for Jobs at local level in line with national government policy objectives and commitments on enterprise, entrepreneurship; Facilitate the delivery of all commitments between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authority and any Protocols with other Government Departments and State Agencies. Design and delivery of relevant training and management development programmes for owner-managers of micro-enterprises, to include the organising and overseeing of enterprise training courses, seminars and the LEO s mentoring and Specialist Support programmes; Input into promotional activities including the preparation of promotional material (e.g. press releases, brochures, newsletters, etc.); Proactively encourage owner-managers of small business and intending entrepreneurs to avail of supports provided by the LEO (as appropriate); Liaise with clients of the LEO and provide a range of aftercare services, in particular to small business operators receiving financial support from the LEO; Deputise for and carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Enterprise from time to time.
Probation: Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply: (a) (b) (c) (d) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation, such period shall be twelve months but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period, such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory. there will be assessments during the probationary period. Salary: The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay. Current Salary: 48,493-49,679-51,065-52,454-53,846-55,086-56,358-57,590-58,817-60,925 (LSI 1) and 63,042 (LSI 2). Work Base: Carlow County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work. Working Hours: The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-seven hours working week, hours may vary from time to time. The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities. The provisions of Carlow County Council s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.
Annual Leave: The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended). Sick Leave: The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail. Health: For the purpose satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. Residence: The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Carlow County Council. Safety & Welfare: The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Carlow County Council s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/She shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action. If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on his/her person at all times a valid SafePass card. Should he/she not hold a valid SafePass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card. Training: It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. Reference/Documentary Evidence: Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names and addresses of two responsible persons to whom he/she is well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a former/current employer. For each advertised vacancy the Council makes the eligibility criteria available and applicants shall have the responsiblity for providing relevant verification from the appropriate awarding authority or certifying body of the education qualifications deemed necessary for the post. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Carlow County Council is 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 the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting
yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position Carlow County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate. Garda Vetting: Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting and Child Protection Procedures in advance of appointment to the position. SUPERANNUATION: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable firsttime entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. In each pay period an amount equivalent to 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration PLUS 3% of pensionable remuneration will be deducted as the member s contribution under the Scheme. This includes a contribution to a Spouse s and Children s Scheme. Persons who commenced Public Sector Employment prior to 1 st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children). Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme. Retirement: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable. Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004: There is no mandatory retirement age for New Entrants from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age. Anyone who is not a New Entrant to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.
Travel: When required to do so, holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Carlow County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Carlow County Council s Travel and Subsistence Policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately. Taking Up Appointment: The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her. RECRUITMENT Shortlisting: Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to 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, Carlow County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Carlow County Council provide for the employment 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 based on the specific competencies identified in the job description. 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. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for this position. On occasion a shortlisting interview may take place. Competitive Interview: Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview. A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.