Manager - Adult Literary for Life

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. Literacy touches every aspect of our lives and has a great influence on our well-being. It is more than reading and writing. Its being able to understand, use and act on information. It involves listening, speaking and using everyday technology to communicate and handle information. Literacy allows us to fully engage in society and be active citizens. It provides us with opportunities and is essential to developing an equal society. Literacy is a human right. In Ireland, more than 500,000 people have unmet literacy needs. Even more have unmet numeracy and digital literacy needs. This means they may be unable to fill in a form, vote, read instructions on medicines, add up a bill, help kids with homework or search the web for information. Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) is Irelands 10-year literacy, numeracy and digital literacy Strategy that aims to: ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential; and support organisations and services to be literacy friendly and fully accessible to adults with unmet needs. SOLAS is seeking to appoint a Manager on a 3 year fixed term contract for the National Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme Office. Reporting to the Director, the Manager will play a major role in the delivery of the ALL Strategy. A key leadership role within the National Programme Office, the successful candidate will be expected to operate and communicate at a strategic level, bringing insights and considered actions that will inspire, support and motivate colleagues. The Manager will lead the full range of National Programme Office activity and oversee implementation, impact measurement and reporting. Key Task/Responsibilities The ALL Strategy National Programme Office Manager will have leadership accountability and management responsibilities for the following: Support the Director in engaging with key stakeholders, building and maintaining effective strategic partnerships to deliver the ALL Strategy. Work closely with the Director and National Programme Office colleagues to devise and implement annual workplans, monitor delivery, producing quarterly progress reports for SOLAS, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills and the ALL Strategy Cross Government Oversight Group. Oversee and coordinate National Programme Office activities, including annual workplans, Regional Literacy Coordinator activity and action plans. Lead, inspire and manage a high-performing team via direct line and dotted line management, motivating and empowering colleagues to lead and perform to the best of their ability, whilst being responsible for the performance management process for the team. Lead the National Literacy Coalition, supporting members and thematic networks and working groups in implementing the ALL Strategy. Support the network of 16 Regional Literacy Coordinators by ensuring collaborative peer working and professional development opportunities are available, and that regular information and guidance is issued to support their work. Make efficient and effective use of all resources in planning, organising, executing, and monitoring the Offices activities. Establish and maintain positive and proactive communication and liaison structures within SOLAS. Deputise for the Director as required from time to time. Any other duties which may be specified from time to time. Requirements: Essential At least 5 years of experience and accomplishment managing key aspects of an organisations programme and strategic activities at a senior manager level. A third-level degree (NFQ Level 8) or post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline for the role, or exceptional relevant leadership and/or management work experience. Experience of leading and managing a team and working collaboratively across an organisation. Experience of advising and working closely with people in the senior leadership of an organisation. Experience of contributing to and implementing strategic initiatives or developments. A track record of managing, developing, or enhancing processes and systems to support success and efficiencies. Experience of creating, developing, and managing key external strategic relationships and/or partnerships. Demonstrable experience of effectively managing several works streams and a range of projects in tandem. Strong working knowledge of key sectoral policies, best practice, and strategies. Highly IT literate (including MS Office) with strong grasp of CRM systems. Excellent interpersonal, networking and influencing skills with the ability to effectively connect with a diverse range of people and organisations. A natural capacity to manage a busy and varied role, combined with a high level of proficiency in planning and organisational skills. Positive, thorough and a practical, solution-focused approach to problems and challenges seeking to add value across the organisation. Ambitious with a desire to work to a high standard and a clear appetite to stay up to date with relevant best practice guidelines and latest regulations. Self-starter attributes possessing the necessary drive and resilience. Exemplary public service values including the highest standard of professional integrity and operating with probity. This is a 3 year fixed term position for which the salary scale ranges from€79,021 to €103,398 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 number545, by 12pm Tuesday, 29 October2024. 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: Strategic Leadership Manage a team Strategic Management Strong IT Skills Interpersonal Skills Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme TravelPass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives