555 Development Lead

The National Apprenticeship Office wishes to appoint Development Leads to coordinate and project manage development of the single integrated system of apprenticeships as set out in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. The persons appointed to this post will support implementation of two key deliverables in particular: establishing a coherent, representative, governance framework and structure for the national apprenticeship system (KD12) and transformation of the current approaches into a single integrated system (KD13). Driving delivery of the new single system, including migration of craft apprenticeships into the single system, will be a particular focus for the Development Lead. Following extensive engagement and consultation with stakeholders during 2023-2024 a high-level plan for the new system has been submitted to Government, with implementation due to get underway.

The Development Lead will:

1. Project manage development of key elements of the single integrated system of apprenticeships in line with the plan agreed with Government.
2. Work with key internal and external stakeholders to implement key components of the plan for the single integrated system.
3. Use effective project management tools and skills to deliver the project.
4. Monitor the progress of project implementation and modify as necessary to accommodate changing circumstances throughout the overall integrated plan project and sub projects.
5. Manage achievement of the overall project and subprojects with multiple internal and external stakeholders, monitoring progress and performance.
6. Ensure projects are planned and delivered within set timelines and budget.
7. Find solutions to project challenges as they arise.
8. Produce high-quality documents, reports and other written material to deliver on the work plan of the NAO.
9. Drive a positive, results-oriented work environment by building partnerships, modelling teamwork and communicating in an open, balanced and objective manner.
10. Coordinate meetings and other supporting events to advance implementation of project.
11. Engage with training providers, consortia representatives, apprentices, employers, social partners and others to gather broad-based, inclusive feedback on implementation.
12. Act as strong team members within the NAO and working with SOLAS, HEA and QQI colleagues.
13. Carry out any other duties deemed appropriate for the position by the Director of the National Apprenticeship Office.

Requirements:

1. At least 3 years relevant project management experience.
2. Relevant project management qualification(s).
3. Track record in working effectively with a broad base of project stakeholders.
4. Experience in effectively facilitating meetings both large and small, online and in-person, as well as gathering and reporting on feedback from meetings and other engagements.
5. Strong organisational skills, capable of providing strategic input to programme planning and implementation and making informed decisions.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to present information clearly, concisely, and confidently.
7. Excellent team player, who supports and collaborates with colleagues to achieve organisational goals.
8. Proven ability to work on own initiative and deliver assigned goals and tasks.

Key Competencies for the Role:

Leadership - Inspiring and energising self and others to achieve personal and organisational success. Articulates and gives a sense of purpose and direction to the unit; delegates appropriately.

1. Gives the unit a sense of purpose by linking their efforts and contributions to the NAO overall vision, strategy and goals.
2. Demonstrates a passion, high energy and accountability for achieving the desired future state.
3. Listens without prescribing answers to ensure people feel comfortable voicing their opinions.
4. Asks questions (rather than providing solutions) to help others make informed decisions.
5. Delegates full authority and gives latitude to the individuals/team to do the job in their own way.
6. Takes leadership responsibility for issues, inside and outside of his/her portfolio.
7. Uses realistic but positive language to inspire others and make them feel part of a highly successful team.

Communication - Exchanging information and ideas with others to promote effective discussion and decision making; promoting 2-way communication. Proactively and consistently communicates within the unit, across NAO/SOLAS and with other stakeholders.

1. Takes the initiative and makes consistent and regular two-way communication a priority in the unit.
2. Finds reasons to walk around to talk to people, being visible and available.
3. Prepares and delivers engaging and motivating presentations.
4. Considers other peoples’ opinions, adapting the message to demonstrate respect for the audience.
5. Considers internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication with all.

Results-focused and business-aware - Maintaining a focus on the important issues to achieve and improve results and awareness of and applying sound business principles and effective operational practices to drive successful outcomes. Keeps current, builds effective business cases and seeks opportunities to raise NAO performance to meet organisational goals.

1. Keeps abreast of NAO/SOLAS’s overall business and shares the information with his/her unit.
2. Considers decisions from a business perspective to ensure economic viability.
3. Uses financial information to evaluate options and opportunities.
4. Builds effective business cases, separating the main issues, highlighting benefits, providing realistic cost and time estimations etc.
5. Pushed self and others for high value results, not just activity.
6. Checks-in with individuals and asks them to do the same, holding people accountable for milestones and achieving results.

Developing self and others - Finding ways to keep skills current and maintain up-to-date knowledge of specific and broad-range topics; providing developmental opportunities to others and taking ownership for own learning and others. Takes an active role in guiding others in their developmental activities.

1. Makes time to discuss career aspirations with team members.
2. Identifies developmental opportunities for team members (e.g. cross-functional projects).
3. Acts as champion and sponsor for high performing team members.
4. Volunteers individuals for organisational projects even where the team is disadvantaged in the short-term.
5. Acts as a mentor to individuals at various levels within the NAO.

Learner and stakeholder focus - Maintaining learner/stakeholder focus, understanding their needs, providing realistic commitments and taking responsibility for delivering on those commitments. Juggles multiple resources to best meet the needs of students or clients.

1. Continuously updates the team with learner/stakeholder information enabling them to provide the most effective service.
2. Reallocates resources as appropriate to best meet learner/stakeholder needs.
3. Persuasively lobbies for additional resources where necessary to meet learner/stakeholder needs.
4. Challenges individuals to look at issues through the eyes of the learner/stakeholder.
5. Considers the needs of both the learner/stakeholder and the overall organisation and finds mutually acceptable solutions.

Thinking big - Generating and implementing creative solutions to achieve NAO Strategic goals, conceptualising and articulating future opportunities and trends. Scans the environment for potential opportunities, engaging individuals in the development of innovative yet achievable goals and work plans.

1. Scans the economic, academic, business and/or technical environment to spot opportunities and plan for future needs.
2. Analyses emerging trends and threats over the longer term and effectively interprets this information to demonstrate the potential for the NAO.
3. Focuses the team’s attention on the importance of the bigger, longer term picture rather than the immediate.
4. Challenges fundamental and traditional assumptions and encourages others to do the same.

How to apply for this Post:

This competition booklet and an application form can be found through the following link https://landing.cpl.com/nao/jobs.html#jobopportunities.

Applications must be completed and sent to nao@cpl.ie.

Applications cannot be accepted after the closing date of 12 noon on Thursday 30th January 2025, must be made using the application form provided to the email address above.

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