Assistant General Secretary

Assistant General Secretary Assistant General Secretaries provide strategic leadership and support colleagues, workplace representatives, and lay leaders to organise branches and members. Fórsa is a membership led union: we empower workers to change their lives at work. We build worker power by engaging every worker in the jobs and workplaces that we organise.We are currently recruiting experienced, adaptable, and innovative people to create a panel for permanent Assistant General Secretary appointments.Overview of the RoleAs an Assistant General Secretary, you are a senior member of the organisation.You provide strategic leadership and support colleagues, workplace representatives, and lay leaders to organise branches and members within an assigned area (typically encompassing several employments).You advance union-wide and broader social campaigning objectives within your assigned area, and you contribute to (or lead) union-wide projects and initiatives.You actively contribute to Fórsa’s positive and healthy workplace culture through collaborative and supportive leadership and teamworking.Working for FórsaAs an employer, Fórsa is committed to modelling the values of our union: we provide excellent benefits including a career average pension scheme, competitive annual leave, hybrid work and other flexible work arrangements, and a range of financial and practical supports for professional development. The initial salary for this position will be on the first point of a nine-point AGS scale: €80,967 | €81,689 | €84,866 | €88,063 | €91,266 | €94,435 | €97,624; and two long service increments: €101,240 (LSI1) | €107,004 (LSI2)Entry above the first point is possible in certain circumstances.Fórsa welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including diverse professional experience. You may have developed a strong skillset and ability to deliver on strategic plans in the trade union, public, private, or non-profit sectors. A demonstrated commitment to the values of social justice, a strong public service, and workers’ empowerment is essential.Fórsa does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital or family status, age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or membership in the Traveller community.About Your TeamYou report to your Head of Division, or another National Secretary depending on your assignment; all staff are accountable to the General SecretaryDepending on your exact assignment, you may lead a team including Industrial Officers, Assistant Industrial Officers, and AdministratorsKey Responsibilities & DutiesOrganising and Member SupportBuild and maintain strong workplace union structuresEngage with workers to identify organic leaders and the best approaches to activating themEnsure effective mapping of workplacesIdentify and develop workplace representativesCollaborate with colleagues in Membership Training and Development to empower leaders and workplace representatives in your assigned area through training, as well as deliver training to members across all areas of FórsaSupport branches and lay leaders in the recruitment of members and training of members and activists through relevant workplace disputesEnsure high levels of union and branch organisation by making sure issues are on the table in every workplace where Fórsa is presentAdvise, inform, and support branches and other organisational groups on matters relevant to members and workersOrganise and establish recognition of new workplaces as and when appropriateBe a visible, recognisable presence for members in workplaces and at branch meetings and eventsWork with colleagues in the Membership Team to ensure that essential member data is complete, accurate, and up-to-dateCollaborate with colleagues in Member Communications to contribute to and carry out relevant and engaging communication strategies, celebrate workplace wins, and promote the visibility of Fórsa in the workplaceIndustrial RelationsNegotiate on behalf of the union on all matters - including pay and conditions of service - relating to your assigned areaDevelop deep knowledge of the social, economic, political, and industrial forces affecting workers within your assigned area; brief union leadership on emergent issuesEnsure there are structures in place to represent members in cases involving grievances, disciplinary action, harassment and bullying, both where there is statutory and non-statutory redressEstablish effective working relationships with senior personnel on the employer sideDirectly represent members in complex or higher risk cases,Prepare and present submissions to third party fora (such as the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, Adjudication Officers) in relation to industrial relations and employment law mattersManagement and ProjectsProvide regular support and constructive feedback to colleagues, lay leaders, and members of your teamDepending on your assignment, lead and guide a team including active participation in goal-setting and team members’ development plansPropose and contribute to union projects, campaigns, and initiatives, including Fórsa's five-year strategic planAny other reasonable tasks and duties relevant to the role.TravelRegular travel within Ireland is an expected part of the role. Most assignments require the use of a car; you will, ideally, have access to a car and a full driving license. Travel and Subsistence payments are made within the Civil Service rates and conditions.HoursThis is a full-time, permanent position. You are expected to be available during normal office hours. Due to the nature of trade union work, work outside of normal office hours and over weekends will arise. Overtime and formal time off in lieu do not apply – you have the discretion and autonomy to manage your working hours and commitments to ensure that they remain within legal, normal, and healthy boundaries.LocationFórsa has offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Sligo. Most positions are based in Dublin, but openings in other areas may emerge over the duration of the panel.About YouYou have a significant record of leadership and accomplishment in organising workers or other groups on a large scaleYou are a seasoned negotiator, with experience and expertise in negotiating and representing groups and individuals where collective and individual rights have potential conflictsYou have demonstrated collaborative leadership skills and a track record of developing, coaching, and mentoring othersYou have up-to-date knowledge of employment law and labour relations and experience of using that knowledge to benefit workersYou are empathetic, establish rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds, and can work with people who are experiencing challenging situationsYou write and speak effectively and persuasivelyYou are capable and confident speaking in front of large groups or to the mediaYou are an even better listenerYou are interested in the economic and social issues affecting working people in Ireland, and most likely have demonstrated this through engaging in your communityYou have a track record of initiative and motivation and the organisational, time management, and IT skills to help you accomplish your ambitious goalsYou have permission to live and work in IrelandIt would be nice, but not necessary, if youHave knowledge of the operations and structures of public sector bodies: for example, the civil service, local authorities, the health sector, state companies and/or voluntary bodes and their role in delivering services to the publicUnderstand government financial and funding arrangements for the public and voluntary sectorsHave a relevant third level qualification