Closing date for applicants: 5pm, Friday July 3rd 2020

CANDIDATE BRIEFING PACKDirector of Coastal Operations

Apply at www.sigmarrecruitment.com/irishlights

Chief Executive Officer Candidate Information Booklet

Our vision

Our vision is an Ireland where adult literacy is a human right, where everyone can develop their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, and where individuals can take part fully in society.

Our mission

Our mission is to advocate for literacy as a human right and to collaborate with our partners to influence policy and practice to support the development of literacy, numeracy and digital skills.

What we do

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is an independent charity committed to making sure people with literacy and numeracy difficulties can fully take part in society and have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs.

We help people improve their literacy and numeracySince 2000, NALA has been using

television, radio, print, telephones and

the internet to provide educational

opportunities to people who want to

improve their literacy. We operate a

Distance Learning Service and provide

tutor support over the phone and internet.

We also manage an e-learning website

where people can have their skills

assessed across a number of areas and

then be prescribed an individual learning

plan to improve these areas.

We raise awareness of literacy servicesWe raise awareness of literacy services

through national awareness campaigns.

We have produced eleven TV series in

association with RTE and national TV,

Radio and Cinema advertising campaigns.

NALA operate a Freephone support line

that is staffed by experienced operators

who can identify callers’ needs and advise

them on free services nationwide. This

includes tuition in 120 local adult education

centres or NALA’s distance learning service

where they tutor people over the phone.

We make approaches to teaching more effectiveGood practice in adult literacy work

starts with the needs and interests of

individuals. It is concerned with personal

development and building confidence

as well as technical skills. For 30 years

NALA has pioneered new teaching

methods, developing guidelines for good

adult literacy work and tutor training

programmes. We provide tutor training,

develop teaching materials, manage

continuous professional development

conferences, and integrate literacy in

vocational training programmes.

We remove barriers to people with literacy difficultiesWe provide professional services to

help organisations remove literacy-

related barriers to customers accessing

their services or to staff who may have

difficulties reading or writing. This includes

a plain English service, literacy awareness

training, advice on workplace basic

education programmes, recruitment and

training policies. Our service is about

making sure that no one with a literacy

difficulty is excluded from a service,

from promotion or from other important

decisions, because of their literacy

difficulties.

We advance adult literacy policy through researchWe work in partnership with government

departments, organisations, tutors and

learners to advance adult literacy policy.

This work is supported by evidence-based

research which examines international best

practice, reviews Irish policy and produces

recommendations to meet the needs of

people with literacy difficulties. Our policy

work aims to influence Government policy

and lobby for appropriate actions and funds

to improve literacy and numeracy levels in

Ireland.

We represent adults with literacy difficultiesWe make sure the views and experience

of adults with literacy and numeracy

difficulties are heard and taken into account

by policy makers.

We make sure their views:

• give us further insights into adult literacy

issues,

• guide and inform the quality of our work,

and

• are heard and taken account by

politicians and policy makers.

Chief Executive Officer

Role Profile

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to: Board

Responsible for: All staff

Key working relationships within NALA: Board and Senior Management Team (Communications and Policy Manager,

Practice and Innovation Manager, Finance and Internal Support Manager).

Role Outline:

i. To manage the organisation, including the Agency’s strategic work programme,

promotional strategy and human and financial resources under the direction of the

Board.

ii. To assist and advise the Board to enable it to fulfil its function i.e. achieving the

Agency’s aims, objectives, the provision of leadership and formulation of policy.

iii. To monitor developments in the external environment which impact on the work of

the organisation, ensuring the membership is well informed and briefed.

We are now recruiting a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) that will lead NALA into the future and as such, we are looking for an outstanding candidate who can bring a comprehensive range of skills and experience to this exciting position.

Reporting to the NALA Board of Directors, the CEO will provide effective leadership and stewardship so that NALA’s services, supports and activities are effectively planned, developed and delivered in accordance with the organisation’s mission, vision and values.

Key Elements:

1. Leadership and Strategya. Draw up operational and implementation plans in line with the Strategic Plan, in

accordance with the priorities determined by the Board.

b. Ability to set, monitor and attain demanding targets for the organisation.

c. Act as a spokesperson for the Agency and ensure that our key objectives are

voiced consistently.

d. Ensure the organisation’s ethos and policies are consistently practiced

throughout the Agency.

e. Lead, delegate, co-ordinate, support and review the work of staff.

f. Ensure the organisation has the necessary resources.

g. Foster good communications and relationships throughout the organisation.

h. Ensure expenditure is in line with the annual budget and be responsible for the

overall financial health of the organisation.

i. Report to the Board on the progress of the organisation and sector.

j. Formulate policy proposals for agreement by the Board and respond to policy

proposals submitted by the Board.

2. Governancea. Work with the Chairperson to ensure an effective Board, meeting all its statutory

duties.

b. Ensure effective governance by working closely with the Board and its sub

committees to ensure they operate effectively and in accordance with their terms

of reference.

c. Ensure that the Chair and the Board members receive sufficient and timely

information and advice in order to make informed decisions.

d. Have overall responsibility for the effective overview of NALA’s risk management

process, escalating and report to the Board as appropriate.

3. Influence and Stakeholder Managementa. Represent NALA and foster good relations with central government, statutory

and voluntary agencies and the general public.

b. Ensure NALA works with other agencies on strategic issues of common concern

to the membership and the wider sector.

c. Work with the membership and stakeholders to generate policy ideas and

initiatives to influence policy, practice and public awareness in adult literacy,

numeracy and digital skills.

4. Knowledge Requirementsa. Deep understanding of adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills policy and

practice in Ireland and internationally.

b. Understanding of key issues affecting adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills

development in Ireland.

c. Significant leadership experience including the management and reporting of

state funding.

5. Personal Qualitiesa. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills.

b. Ability to influence key decision makers and represent NALA stakeholders.

c. Ability and commitment to working within the aims and values of NALA.

d. Ability to work flexible hours and to travel throughout Ireland and elsewhere at

times demanded by the job.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Masters Degree in Business or Governance and or equivalent in discipline(s)

relevant to the job accountabilities.

• A proven record of achievement at senior level, in a position with a similar range

of responsibilities that demonstrates the necessary vision and leadership in

strategic planning and people management.

• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and focus on operational excellence.

• Competencies in relation to public sector governance, HR and financial

management.

• Proven high level of management and organisational skills.

• Demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement and management.

• Credibility and confidence in decision-making and key influencing.

Summary of conditions of service as follows:

Pay

The salary for the position is €83,090 per annum, which is point 1 on the

Principal Officer Scale. The current scale for Principal Officer is €83,090,

€86,500, €89,891, €93,310, €96,189, €99,177 [1] , €102,159 [2]. Candidates should

note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale or negotiated depending on

the candidate’s current salary.

A pro rata salary based on 35 hours per week will apply here.

Contract DurationThis is a fixed term contract until August 2023.

[1] After 3 years satisfactory service on the maximum.

[2] After a further three years satisfactory service.

Annual LeaveNALA operates on 22 days plus the ‘old’ privilege days (2 days at Easter and all

days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, which is 4 days this year).

In addition after each year of service, staff gain an extra days leave up to a

maximum of 5 days.

Tenure and probationA probationary period of 6 months must be served from the date of appointment.

DutiesThe position is full time and the CEO may not engage in private practice or be

connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance

of official duties.

HeadquartersThe post will be located in the National Adult Literacy Agency, Sandford Lodge,

Sandford Close, Dublin 6.

Hours of attendanceHours of attendance will amount to not less than 35 hours per week.

Important noticeThe above 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 to be agreed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply:

If you believe that you are the person to fill this role and have the background NALA

are looking for, please apply to Roger Duffy at Sigmar Recruitment by emailing an

up to date CV to nala@sigmar.ie.

Roger is available for confidential enquiries at +353 1 4744679.

Closing Date:

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 31st July 2020

NALA is an equal opportunities employer

www.sigmar.ie/nala

“Literacy, as a gateway to participation in society, is a fundamental right and must be a priority for all who are concerned with human rights and equality.” President Michael D Higgins Patron of the National Adult Literacy Agency