The Position & Role 

Kildare County Council, as the primary statutory development organisation, works closely with its development partners and the private sector to collectively maximise the economic development opportunities of the county.  

Through these partnerships we strive to contribute to maintaining the economic and social fabric of our towns and villages, maximising opportunities presented under Ireland 2040 and to create new, and maintain existing, employment opportunities in the County. 

The Senior Economic Development Officer will report to the Head of Enterprise & Economic Development. 

The main role will be to identify, manage and promote specific programs to the business community in Kildare. They will be a key point of contact for businesses in the county, will engage with all stakeholders to understand how we can support their needs and enhance Kildare’s attractiveness to existing and new businesses. 

The Candidate  

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have: 

• Possess a relevant third level qualification in business or equivalent discipline; 

• Possess a minimum of five years relevant post graduate experience in development;  

• Possess excellent knowledge and understanding of economic development and the evolving economic development landscape both nationally and locally. 

• Demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Have experience in data analytics to include the collection, interpretation, application and presentation of data from a wide variety of sources.  

• Have experience in developing, promoting, and delivering relevant strategic and sustainable programs.   

• Demonstrate a very strong competence in the management of staff and working and leading multi-disciplinary teams. 

• Be highly organised with an ability to prioritise tasks and work in a dynamic environment. 

• Have very strong interpersonal and communication skills; 

• Demonstrate a very good understanding of financial systems and procedures, identifying funding streams and grant sources.
  
  Education, Training and Experience etc.:  

  It is desirable that each Candidate should, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications have: 

• A recognised third level qualification (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a business or equivalent discipline; 

• A minimum of 5 years relevant post graduate experience in development; this may include development experience in Local Government or equivalent; 

• An ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of Economic Development generally, and, specifically, the role of Local Government in advancing Economic Development; 

• An ability to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities (International, National and Local) facing businesses in Kildare; 

• Satisfactory experience of developing and maintaining effective partnerships and of engaging and influencing various stakeholders; 

• Satisfactory experience in managing projects; 

• An understanding of the roles and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace; 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and reporting skills; 

• Excellent team building skills and demonstrated leadership skills, including  experience in supervising staff.