The Administrative Officer is a middle management position within the Local Authority and is responsible for the administration and management of one or more sections or departments handling specific areas of the Council’s activities, including the management of staff. The post holder will be expected to work closely with senior managers and elected representatives in delivering services to the highest standard and to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and policies. The Administrative Officer is the primary point of contact and liaison with other departments or directorates in relation to all operational matters for the service delivery section or sections for which they are responsible. The Administrative Officer is expected to carry out their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making. The person appointed will work under the direction and control of the Senior Executive Officer or other officer designated by the Chief Executive.

Meath County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Administrative Officer from which future vacancies may be filled. 50% of posts filled will be confined to employees of the sector*, 30% will be filled by open recruitment and 20% will be confined to employees of Meath County Council.

*The sector includes all Local Authorities and Regional Assemblies (where applicable). Applicants who are not existing employees of a local authority or regional assembly (where applicable) are not eligible to apply for competitions confined to the sector (Panel A) or confined to Meath County Council (Panel C). Only serving members of Meath County Council can apply to Panel C.
 

• Responsibility for the management of one or more sections/departments within Meath County Council;
• Responsibility for the day-to-day operations of these sections/departments;
• To identify and agree work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensure their subsequent implementation;
• To manage and supervise staff up to the position/grade of Senior Staff Officer or analogous grades and to ensure the training and development of such staff;
• To build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment and maintain sound employee relations and morale as relevant, in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation;
• To determine the nature, level and pattern of demand for the service in the service/department/function and to recommend both service level and strategic policy priorities to senior management;
• To contribute to the strategic and policy making decisions of Meath County Council;
• To achieve and maintain the productive association between elected representatives and the executive in the delivery of services;
• To develop and maintain relationships with external agencies in accordance with policy and to ensure the agreements to co-ordinate work programmes are implemented;
• To implement the requirements of the ‘Putting People First: Action Programme for Effective Local Government’;
• To implement the systems necessary and co-ordinate the resources to support services;
• To prepare budgets and ensure that work programmes are implemented within allocated budgets;
• Representing the Council at a variety of meetings;
• Preparation of reports for Council and other stakeholders;
• Attending Court as a witness for the Council as required;
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.