The AAI is holding a public competition for the post of Head of Human Resources and Staff Development. The appointment will be to a permanent position on a probationary contract. The probationary period will be for one year at the end of which the appointment will be made substantive, subject to meeting standard requirements including satisfactory performance and sick leave.The AAI is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.The Role: Head of Human Resources and Staff Development Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and leading a team of three (3) ranging from Clerical Officer to Higher Executive Officer level, the Head of HR and Staff Development will oversee all aspects of the HR function to ensure compliance with legislative and Public Sector guidelines. They will lead strategic initiatives in recruitment, learning and development, workforce planning, policy development and employee/industrial relations. The Head of HR and Staff Development, will provide strategic leadership for the people agenda, in delivery of organisational objectives, as well as ensuring compliance with employment legislation, budget oversight and pension schemes. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Head of HR and Staff Development will be responsible for the following: - Lead and manage a team of 3 HR professionals
- Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team
- Develop HR planning strategies aligned with the Adoption Authority of Ireland’s Strategic Plan and considering immediate and long-term staff requirements
- Ensure that AAI key HR strategic goals and objectives are delivered effectively and efficiently
- Develop and implement a People Strategy aligned with the AAI’s strategy that will support and enable employees to work to their full potential
- Ensure that HR policies are in accordance with the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives, current employment practices, relevant employment legislation and best practice, including a review and update of the Employee Handbook
- Liaise with relevant trade unions and employee representatives to ensure employee relations matters are dealt with proactively and efficiently
- Work with appropriate line managers to design, implement and evaluate job descriptions and key performance indicators for all employees ensuring they are aligned with the strategic objectives of the organisation
- Implement and manage employee relations programmes to ensure the highest standards of employee engagement
- Ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation and public sector employment agreements, by advising line management on employment-related matters
- Ensure adherence to the public sector policies and relevant circulars
- Design, implement and evaluate performance management systems such as induction frameworks, staff appraisals and reviews and internal audits ensuring they are aligned with the overall organisational and strategic objectives
- Develop and oversee the implementation of a Learning and Development programme for AAI which fosters a culture of continuous professional development
- Plan, implement and evaluate all training and development activities to ensure they are cost-effective and demonstrate added value to the organisation. In addition, review training and development plans in conjunction with the senior management team to ensure employees are qualified to the appropriate levels
- Oversee absence management across the organisation and provide related reports to senior management
- Manage the annual HR work plan, budget allocation and monitoring
- Participate in the development and implementation of employee retention programmes, succession and workforce planning processes
- Manage relationships with strategic providers of HR services including recruitment agencies and payroll and pensions support providers, ensuring adherence to public service policy
- Engage with and seek guidance and sanction from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, (the Department) on all, but not limited to, the foregoing where necessary
- Carrying out such other duties and responsibilities as are assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer
Essential Eligibility CriteriaOn the date of the closing of applications, applicants must have:- A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience with at least, 3 years’ experience in HR management within a civil service, or public sector organisation
- Experience in developing and leading a high performing team to achieve organisational objectives
- Experience of workforce planning and succession planning
- An excellent knowledge of employment legislation and of public sector guidelines and circulars relevant to HR
- Experience of successfully managing a range of work projects at the same time
- Experience of personal performance management systems
- Knowledge of implementing and operating a robust digital HR administrative system
- Excellent planning and organising skills
- Time management skills and the ability to work under pressure
- Proven stakeholder management abilities with a track record of building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external partners
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Desirable CriteriaIt is desirable that the ideal candidate would also have:- CIPD membership
- Experience of planning and implementing learning and development programmes
- An understanding of public sector HR, pay and pensions rules and regulations
- Working knowledge of Irish public sector employment legislation and related industrial relations systems
- Experience of implementing and managing proactive employee relations programmes
- A third level qualification (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant discipline commensurate with the role
- Knowledge of FOI and GDPR legislation
- Familiarity with public sector procurement processes
How to Apply:www.aaicareers.ie1. Download Candidate Information Booklet
2. Fill out and submit the application form before 12 noon on Jan 22nd