Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training
Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is responsible for policy, funding and governance of the higher and further education and research sectors and for the oversight of the work of the State agencies and public institutions operating in those areas. Its Mission is to develop Ireland’s tertiary education, training and research to support people to create a prosperous, sustainable and vibrant society, ready to meet the challenges of a changing world.
The division exercises a wide and broad mandate and set of responsibilities in relation to policy, funding and governance. The work of the Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training Division is sharply focused on supporting the delivery of key Government priorities under the National Development Plan, the Climate Action Plan, Housing for All and the National Digital Strategy insofar as skills, human capital and workforce development are concerned.
Reporting to the Secretary General, the Head of Head of Skills, Apprenticeship and Further Education Training division in DFHERIS will lead a team of 6 principal Officer with approx. 35 staff. Effective performance in the role requires substantial joint working, collaboration and engagement as well as governance oversight of SOLAS and Skillnet Ireland. It also encompasses substantial cross-Governmental working.
The successful candidate will have:
• A proven record of accomplishment as a leader and senior manager, leading teams in a large complex organisation;
• Knowledge of and understanding of the challenges facing the national skills system, the workforce, and the economy;
• Demonstrated at senior level the capacity to network, influence and negotiate effectively and the ability to deal effectively with a range of state and/or international stakeholders;
• A proven capacity to provide sound advice to Ministers, steering a strategic direction, and understanding how the responsibilities under their remit impact the wider public policy and political context;
• Proven capacity in developing and presenting major policy options, securing political agreement to them and taking them forward.
This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 6th March 2025.
If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Tatiana Romanova at tatiana.romanova@publicjobs.ie For more information and to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/RI_Ad_HOSAFET
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
