Non Eu Citizens jobs

Staff Officer

Closing date for receipt of applications:
4:00pm on Friday, 3rd July 2026

Page | 1 | Staff Officer 2026

Staff Officer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

The Position 4

Qualifications for the Post 6

Particulars of Office (including recruitment) 9

Competencies for the Post 16

Page | 2 | Staff Officer 2026

Post of Staff Officer

Introduction

Westmeath has a population of approximately 90,000 and is in the heart of the country with
excellent road and rail access to all four corners of the island of Ireland, Westmeath has a rural
tranquillity, but ready access to the country’s main urban cities which include Dublin and
Galway in particular.

Our mission, as set out in the Corporate Pan 2024 – 2029, is:

“To represent, lead and serve local communities and to enhance the quality of life for the
people of Westmeath by promoting the sustainable development of the county and delivering
efficient and inclusive services.”

Westmeath County Council consists of 20 members who are elected every five years; The
county is divided into two Municipal Districts of Mullingar/ Kinnegad and Athlone / Moate with
the administrative headquarters of the Council located in Mullingar. There are also Civic Offices
located in Athlone and Castlepollard. Mullingar is the county town while Athlone is a Regional
Growth Centre under the National Planning Framework.

At a strategic level, the Council operates through its Corporate Policy Group comprising the
Cathaoirleach of the Council and the Chairs of the Local Authority’s four Strategic Policy
Committees. The Chief Executive and the Management Team play a key role in supporting and
advising this policy group.

Westmeath County Council has responsibility for delivering a wide range of services in the local
area with a focus on making Westmeath a prosperous county that seeks to support a vibrant
economy, rural quality of life, active and safe communities, diversity, culture and heritage,
healthy and sustainable natural environment along with a sense of community pride and place.
The Council has a workforce of 600 and a budget of €129.4 million in 2026.

Page | 3 | Staff Officer 2026

The Position
The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be

considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for

the position of Staff Officer be drawn.

The Staff Officer is a frontline supervisory position in the Council with responsibility for

managing the performance of a section or function within a Department. The Staff Officer

will work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Council, assisting with the

implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards set out in

Departmental and Team development plans. A Staff Officer is expected to use initiative, work

to a high standard and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The Staff Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust

and confidence. The role requires excellent administrative, interpersonal, and communication

skills, along with the ability to demonstrate strong professional competence within the

assigned area.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Staff Officer is a support or supervisory position within the Council and the candidate
can be assigned responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a work area, section, or team.
The Staff Officer works as part of a team, supporting managers and colleagues to meet work
goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internal and external customers

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be

assigned to a Staff Officer:

• To be responsible for the supervision of a work area of section/department within

the Council, including supervision of a team;

• Responsibility for the day to day operations of the section/department;

• Management and supervision of staff within the section/team to include training and

development of such staff;

• Assign and monitor the work programme for the section/department;

• Provide administrative support based on a thorough understanding of the overall

workings and policies of a section;

• Motivate, empower and encourage staff to achieve maximum performance by

supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS);

• Analyse and report on the workings of the section/department;

• Prepare budgets and ensure that work programmes are implemented within

allocated budgets;

Page | 4 | Staff Officer 2026

include giving progress reports or making of presentations;

• Support senior line managers in ensuring section or department work programmes

are implemented to deliver on the Council’s operational and service delivery plans;

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships both internally and

externally to organisation;

• Provide support and assistance in the delivery of projects as required;

• Identify opportunities for improvements in service delivery within their section or

team;

• Support and implement change management initiatives within their section or team;

• Support to team members and employees, handling day to day issues, ensuring

compliance with all council policies and procedures and legislative requirements;

• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation requirements, policies and

procedures and safe systems of work;

• Use all technology including IT and financial systems and any equipment assigned;

• Complete all essential training successfully;

• Carry out duties in a politically neutral and impartial manner that enhances public

trust and confidence in the local authority decision making process;

• To act or deputise for more senior personnel when required;

• Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be

required, or assigned, from time to time.

The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those

detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such

duties as designated from time to time.

Page | 5 | Staff Officer 2026

Qualifications for the Post

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of
ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member
States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland

on the free movement of persons; or
d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a

stamp 4 visa; or
e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act

2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family
reunification and has a stamp 4 visa

Or

A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and
resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

• Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality

and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish
National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be
accompanied by a translation document.

4. Education, Training, Experience

Candidates must have on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms meet
one of the following:

(i) (a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five
subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects
in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and
one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or
Economics,

and

Page | 6 | Staff Officer 2026

(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours)

papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or
one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business
Organisation or Economics)

Or

(ii) have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination,

Or

(iii) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

Confined Competition

(iv) be a serving employee in a local authority or a regional assembly and have at
least two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or an
analogous post.

5. Panel

Following the selection process, three panels will be formed for the post of Staff
Officer from which future and permanent and fixed term contracts will be filled:

Panel A:
(Confined to Local Authority Sector) will comprise of successful applicants in order of merit from
within the Local Authority Sector only i.e. candidates serving in a Local Authority or Regional
Assembly with at least two year’s satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or an
analogous post. 50% of appointments will be made from Panel A.

Panel B:

(Open) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may include candidates
serving in a local authority, regional assembly, and external applicants. 30% of appointments will
be made from Panel B.

Panel C (Confined to Westmeath Co. Council) will comprise of successful applicants in order of
merit who are current employees of Westmeath Co. Council. 20% of appointments will be made
from Panel C.

The order of candidates placed on each of the panels is determined by where they were placed
on the overall order of merit.

Page | 7 | Staff Officer 2026

6. Requirements, Skills and Knowledge

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate, through their application form and at
interview, the following:

• Understand the role of a Staff Officer;

• Understand the Council’s purpose, goals and priorities and knowledge of the public

service organisation in Ireland;

• Understand the role of the elected council and the representational role of the

elected members;

• Understand the changing environment and be capable of adapting to change in

order to deliver quality services to our citizens;

• Have the ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions;

• Knowledge and experience of operating a wide range of ICT systems

• Have an ability to work effectively and maintain confidentiality;

• Possess the ability to provide excellent customer services;

• Have the capability to work to tight deadlines;

• Strong resource management skills;

• Have an ability to lead a team in a rapidly changing environment;

• Possess excellent interpersonal and communications skills;

• Be motivated to achieve maximum performance;

• Demonstrate excellent supervisory skills in an office-based environment;

• Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and

without constant supervision.

Page | 8 | Staff Officer 2026

Particulars of Office (including retirement)

1. The Post
A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a
further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel may be used to fill
permanent & fixed term positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be
offered in order of merit as per the panel. Vacancies may arise on a county-wide
basis. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any work
location having regard to funding and/or operational circumstances.

2. Salary
The current salary for the post of Staff Officer is €52,761 - €63,109 per annum
(including Long Service Increments), as per Circular EL 04/2026. Payment of
increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.
Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by
the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale
in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the
Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016
dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated
bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of
employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments
are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and
national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or
conduct are not satisfactory.

You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the
Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your “wages” (for the purposes of
the Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of
the amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991,
Section 5(5

3. Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public
Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant
scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to
pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation
to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration

Page | 9 | Staff Officer 2026

plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice
the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the
maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local
authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's
Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5%
of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the
annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum
rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).A person who
becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate
of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to
contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A
person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local
authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent
scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension)
Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme
and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to
the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance
with the terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms
of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of
appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and
death gratuities.

In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, the employee must
have served a minimum of two years’ employment in a local authority.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st
January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable
remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump
sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be coordinated with the State
Pension Contributory Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions)
Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public
Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:
There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April 2004 to the
public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As
a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants
will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to compulsory
retirement age of 70 years.

Page | 10 | Staff Officer 2026

4. Probation

a. There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such
persons shall hold the position on probation.

b. Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion
extend such period.

c. The person appointed shall cease hold office at the end of the period of probation
unless the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in such
office is satisfactory.

The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take
up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to
take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local
authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not
appoint them.

5. Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave,
payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the

provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which

may apply from time to time.

6. Working Hours
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful
applicant to work outside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training.
All hours worked will be subject to the provision of Organisation of Working Time Act,
1997 as amended.

You may be required to complete a time sheet in accordance with the Organisation of
Working Time Regulations, 2001.

7. Sick Leave
The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

8. Location
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any
premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.

The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means
of transport and at their own expense.

Page | 11 | Staff Officer 2026

9. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council
codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future
organisational policies.

10. Training
It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate
in training programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached
to the post.

11. Safety and Welfare
Westmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably
practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to
exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measure to protect the
Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees. The holder of the post shall co-operate with
the terms of Westmeath County Council Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan.
He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make
proper use of all safety clothing and equipment.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-
operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do
anything which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under
the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work.

Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all
required Safety and Health Training.

12. Driver’s Licence & Insurance
It is desirable that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles, as
he/she may be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties and for this
purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is the
responsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and to
indemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance
certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Travelling
and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in
accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and
Subsistence Policy.

If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive
endorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify the
Council immediately.

13. Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the
position.

Page | 12 | Staff Officer 2026

14. Employee Benefits

Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

• Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum

• A range of Family Friendly Policies

• Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme

• Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme

• A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities

• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

• Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council’s Social Club

• State of the art office accommodation in our Civic Headquarters

• Automatically entered into a pension scheme

• Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council’s Employee

Assistance Programme (EAP)

15. Recruitment

Shortlisting Stage:

If the volume of applicants for the position is such that it would not be practical to
interview all candidates, Westmeath County Council may decide to carry out a short-
listing process to select candidates for interview based on an examination of the
application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position to bring forward to
the interview stage.

Application forms will be examined against a pre-determined criteria based on the
requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily
unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates,
who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant
experience. It is therefore, in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate
account of your relevant qualifications/experience and complete all sections on the
application form.

Candidates can expect all enquiries, applications, and all aspects of the proceedings to
the extent that they are managed by Westmeath County Council are treated as strictly
confidential subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2004.

Interview Stage:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on
behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined
by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.

The interview process is an opportunity for the candidates to give evidence of
knowledge, skills and experience and the Local Authorities opportunity to assess your
suitability for the role.

The invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Westmeath
County Council is satisfied that you fulfil the requirements of the Regulations or is not
disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your
application will receive further consideration. It is important to note, the onus is on you

Page | 13 | Staff Officer 2026

to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirement for the post before attending for
interview.

Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the
interview and the onus is on the candidate to attend for interview on the dates and
times of the interview.

Interviews are conducted by a Board(s) set up by Westmeath County Council. The
Board(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except in so far as they are assessed
otherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed Qualifications and any
other relevant matters.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on
a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared
for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of
the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. Placement on any panel from this
competition is no guarantee that a position will be offered.

16. Canvassing
Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation,
directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the
candidate’s favour, any member or employee of the Council or person nominated by the
County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the
candidate for the position being sought.

17. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other tests when and where required by
Westmeath County Council, or who do not, when requested, give such evidence as
Westmeath County Council require regarding any matter relevant to their candidature,
will have no further claim to consideration.

18. Pre-employment
Before contracts of employment are entered into various pre-employment checks are
undertaken. These include medicals, references and may include Garda Vetting.
Westmeath County Council will invite successful candidates to under a medical
assessment. A Medical Examiner will be nominated by Westmeath County Council.
Westmeath County Council will pay the fee for any general medical examination.

19. Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May, 2018
replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU data Protection Directive.
The personal information (data) collected on the application form, including any
attachments, (which may include the collection of sensitive personal data) is collected
for the purpose of processing this application, and any data collected is subject to
Westmeath County Council’s privacy statement which can be found at
https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/yourcouncil/privacyanddata/

Page | 14 | Staff Officer 2026

20. Closing Date

The completed application form must be EMAILED to recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie
not later than 4.00pm on Friday 3rd July 2026.

Please send using the subject line “Staff Officer, Your Last Name, Your First Name e.g.
Staff Officer, Bloggs, Joe

Only applications received via email will be accepted.

NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will
review regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will
only be through your nominated e-mail address.

The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications
from the Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for
communication not accessed or received by the applicant.

Page | 15 | Staff Officer 2026

Staff Officer

Key Competencies
Candidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates at
the interview will be questioned on at least some or all of the indicators listed below under each
competency.

• Understands the role and responsibilities of a Staff Officer
• Can translate the Directorate/Department objectives into operational plans

Change relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including citizens, elected
members and staff.

• Create opportunities for new ways of working, encourages creativity and

innovation in employees and overcomes resistance to change.

• Converts operational objectives into specific work plans, programme

activities and schedules, taking into account the broader operation plans
when setting priorities

• Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer

service delivery

Delivering Results • Allocates resources across jobs to ensure that key priorities are met and that
work is executed in the most efficient manner possible to deliver quality
work and services

• Makes timely and informed decisions and shows good judgement and

balance in making decisions or recommendations

• Manages team performance to achieve corporate objectives

• Leads by example to motivate staff in the delivery of high-quality outcomes

Performance and customer service
Through People • Effective written and verbal skills

• Demonstrates the ability to show visible commitment to the purpose,

mission and vision of the organisation

• Remains calm under pressure and can manage the delivery of several

tasks/projects concurrently

• Manages their time effectively and can focus on essential tasks and

Personal responsibilities.
• Is positive and enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of

Effectiveness difficulties and obstacles
• Ability to take initiative and to seek opportunities to exceed goals in the

delivery of service

Candidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the competencies

outlined above at interview in order to meet the qualifying standard.

Page | 16 | Staff Officer 2026

Page | 17 | Staff Officer 2026