Process Executive jobs

Candidate Information Booklet

BUSINESS ADVISOR

Closing Time and Date:

4pm on Monday, 12th January 2026

Applications should be submitted as one PDF document via email ONLY to
recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie with the subject line “Last Name, First Name – BA2026”

e.g Bloggs, Joe – BA2026

Westmeath County Council is committed to a
policy of equal opportunity

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Business Advisor

Table of Contents

The Competition 3

Qualifications for the post 5

Competencies for the post 7

Particulars of the post (including recruitment) 8

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Business Advisor

The Position:
Westmeath County Council employs over 600 staff across eight service divisions. Housing &
Building; Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; Environmental
Protection; Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and Miscellaneous
Services. It consists of 20 democratically elected members. The Council is mandated to deliver
a diverse range of functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings
of economic development, community development, provision of physical and social
infrastructure, recreation and amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and
environmental regulatory framework. 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 Business Advisor may be drawn.

Role:
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) are the first stop shop for any small business looking to
start or grow across the country. The vision for the Local Enterprise Office is to develop and
sustain a positive enterprise ecosystem at local level throughout the country that will drive
new added-value start-ups, facilitate further growth of micro and small businesses and
enhance local economies.

The Business Advisor role supports the delivery of an integrated programme designed to
increase the number of first-time exporters and help small businesses innovate, adopt
digital solutions, and transition to more environmentally sustainable practices.
This is a key role that will require the successful candidate to work directly with core LEO
clients to improve the management of business processes, introduce innovation that will
impact results, enhance performance and assist start-ups and small businesses across the
country to grow and create employment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The LEO business advisor will perform such duties as may be assigned from time to time which
will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of
the Westmeath County Council for the advancement of the Local Enterprise office.

The Business Advisor will report to the Head of the Local Enterprise Office, or any other officer
as designated by the Chief Executive.

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Such duties include inter alia:

• Provide one-to-one business advice and guidance to start-ups and existing micro-

enterprises in county Westmeath.

• Act as a point of contact for clients, assessing and identifying development needs and

advising on relevant supports, qualifying criteria and the application process.

• Engage with portfolio companies that are growing to support them in reaching their

potential and increasing market share through full utilisation of LEO supports.

• Develop and lead initiatives designed to support micro-enterprises to increase

performance and competitiveness, including programmes such as Green initiatives, Lean
and resilience-building supports.

• Develop and identify initiatives that assist LEO clients with exporting and ensure they can

access the most appropriate export supports for their stage of development.

• Encourage and support LEO clients to invest in R&D and incorporate RD&I into their

commercial activities.

• Preparing and presenting client business proposals to the LEO Evaluations Committee for

funding.

• Providing administrative assistance to the Evaluations and Approvals Committee or other

groups or networks supported by the LEO.

• Develop and manage the procurement and delivery of new and existing training and

management development programmes in response to needs of small businesses,
including preparation of programme specifications, procurement documents,
recruitment and engagement, recording and managing of all outputs/deliverables and
allocated budgets.

• Contribute to the delivery of national initiatives within the Local Enterprise Network as

required.

• Staff Management and supervision.

• Payment administration and budget monitoring and reporting.

• Reporting to senior management and providing regular reports and updates on metrics

and key indicators while ensuring that work conforms to procedures and standards.

• Ensure compliance with all required local authority financial, management and

governance reporting requirements.

• Such other duties as the Head of Local Enterprise Office may assign to the role so as to

promote the objectives of the office.

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• •
  

Business Advisor

Qualifications for the post

Character
Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

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

f) 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.

Education, Experience and Competencies

Each candidate must have on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• Strong organisational and project management skills and experience and proven ability

to manage a range of multiple projects and competing priorities at one time to meet
demanding and tight deadlines is essential.

• Have the ability to influence collaborate and connect across internal and external

stakeholders to the benefit of clients is essential.

• Financial literacy skills to undertake evaluation and assessment of project proposals for

financial assistance and other supports, including carrying out due diligence to qualify the
funding requests.

• Excellent communications and business report writing skills with demonstrated evidence

of robust IT literacy (i.e. MS Office skills including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
is essential.

• Excellent research capability, analytical skills, writing and presentation skills

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• Knowledge, understanding and comprehension of the key business growth sectors and

client categories in which the LEOs operate and an ability to translate this knowledge and
understanding into developing supports and initiatives to achieve effective business
impacts and results.

• Understanding of compliance and governance requirements as they relate to funding

through the LEO.

• Candidates must hold a clean, current Class B Driving Licence and will be required to

have access to his/her own car.

Desirable, though not essential:

• Experience of working with the Microenterprise sector with an in-depth understanding

of the issues and challenges facing the sector.

• A relevant third level business qualification

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Key Competencies

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate enough evidence within their application form
of competence under each competency. Please take particular note of these when
completing the application as any shortlisting or interview processes will be based on the
information provided by candidates.

Management and Change

• Demonstrates the ability to be effective in translating the mission

Strategic Ability and vision into operational plans and outputs.

• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain positive and

Networking & beneficial relationships with relevant interests.
Representing • Demonstrates the ability to sustain a positive image and profile of

the local authority.

Delivering Results
Problem Solving & • Demonstrates the ability to act decisively and make timely, informed
Decision Making and effective decisions.

• Demonstrates the ability to contribute to operational plans and

develop team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of

Operational operation, having regard to corporate goals, operational objectives
Planning and available resources.

• Demonstrates the ability to establish high quality service and

customer care standards.

• Demonstrates the ability to recognise the value of and requirement

Communicating to communicate effectively

Personal Effectiveness

• Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of

Personal difficulties and obstacles.

Motivation, • Does more than is required or expected, anticipating situations and
Initiative & acting to pre-empt problems.

Achievement
• Creates new opportunities.

Resilience & • Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence.
Personal Well • Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity

Being and pace.

• Performance Through People

Leading & • Leads motivate and engage others to achieve quality results and to
Motivating deliver their part of the operational plan

Communicating • Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Effectively • Presents ideas effectively to all audiences

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Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge & Understanding of the Business Advisor role
• Demonstrates understanding of the role of Local Enterprise Office

The Role/ Local in the context of wider local authority service delivery
Government • Demonstrates knowledge & understanding of the structure and

functions of local government

• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues,

future trends and strategic direction of local government

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Westmeath County Council

Business Advisor

Particulars of Office

Type of Post
A panel will be formed from which wholetime, permanent and fixed term contract posts may
be filled.



Salary
The salary will be fully inclusive and will be determined from time to time. Holders of the
office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive
salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services
which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

The Business Advisor salary scale (analogous to grade VI) is from €57,322 - €70,030 including
LSIs as per Circular Letter EL 07/2025. Please note starting pay for new entrants will be at the
minimum of the scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line
with government pay policy.

Increments are payable, subject to satisfactory performance and in accordance with current
Government Pay Policy and the provisions of the public Service Agreements.

Working Base

Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises
in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not
result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will
be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of
travel to and from work.



Working Hours
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week from Monday to Friday. 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.

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

Annual Leave
The current annual leave entitlement is 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, 1977 (as amended).

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

Superannuation
Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:
New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join
the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable
first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the
public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be
required of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of
their pensionable remuneration 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 dependant or
qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.
Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay pensions will be co-
ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons
who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A
rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to
the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net
pensionable remuneration (ie. 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 dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the
Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to
contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in
respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to
contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in
accordance with the terms of the scheme.



Employee Benefits

Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

• Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)

• Access to Flexi Time Scheme

• A range of Family Friendly Policies

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• 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

Retirement
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. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years
and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

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.

Travel
Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and when required to
do so, shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and
maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. If you are required to travel as part
of your official duties, Westmeath County Council as your employer must be indemnified on
your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in
the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line
with the relevant Department Circulars and Westmeath County Council’s 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.

Health & Safety & Regulations
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.

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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.

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

Residence
Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or
within a reasonable distance thereof.

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 to hold office at the end of the period of
probation unless during such period 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. 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.

Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting and Child Protection Procedures in
advance of appointment to the position.

Recruitment

Westmeath County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take
the form of either a desktop-shortlisting process (based on the information provided by the
candidate in their completed application form) or a shortlisting interview.

The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the shortlisting
process. Westmeath County Council’s decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates
going forward to the next stage of the process may be determined based on this
information. The application forms will be examined against pre-determined criteria based
on the requirements for the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are

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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 on your application form. Based on
examination of the application form, candidates will be selected who appear to be most
suitable for the position.

You will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times. The onus is on you to
attend for interview on the dates and times allocated.

Competitive Interview:
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.

Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the
interview.

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.

Taking Up Appointment
Westmeath County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to
take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the
appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute
discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.

Medical
Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate,
before he/she is appointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority’s
Occupational Health Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the
Medical Examination will be refunded to the candidate.



Reference/Documentary Evidence
Candidates are required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support
of their application. Copies of Certificates will be accepted to confirm eligibility before
interview stage but if a candidate is offered a position, the original Certificate from the
relevant University/College/Institution will be required before the candidate is appointed.
The onus is on the candidate to request these before their appointment.

If your qualification was received outside of Ireland, it will be necessary to submit a statement
from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland confirming the level to which your
qualification is deemed equivalent. If this statement is required, please ensure that it is
applied for immediately. The onus is on candidates to establish eligibility in their application
form.

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The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be
taken as implying that Westmeath County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the
requirements of the competition 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, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the
eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not
meet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be
putting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for
appointment to this position Westmeath County Council will make all such enquiries that
are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

Closing Date
The completed application form, along with any certificates, must be EMAILED as one PDF
document to recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie no later than 4.00pm on Monday, 12th
January 2026. Attached images will not be accepted.

Please send using the subject line “Your Last Name, Your First Name – BA2026” e.g Bloggs,
Joe BA2026.

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.

Expenses incurred by candidates in attending interview, etc., will be at the candidates

own expense
Westmeath County Council is an equal opportunities employer.

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