Assistant Chief Executive With Hr Specialist Experience

To enable people to achieve their personal best in the natural world of horses, horticulture and community.
Festina Lente is a not-for-profit organisation, providing a unique range of equestrian and horticultural activities, training, events and employment services options with a strong emphasis on social inclusion, choice and personal development. The campus has been situated in the grounds of Old Connaught House, former the residence of the Plunkett family since 1996 and was previously located in Spruce Lodge in Kilternan between 1988 and 1996.
The organisation will be moving location to a new premise in or around 2026. The Assistant Chief Executive will work with the Chief Executive, managers and staff to ensure service continuity and a smooth transition of services, alongside new developments, in line with our commitment to sustained engagement with service users/clients and other stakeholders.
Job Overview The Assistant Chief Executive is an empathetic and highly organised leader who works closely with the Chief Executive while leading on the development of the strategic human resource function that supports the staff team in maintaining a welcoming environment that encourages bespoke learning and social activities with a strong focus on social inclusion. As a new role, this job description will be reviewed every 6 to 12 months in the context of its evolvement and the strategic planning process in preparation for the relocation to a new site circa 2026. You will play a key role in the strategic human resource planning process in conjunction with the staff for whom you will be responsible in supporting.
Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 Festina Lente has developed its Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027. The strategic goals contained within this document represent the key drivers for all Festina Lente's operational activities. A central part of this relates to 'Our People and Culture' and the emerging themes of Collaboration, Support, Continuous Learning and Openness which were identified by all stakeholders as part of the Strategic Planning process.
Job Title: Assistant Chief Executive with HR Specialist Experience /Expertise
Location: Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocation to Kilpeddar in 2026/7)Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION: Key responsibilities of this position include: People, Employment and Staff Development Advise on the management of resources and staffing to ensure that these are adequate to maintain services and address opportunities and challenges associated with the strategic plan to relocate in 2026/2027
Develop and manage a dynamic HR function that ensures that appropriate policies and systems are in place to support organisational needs, excellence in HR practice and all relevant legislation
Co-ordinate Human Resources policies, processes, procedures and monitoring the organisation's legal obligations and standards.
Oversee and quality assure all aspects of Festina Lente's Safeguarding Policies
Oversee and quality assure all aspects of Festina Lente's recruitment process including coordinating job posts, reviewing CVs and conducting reference checks.
Monitor annual leave, sick leave and other leave entitlements in conjunction with the Finance Manager
Manage the preparation and updating of employment records related to recruitment and progression.
An inclusive and diverse work culture and organisation Provide practical HR advice to Festina Lente that will continue to promote on-going people development by further enhancing organising structures and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work culture
Support managers and staff at all levels by providing human resources advice, counsel and assisting with employee/employment related matters
Build and maintain strong relationships with heads of departments/functions, staff, third parties and service-users by maximising staff engagement and encouraging inclusivity and a positive employee work culture
Service development, management, delivery and innovation Provide functional support to specific sections identified by the Chief Executive, specifically the HR, Health and Safety, Administration and General Data Protection (GDPR) at the outset
Manage all Festina Lente related Health and Safety and General Data Protection Regulations matters and ensuring compliance always throughout the organisation
Engage and participate in national forums by way of representing Festina Lente's interests and services
Support the Chief Executive and staff to promote, engage and participate in appropriate research and evaluation studies and forums, which examine the benefits and impact of both equine-assisted learning and social and therapeutic horticulture on young people, teenagers and adults affected by disability and/or socio economic disadvantage
Participate in relevant service operation/groups/committees and work with the Chief Executive and heads of departments/functions to implement agreed actions and communications
Manage specific projects and requirements of continuous improvement, change management initiatives, and or operational priorities as may be required from time to time.
Carry out any other duties within the scope and spirit of the job description as requested by the Chief Executive.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED An appropriate qualification in Human Resource management and/or organisational development with educational qualification to a minimum of Post Graduate / Masters Degree LevelA minimum of 5 years' full time experience of working in the NGO/Voluntary and Community sectors or a related field in a management/leadership capacityExcellent organisational, project management and ICT skillsAn understanding of financesA work ethic that values integrity, flexibility and a commitment to creating the conditions for trust and collaboration through dialogue and teamworkA high level of motivation, experience and capacity for working on one's own initiativeMaintain highest standards of ethics, accountability and confidentiality in all aspects of workMust enjoy working in both an indoor and outdoor environment characterised by diversity, multiple profiles of people, horses and horticulturePersonal attributesExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAn ability to maintain calm and composed in a busy and demanding environmentConfidence in one's own strengths and abilityWillingness to learn and an openness to alternative approachesHighly organised, with a high level of concentration and attentionCommitted to working hardProven ability to work on own initiative within a flexible, co-operative team structureSolution focusedFluent English is requiredAbility to work to deadlinesCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Nature of Contract and Position This position is a permanent full time position
Salary commensurate with experience Pension: Employees have access to PRSA scheme.
Annual Leave will be 27 days per annum. Entitlement to Public Holidays will be in accordance with the Working Time Act of 1997.
Working hours 39 hour working week Monday to Friday with a 60 minute unpaid lunch break at 1.00pm.
Travel & Subsistence: The successful candidate is required to have his or her own car and a full, clean driving licence.
A fleet of vehicles is available. However, there may be a requirement from time to time to travel in your own vehicle. When these occasions arise, expenses will be paid in accordance with Festina Lente travel rate
Location of the position Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
HOW TO APPLY Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 1 st December 2024 Interviews will be held 10 th December 2024 Second interviews will be held 24 th January 2024. A panel may be formed Interviews may be a mix of remote and on site SELECTION PROCESS Applicants will be short listed for interview based on the information supplied on their CV and letter of application at the closing date and strictly based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.
The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document.
A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
Festina Lente is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society

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