Manager, Sustainablility - Fet College Of The Future

SOLAS is seeking to recruit a Manager-Sustainability who will manage a variety of construction and property portfolio work across areas of Climate Action, Sustainability, Procurement, and Digitalisation work within the FET College of the Future Unit. Working closely with the Unit Director and management team, this person will manage the development of the units Climate Action and Sustainability remits, which directly align with devolving the Governments Climate Action Plan and Public Sector Climate Action Mandate, including Decarbonisation, across the FET Sector. The role-holder will be responsible for liaising with relevant stakeholders in DFHERIS, across the sector, and more broadly across the Public Sector and enterprise in the provision of leadership in relation to the sectors Climate Action response. The SOLAS FET CotF have particular responsibilities in the area of Estate Management and Development as part of the enabling theme of Capital Infrastructure from the Future FET: Transforming Learning Strategy (available from the SOLAS website). These duties align closely with the built environment and transport aspects of the Climate Action Plan, in particular, and management of this remit is a key part of this role. Overview SOLAS has responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the further education and training sector and for implementing a significant transformation programme to deliver 21st century, high quality education and training programmes to a diverse range of learners. SOLAS is charged with a range of responsibilities including: Supporting the development and implementation of the further education and training strategy, including through aligned capital investment; Funding of the further education and training (FET) system to maximise the impact of state investment; Overseeing the development and implementation of the Strategic Performance Agreements between SOLAS and each Education and Training Board (ETB) which set out 3- year plans to further embed a strategic and integrated FET system; Statutory responsibility for the apprenticeship system; Analysing the labour market and identifying and anticipating key skills needs; and Promoting the standing of Further Education and Training. FET College of the Future Unit (FCotF) The FCotF unit is responsible for the management and oversight of budgets for capital investment in the FET sector, including for craft apprenticeship and the National Apprenticeship Office. The unit carries out approving and recommending roles under the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework. The unit, working with teams across Transformation and Support Divisions of SOLAS, through strategic capital investment in infrastructure, is supporting the FET Strategy and College of the Future goal of creating integrated colleges of FET, which deliver best-in-class learner experiences across National Framework of Qualifications levels 1 to 6 and across the full learner profile from early school-leavers to lifelong learners. FET Colleges of the Future will also focus strongly on supporting enterprise through delivery of Centres of Excellence and Centres for Specialist Skills Development. Additionally, the unit is responsible for the following property portfolio-related activities within ETBs and in liaison with a number of Business Units within the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS): Strategic and technical appraisal of capital funding applications and development through the IG and CWMF stages; Strategic and technical management of funding requisition and disbursal for capital building projects across a range of funding streams; National FET Estates Strategy development, direction, and implementation, including FET Estates Data collection, validation, and analysis; Lease management; Public Sector Climate Action Mandate and Sustainability support; and Property selection, purchasing, and divestment. Key Tasks/Responsibilities Manage the development and implementation of FET Climate Action activities in respect of the sectors property portfolio, both existing and in development. Manage the continuous improvement of processes associated with the funding of the FET property portfolio (Lean), including through implementation of enterprise-level systems including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and BIM (Better/Building Information Management/Modelling). Manage the development and utilisation of procurement frameworks and tendering processes, including through full utilisation of Public Sector Green Procurement. Deliver, and lead in the CotF unit, in engaging with key stakeholders within and outside SOLAS, particularly in the parent department, SEAI, Education and Training Boards, Design Teams, Contractors, and Technical Consultants. Make efficient and effective use of all resources in planning, organising, executing, and monitoring the units activities. Working across the CotF unit, support the Director and management team in development and delivery of annual business plans and in effective utilisation of allocated capital budgets, consistent with the overall FET strategy, the SOLAS Corporate and Annual Business Plan, and other relevant national policies. Provide direction and support to team members and all other relevant stakeholders in the completion of specific, time-limited projects. Establish and maintain positive and proactive communication and liaison structures within SOLAS. Deputise for the Director as required from time-to-time. Any other duties which may be specified from time-to-time. Requirements: Essential: Results focused and demonstrable knowledge of current and future trends in Climate Action and Sustainability with reference to the built environment, including the Climate Action Plan, the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and the Energy Efficiency Directive. Construction, engineering, built environment, property, or sustainability qualification that meets one of the following requirements: NFQ level 9 postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, or Masters qualification in one of the above-listed areas with a technical, science, or technology-focused undergraduate qualification; or NFQ level 8 qualification in one of the above-listed areas; or NFQ level 7 qualification in one of the above-listed areas with demonstrable experience equivalent to either a level 8 or level 9 award. Minimum 5 years of experience of working in lead professional or managerial roles within construction, engineering, built environment, property, or sustainability. Equivalent experience in related teaching, research, or funding roles will also be considered. A demonstrable record of and commitment to relevant, current Continuing Professional Development. Desirable: Demonstrated experience of engaging productively as team member and team lead with internal and external stakeholders, individually and collectively, in operational and project settings. Demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, resilience, and ability to work effectively under pressure to consistently meet targets. A strong commitment to continuous improvement both in general and specific to sustainable, climate action-focused capital investment. Substantial experience of project and programme management with an associated trackrecord of excellence in timely execution and successful completion. Knowledge of public sector financial and procurement procedures. Experience in managing project budgets. Chartered or Professional status, or equivalent, with a recognised professional body or association, or demonstrated willingness to obtain professional body accreditation. Demonstrated leadership in supporting organisational change and innovation. Demonstrable and effective technical research and report writing skills. Proven record as an excellent communicator with highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills. Proven ability in leading teams, providing direction, support, and mentoring for development. A willingness to undertake upskilling as required to fulfil the changing requirements of the role over time and in response to internal and external stimuli This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €78,239to €102,374per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service. SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number537, by 12pm Thursday, 12 September 2024 A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Skills: Climate Action and Sustainablility FET College of the Future Benefits: Paid Holidays Work LIfe Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme TravelPass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives