The Civil Service Real Careers, Real Opportunities

Transcription

1 The Civil Service Real Careers, Real Opportunities

2 What s in this brochure? About the Civil Service 3 Personal & Career Development 4-5 Equal Opportunities 6 Céard faoin ngaeilge? 7 Healthy Work/Life Balance 8 Organisational Structure 9 How do I apply? 10 Careers Store / What kind of job should I apply for? 11 Clerical Officer Executive Officer Administrative Officer Third Secretary Professional and Specialist Posts Government Departments / Offices - Contact Details

3 I'D LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE... The Civil Service consists of over thirty different organisations who provide services for and on behalf of the Government. Our role is vital to the economic and social life of Ireland, implementing policies and delivering service to the public. The everyday life issues that the Civil Service deals with change constantly, resulting in developments and expansion within the organisation to provide a better service to our customers. And that's why we need you! To do this work we need to add new talent to our team - committed, ambitious individuals with an interest in progressing services delivered to the public in Ireland. Although the Civil Service deals with a broad number of areas, its primary goal is to provide services to the public. This involves working with the government, implementing policies and services, and helping in the drafting of new policies. Some of our work involves direct contact with the public, and other work involves research. Maybe you see yourself as someone who would like to work providing customer services, or maybe you would feel happier working in human resources or dealing with accounts. No matter what you are interested in, it is very likely that there are many jobs in the Civil Service that would appeal to you. If you are thinking about what a career could offer you, there is every chance that the Civil Service could provide you with what you want. About the Civil Service 3

4 PERSONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT A career in the Civil Service opens up many opportunities for you. There's a scheme that supports employees to study part-time, by refunding fees for courses seen as relevant to the job, and giving exam and study leave. Self development is very positively encouraged within the organisation. Under the Performance Management System (PMDS), the Civil Service is committed to addressing the training and development needs of every Civil Servant. Our organisation can offer you the opportunity to work in an area that interests you. We value your skills and abilities, and will aim to place you in an area that suits your individual talents and interests. There is also an established transfer system that will allow you, after a period of time, to apply for a similar position in a different department or office. A career in the Civil Service is not a static thing - mobility is a key feature of the organisation. This constant movement, with people coming in, moving up and moving across, means new opportunities are always arising. The Civil Service is a progressive organisation that embraces changes arising in people's day to day lives. It is a leader with regard to flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies. 4

5 Many departments have social clubs and sports teams, who actively encourage new talent to join. In addition, the team nature of public service work results in a happy, friendly working environment. Moreover, management encourage the viewpoints and participation of junior and senior members of staff through groups such as Partnership, whereby staff are given a forum to raise issues and improve their own work situation. One of the most notable aspects of the Civil Service is the international dimension, with embassies and consulates throughout the world representing Ireland abroad. The international dimension also includes the European Parliament in Brussels, to which many Civil Servants travel representing various topics on behalf of the Irish Government. Personal & Career Development 5

6 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We regard equality of opportunity as one of our core organisational values. We have made significant progress in encouraging persons with disabilities to compete for Civil Service positions. We make every effort to provide facilities and equipment necessary to enable people with disabilities to participate in our recruitment drives. We are committed to reaching the Government objective that 3% of Civil Service positions should be filled by persons with disabilities. All recruitment drives are open to everyone who meets the eligibility criteria. In addition, we hold recruitment drives exclusively targeted at people with disabilities. 6

7 CÉARD FAOIN ngaeilge? Tá sé de cheart ag gach saoránach gnó a dhéanamh le Ranna Rialtais trí Ghaeilge nó trí Bhéarla. Ciallaíonn sé sin go gcaithfidh dóthain daoine a bheith ar fáil sa Státseirbhís chun an tseirbhís seo a sholáthar do chustaiméirí. Is féidir le daoine a dtugtar cuireadh chuig agallamh dóibh agus muid i mbun earcaíochta a gcumas iad féin a chur in iúl go héifeachtúil i ngaeilge agus i mbéarla a chur á mheas, más mian leo. Bronntar marcanna breise ar dhaoine a mbíonn ar a gcumas iad féin a chur in iúl go héifeachtúil sa dá theanga agus d'fhéadfadh sé sin céim níos airde a bhaint amach dóibh san ord fiúntais i gcomórtas. Céard faoin ngaeilge? 7

8 HEALTHY WORK/LIFE BALANCE The Civil Service is a recognised leader in the development of flexible working practices. Flexible working time is available in most Government Depart-ments. Job-sharing facilities and other atypical working arrangements may be availed of to enable employees to pursue further education or for personal reasons. Term- time allows Civil Servants to take 10 or 13 weeks unpaid leave during the summer to match working arrangements with school holidays. Creche facilities are available in some locations for the children of Civil Servants. Also, after working in the Civil Service for a particular period of time, employees can apply for a career break. Caroline Clarke, a Higher Executive Officer working in the Public Appointments Service (dealing with recruitment to the Civil Service) explains the benefit of this scheme: "...to have that option without giving up your job is really nice. To know that if you go out of the country for six months/a year - you can have anything up to five years - you know that there is a job there when you come back..." Because the Civil Service values its employees, they are given permanent contracts if they complete their contract period satisfactorily. 8

9 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Secretary General x Assistant Secretary x Principal Officer x Assistant Principal Organisational Structure Administrative Officer x x Higher Executive Officer Executive Officer c Staff Officer c Clerical Officer x c 9

10 HOW DO I APPLY? Check our website. All our jobs in the public service are advertised on Call into our careers store Respond to our newspaper advertisements in the national press. Check out our website to view current vacancies across a wide range of Pubic Service organisations and apply for these positions on-line. In addition, you have the facility to indicate your interest in vacancies that may arise in the future so that you can be notified by or text alert and invited to apply. Among the other services offered are: Information on the Public Appointments Service Career information including profiles of people working at different levels across the Public Service Interview hints and techniques Sample Questions from a range of selection tests Hints and Tips for the test session Links to the websites of a wide range of public service organisations Answers to a range of frequently asked questions. We are expanding the range of services available on publicjobs.ie to allow candidates have an opportunity to book tests and interview times on-line as well as expanding the two-way messaging service with candidates. 10

11 CAREERS STORE If you're interested in Public Sector careers, check out the Public Appointments Service Careers Store: Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1. This ultra-modern facility is an excellent way to find out more about Civil Service and Public Sector careers. A dedicated team is available to meet new visitors and will answer any questions you have. Other resources include interactive multi-media facilities and a seminar room where specific careers will be showcased. What kind of job should I apply for? The Civil Service is always looking for new talent, people who are interested in adding their skills to one of the largest teams in Ireland. We have jobs or career opportunities at all levels. The following pages describe some of the different types of jobs. Careers Store 11

12 CLERICAL OFFICER This is the first step into an exciting career in the Civil Service. Clerical Officers work in all departments in Ireland, providing vital input to the team through a range of general office duties. Promotional opportunities are available to all Clerical Officers when they are made permanent. Clerical Officers need a good general standard of education and a customer focused attitude. How do I apply for the job? We advertise in the main recruitment pages of the national newspapers and on our website After applying, you will be given information about the selection tests telling you where and when the tests will take place and what types of questions will be asked. If you are successful at the test you may be invited to attend for an interview. Should you be successful at interview and offered a post, we will try to accommodate your own interests and wishes as best we can. 12

13 LISA FORAN Clerical Officer, Department of Transport My name is Lisa Foran and I started work as a Clerical Officer in the Civil Service six years ago. My first job was with the Public Appointments Service where I worked as part of a team responsible for recruiting Prison Officers. The work involved planning and arranging all aspects of the ongoing interview programme: scheduling applicants for interview and notifying them of the date and time, liaising with interviewers and ensuring they had all the correct paperwork. After the interviews I issued results and organised medical examinations for those who were successful. I was in daily contact not only with applicants, but with the general public, answering their queries. My other main dealings were with other civil servants, particularly those in the human resources area of the Prison Service. The Civil Service offers many opportunities to staff. Apart from family friendly work practices, there are also benefits like flexible working hours, career breaks, staff mobility and a refund of fees scheme for those who wish to pursue further studies. To gain more experience, I took the opportunity in 2003 to transfer to the Department of Transport. I am now working in the Minister s Constituency Office which acts as a link between the Minister and his constituents. Here I am part of a team who is in constant contact with constituents and involved with issues they raise with the Minister. The Minister for Transport s office is particularly busy and has seen a number of major initiatives in recent years. The opening of the Luas in 2004 was very exciting and one of the highlights of my time in the Minister s office. The fact that the Green Line from Sandyford to St. Stephen s Green passes through the Minister s constituency only served to add to the occasion. The work in the Minister s office is very varied and exciting and in many regards very rewarding. Overall, from my experience, the work in the Civil Service is both interesting and challenging - but best of all, is the great team spirit. Clerical Officer, Department of Transport 13

14 EXECUTIVE OFFICER A trainee management role, Executive Officers perform a first-level management role in all departments. This encompasses both project management and after initial training, staff management. Executive Officers can apply for promotion after a specified period of time. To apply, you need to meet one of the following criteria: Recognised Degree Or Successful Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) result in Maths and Irish and/or English and one of the following: 1. Have passed 1st year examinations of a course leading to a recognised degree. 2. A certificate/diploma or other qualification obtained following a NCEA recognised course that lasted at least two years 3. Professional Examination 1, or equivalent of a recognised accountancy body Or Successful Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) in Maths and Irish or English with a minimum of grade C in five Honours subjects. 14

15 PAUL DUNPHY Executive Officer, Department of Education and Science My name is Paul Dunphy. I am working as an Executive Officer in the International Section of the Department of Education and Science since May I had no expectations about working for this Department as I knew next to nothing about it. I soon found the International Section to be extremely interesting, challenging and lively. I am involved in non-eu work. Much of my time is spent organising programmes for visiting educationalists and coordinating the Department s response to requests for information from other departments or international organisations. Other work may involve paying invoices and managing accounts; answering Parliamentary Questions or requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act; or replying to representations being made to the Minister. I find there is a lot of variety in my job, I am given some autonomy and am expected to use my initiative. The career prospects are excellent. Positions within this Department and in international organisations are continually being advertised. There is plenty of opportunity for promotion and training and a performance management and training programme is in place where each year you look at the business plan in your area, you examine the skills you are going to need to perform your job, discuss these with your manager and agree what training you require. After two years, you may be allowed take a career break of up to five years, or you may apply to transfer to another Department. While starting salaries may seem low by graduate standards, the non-pay aspects are excellent. Executive Officer, Department of Education and Science 15

16 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Administrative Officers play a crucial role in policy formulation (through critical analysis, research and policy drafting) for a wide range of governmental areas. Administrative Officers can also be involved in drafting briefing material for Ministers. This role is an excellent opportunity for honours graduates to begin working in the Public Sector. To apply, you need a first or second class honours degree. 16

17 KATE MURRAY Administrative Officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform I completed my degree in Management Science and Information System Studies in Trinity College, Dublin in After attending the annual Careers Information Day, and obtaining information on the graduate entry positions, I decided to apply for the positions of Administrative Officer/Third Secretary. I did the aptitude tests, was successful and subsequently called for an interview for Administrative Officer. I commenced work in the Gender Equality Section of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in January Although initially apprehensive about the unexciting, old-fashioned reputation that is often attributed to the Civil Service, I soon discovered that the job was actually highly dynamic, progressive and forward-thinking. I am involved in work both nationally and internationally. For example, I was Secretary to the Consultative Group on Male/Female Wage Differentials who recently presented their Report to Government. Internationally, the work has ranged from attendance at a two week meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN to the co-ordination of material for meetings of the EU Ministers for Social Affairs. I enjoy participating in a team which often involves working with colleagues from Ministries in other EU countries. I have been involved on particular projects and events, such as logistics planning and financial controlling of conferences and seminars. The position is very varied in terms of day-to-day work and this diversity has given me the opportunity to gain great experience particularly as this is the first job I have had since graduating from college. Many opportunities lie ahead. These include a transfer to another Government Department for a year in order to further broaden my experience. The Administrative Officer is a trainee management position, in that the level and quality of work allows you to develop your potential and provides for progression to a more senior position, the next step being Assistant Principal. Administrative Officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform 17

18 THIRD SECRETARY As the first step in a career within the Diplomatic Corps, Third Secretary is a very special one. Third Secretaries initially work in the Department of Foreign Affairs before travelling to an Irish embassy or consulate where they will work for a number of years. There are many different projects and areas of work within Foreign Affairs, from dealing with Irish tourists issues abroad to acting as an Irish Representative in various formal functions. This role is an excellent opportunity for honours graduates with a particular interest in foreign affairs to begin a career within the Diplomatic Corps. 18

19 JOHN GILROY, Third Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs My name is John Gilroy. I studied English and Philosophy at undergraduate level, and completed a Multimedia MSc in I began my career as an Executive Officer, in Foreign Affairs and after six months, was lucky enough to be offered the position of Third Secretary, following a further open competition through the Public Appointments Service. Currently I am working in Development Cooperation Ireland (DCI), the Government of Ireland s programme of assistance to developing countries. Within DCI, I am in the Multilateral UN Policy unit. This section is responsible among other things for managing Ireland s overseas development assistance (ODA) which is contributed to UN agencies such as UNICEF. An important part of my day to day work here in DCI is keeping up to date with international developments in areas ranging from climate change to monitoring Ireland s progress towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals. There is a constant demand to prepare material for political briefs or speaking notes, which sometimes can have tight deadlines. The positive aspect of this is that you learn very quickly on the job, and get a broad understanding of what s going on, not just in your section, but across the Department. There are also great opportunities to travel. I have attended a number of international conferences in my time here, from a meeting on HIV/AIDS in Dublin to a trade conference in Brazil, with trips to the EU and the UN in Brussels and New York along the way. Development Cooperation Ireland is just one section prospective Third Secretaries could work in. Other sections such as Political, Anglo-Irish, Protocol, all offer completely different challenges, and I hope to get an opportunity to experience all of them during the course of my career. In some ways a career as a Third Secretary is a vocation rather than a job, with long hours and extensive travelling regularly impacting on my domestic life. I m hoping to be sent on my first posting abroad with the Department in the coming months, which will be another great opportunity for me to broaden my horizons and experience life in other countries. While the Third Secretary grade is a training one, the level of responsibility and autonomy can be quite high.there are constant opportunities for further training provided by the Department, with a wide range of language classes, as well as management, presentation skills, public speaking, everything an aspiring diplomat could possibly require. Third Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs 19

20 PROFESSIONAL AND SPECIALIST POSTS Opportunities for almost all professional and specialist roles exist within the Public Service for both graduates and non-graduates. These include: Engineers Planners Architects Accountants/Auditors Medical Consultants Psychologists Nursing Staff Legal Staff - Solicitors, Barristers, Law Clerks Paramedical staff - Dental Surgeons, Environmental Health Officers, Pharmacists, Community Welfare Officers. How do I find out about Professional/Specialist Posts in the Civil Service? We advertise different jobs when they arise in the main recruitment pages in the national press and on our website You should check out the current vacancy page on our website regularly. If a suitable vacancy is not currently listed, you can register your interest in a range of opportunities which may become available in the future. Call into our Careers Store or ring our Office at: to find out more. 20

21 DAVID O CONNOR City Architect, Fingal County Council My name is David O Connor. I am the County Architect in Fingal County Council. My responsibility is to advise the County Council, the County Manager and the Senior Executives of the Department of their architectural responsibilities. I provide new housing and Civic Buildings for the County Council. I help the council formulate spatial strategy into the future. I entered the Public Service initially through answering advertisements in the paper like everybody does. Being an Architect I entered at a particular level that was commensurate with my experience at the time. But within 12 months I was promoted to a middle management role within the organisation. I then found myself within a sector to do with housing but was able to push the boundaries out within that and found myself taken out of that particular section and brought in to do development. I actually found myself shaping streets and districts and I was anxious to find out more about how that would work. I went and made a presentation to my managers and they allowed me, on special arrangement, to do a third level degree. So I got a degree in Conservation within the Public Service supported by them. It informed me about what I was doing in a new way. It would have been virtually impossible for me to take that sort of time out within the private sector. I always felt that there was a bigger issue involved in architecture. I had become strongly involved in my own architectural profession and felt that there was a lot that could be done to influence public opinion, and influence policy in general. I found that its far more effective to do that from within the Public Service. You can produce results. You find yourself influencing people that otherwise would not have architectural advice and pushing out the boundaries of my own profession particularly, and I suppose the most concrete influence of that is the building we are sitting in now because it really is an expression of pushing it to its limits. It s a very green conscious building, it s a model of how the public service should present itself to its people. City Architect, Fingal County Council 21

22 Government Departments/Offices Department Web Site Telephone No Lo-Call Tel. Government Websites can be acessed/visited from Department of Agriculture & Food (01) Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism (01) Office of the Attorney General (01) Central Statistics Office (021) Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources (01) Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs (01) Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General (01) The Courts Service (01) Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (01) Department of Defence (01) Department of Education & Science (01) Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment (01) Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government (01) Department of Finance (01) Department of Foreign Affairs (01) Department of Health & Children (01) Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform (01) Land Registry (01) Office of the Ombudsman (01) Public Appointments Service (01) Office of Public Works (01) Office of the Revenue Commissioners (01) Department of Social & Family Affairs (01) Department of the Taoiseach (01) Department of Transport (01) Valuation Office (01)

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24 Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, Ireland. Áras na Caibidle 26/30 Sráid na Mainistreach Uachtarach, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire. Tel: Fax: