Open Competition for Appointment to the Position of Executive Officer Network Administrator (ICT) An Bord Pleanála

Transcription

1 INFORMATION BOOKLET Open Competition for Appointment to the Position of Executive Officer Network Administrator (ICT) An Bord Pleanála May 2016 AN BORD PLEANÁLA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

2 TITLE OF POSITION: NATURE OF POST Executive Officer Network Administrator ICT 1 Post Permanent, full- time office based position LOCATION: 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 Background An Bord Pleanála is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and for direct applications in relation to strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Acts, as amended. The mission statement of An Bord Pleanála is as follows: To play our part as an independent national body in an impartial, efficient and open manner, to ensure that physical development and major infrastructure projects in Ireland respect the principles of sustainable development, including the protection of the environment." Further details on the role and work of An Bord Pleanála can be found at An Bord Pleanála is in the process of redesigning the organisation s entire ICT infrastructure. This represents an exciting project and full expansion of internal and external digital services which will provide online applications to the public and bring upto-date internal online systems including GIS. 1. Role of the Executive Officer (EO) Network Administrator in ICT The EO Network Administrator in An Bord Pleanála has the responsibility for supporting the ongoing operation of the internal and external ABP networks and the external cloud environments. The responsibilities also include administering the Windows Server operating system and other ancillary ICT software systems. This is a challenging role as a wide range of technologies are supported in An Bord Pleanála and the organisation is highly dependent on the ICT systems to deliver dayto-day operations. The EO will report directly to a Senior Executive Officer and to the Head of ICT. General duties may include the following: Responsible for service delivery and operational performance of the Microsoft software, Network technology components and external cloud environments.

3 Provide first and second level ICT support for hardware, software and network services to other internal departments. Deliver, document, control, measure and improve Systems & Network Administration processes. Deliver and support the processes which provide Systems file, print and application services. Assist with the vendor management of Network and System production support processes. Define, monitor and control all Network and System service management metrics. Assist with the execution of the ICT service strategy and the integration of new ICT services. Assist the SEO / Head of ICT with any procurement-related projects or tenders. Manage cross functional ICT projects as required. NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the position 2. Qualifications and Experience Essential Requirements Candidates, must on or before 1 st June, 2016 have A Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology (Level 7 NQAI) Minimum of 2 years experience required in network and systems administration in a Microsoft systems and Cisco networking environment. Detailed technical knowledge of networks, security, server administration and telecommunications. Expert knowledge of the Microsoft operating systems, both desktop and server, and MS Office applications. Desirable Requirements: Commercial certification in either Microsoft (MCSA/MCSE) or Cisco (CCNA/CCNP) Good knowledge of project management methodologies. Good knowledge / experience with administering Windows Server 2012 R2 systems and domain architecture, DNS and DHCP. Some knowledge / experience with administrating MS SQL Server databases.

4 Some knowledge of administering an Office 365 environment. A proven ability to be proactive and to keep up-to-date with rapid changes in technology and to become familiar with new ICT systems and programmes quickly Technology Used within An Bord Pleanála: MS Active Directory 2012 R2 VMware vsphere Essentials Plus 5.5 Veeam Backup Software Symantec Backup Exec 2012 Dell PowerEdge Servers MS Windows Server Datacentre Cisco Routers, Firewalls and Switches Cisco Wireless Access Points and Controllers MS Exchange 2010 Office 365 Hybrid Environment Remote Desktop Services Cisco AnyConnect / IPSEC VPN System Centre Datacentre Suite of Products Microsoft Azure Office 365 Pilot / Hybrid Environment Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) Web Marshal Web Proxy McAfee EndPoint Protection 3. Person Specification The ideal candidate should have: The ability to plan and organise their own work Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with people The ability to communicate effectively with senior management, internal, external customers and peers in a clear and concise manner Be thorough and accurate in their work Self-motivated, with a proven ability to get things done and work to deadlines Candidates should be motivated, experienced and demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team Ability to work in team environment, demonstrating initiative and flexibility and relevant skills. The ability to have some flexibility on working hours is also a requirement as the role can involve out of hours working in addition to some occasional weekend work.

5 4. Selection Process How to Apply Applications must complete the attached application form and submit the form by to The Selection Process may include some or all of the following: A competitive test or exercise that may be deemed appropriate Shortlisting of candidates, on the basis of the information contained in their application; a competitive interview Closing Date: Midnight on 3 rd June, 2016 Please Note We acknowledge receipt of all applications. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within 3 working days of applying, please Gavin Duffy at g.duffy@pleanala.ie. You can expect to receive s at relevant stages of the competition. An Bord Pleanála may decide, by reason of the volume of applications, to carry out a shortlisting procedure. In the event of a shortlisting exercise being employed the information provided in your application will be examined and assessed against criteria based on the requirements of the position. References Please start considering names of people who you feel would be suitable referees that we might consult (2 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer, but should be in a position to provide a reference for you. Please be assured that we will only collect the details and contact referees should come under consideration after interview stage.

6 Principal Conditions of Service 1. General: The appointment is to an established position in the Public Service. A probationary period of one year from the date of appointment will apply. Notwithstanding this paragraph and the paragraph immediately following below, this will not preclude an extension of the probationary period in appropriate circumstances. During the period of probation, the appointee s performance will be subject to review by a Senior Executive Officer/Line Manager to determine whether the appointee: (i) has performed in a satisfactory manner; (ii) has been satisfactory in general conduct; and (iii) is suitable from the point of view of health with particular regard to sick leave. Prior to completion of probation a decision will be made as to whether or not the appointee will be retained. This decision will be based on the appointee s performance being assessed against the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. The detail of the probationary process will be explained to the appointee and the appointee will be given a copy of An Bord Pleanála s guidelines on probation. 2. Salary: All new entrants to the public service will be required to commence employment at the minimum point of the scale. Personal Pension Contribution PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) salary for this position, with effect from 1 January 2016, is as follows 27,739 29,712 30,821 32,687 34,360 35,977 37,588 39,166 40,760 42,311 43,909 44,967 MAX 46,473 LSI I 47,975 LSI II This rate will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution. A different rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution. Long service increments may be payable after 3(LSI1) and 6(LSI2) years satisfactory service at the Candidates should note that the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Increments may be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance.

7 Important Note: Different pay and conditions may apply, if, immediately prior to appointment the appointee is already a serving Civil Servant or Public Servant. Payment will be made fortnightly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of an officer s choice. Payment cannot be made until bank details have been supplied. 3. Tenure This position is permanent and pensionable. The employment may be terminated at any time by whichever is the greater of three months notice in writing on either side, or as set out in the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to In the event of misconduct, employment may be terminated at any time without notice or payment in lieu of notice. In any other case, any termination of employment by the Board must be for stated reasons. 4. Duties The officer will be required to perform any duties appropriate to the position which may be assigned from time to time. 5. Organisation of the Working Time Act, 1997 The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply, where appropriate, to this appointment. 6. Hours of Attendance: Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 43 hours 15 minutes gross per week 37 hours net of lunch breaks. Flexi time is available to staff. 7. Annual Leave: 23 days rising to 24 days after 5 years service and to 25 days after 10 years service. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in the civil service, is based on a five day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays 8. Absence due to illness Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with

8 the provisions of the An Bord Pleanála s Absent Management Policy and relevant sick leave circulars as amended from time to time. Appointees, who will be paying the Class A rate of PRSI, will be required to sign a mandate authorising the Department of Social Protection to pay any benefits due under the Social Welfare Acts direct to An Bord Pleanála. Payment of salary during illness will be subject to the terms and conditions of sick leave in respect of the civil service and/or public service generally and the appointee making the necessary claims for social insurance benefit to the Department of Social Protection within the required time limits. 9. Assignment/Location: The successful candidate will be based in the Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin Retirement: Successful candidates will be offered the appropriate pension terms and retirement age conditions as prevailing in the public service at the time of being offered an appointment. The current pension and retirement age terms and conditions (including retirement age) are set out below. At present the terms of the An Bord Pleanála Staff Superannuation Scheme and of the associated Spouses and Children s Pension Scheme apply. Membership of these schemes is compulsory, and includes the following provisions with respect to pension terms, retirement age and associated conditions: New Entrant Status: If the appointee is deemed to be a new entrant (as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004), there is, currently, no specified retirement age in respect of the appointment to the position. The minimum age at which pension is payable is 65. If the appointee is deemed not to be a new entrant (as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004) retirement is compulsory on reaching 65 years of age. The minimum age at which pension is payable is 60. New members joining the Public Sector after the 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme which provides for a compulsory retirement age of 70. The minimum pension age is 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with State Pension age changes).

9 At the time of being offered an appointment, An Bord Pleanála will, in the light of the appointee s employment history, determine whether he or she is a new entrant. Appointees will be required to disclose their full public service history. 11. Superannuation Contributory superannuation arrangements (for both personal pension and spouses and children s pension) will apply to an appointee who is subject to Class A rate of PRSI contribution. The rates of contribution set out below will apply. Superannuation benefits are co-ordinated with benefits payable under the Social Welfare Acts in accordance with the provisions in An Bord Pleanála Staff Superannuation Scheme 1986 to Non-contributory personal pension arrangements will apply to an appointee to whom different pay and conditions apply and who is subject to Class D rate of PRSI contribution. Superannuation benefits in such cases are not co-ordinated with benefits under the Social Welfare Acts. Contribution Rates; (i) 1.5% of pensionable remuneration payable in respect of retirement lump sum, (ii) 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration payable in respect of personal pension entitlements, (iii) 1.5% of pensionable remuneration payable in respect of spouses and children s pension entitlements. Pensionable remuneration means the aggregate of salary and pensionable allowances. Net pensionable remuneration means the aggregate of salary and pensionable allowances less twice the annual rate of contributory old age pension (paid by the Department of Social Protection). Appointees who are subject to Class A PRSI contributions will pay (i), (ii) and (iii) above. Appointees who are subject to Class D PRSI contributions will pay (iii) above. Abatement of Pension The extended abatement arrangements under the Public Service Pension (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 have been activated with effect from 1 November Where a pension is payable by a public service body to a public service pensioner and the pensioner receives any remuneration from any public service body, then during this time no more of the pension shall be paid than so much as, with that remuneration, equals the pensionable remuneration which the pensioner would have received if he or she was once again working in the position in which he or she served in the public service. Abatement Civil Service other than ISER However, if the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service and awarded a pension under voluntary early retirement arrangements (other than

10 the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) which, as indicated above, renders a person ineligible for the competition) the entitlement to that pension will cease with effect from the date of reappointment. Special arrangements will, however be made for the reckoning of previous service given by the appointee for the purpose of any future superannuation award for which the appointee may be eligible Department of Education and Skills Early Retirement Scheme for Teachers Circular102/2007: The Department of Education and Skills introduced an Early Retirement Scheme for Teachers. It is a condition of the Early Retirement Scheme that with the exception of the situations set out in paragraphs 10.2 and 10.3 of the relevant circular, and with those exceptions only, if a teacher accepts early retirement under Strands 1, 2 or 3 of this scheme and is subsequently employed in any capacity in any area of the public sector, payment of pension to that person under the scheme will immediately cease. Pension payments will, however, be resumed on the ceasing of such employment or on the person s 60 th birthday, whichever is the later, but on resumption, the pension will be based on the person s actual reckonable service as a teacher (i.e. the added years previously granted will not be taken into account in the calculation of the pension payment). Pension-Accrual: If the appointee was previously employed in the Civil or Public Service please note that the Public Service Pension (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 imposes a 40-year limit (or equivalent in the case of fast accrual terms) on the total service which can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one existing public service pension scheme; such a limit already applies to service in any one scheme. This extended 40-year limit came into effect on 28 July This may have implications for any appointee who has acquired pension rights in a previous Public Service employment. Marriage Gratuity: If the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service and was paid a marriage gratuity, pensionable service before marriage will not be reckoned for superannuation purposes unless an appropriate refund is made in respect of that gratuity. Pension-Related Deduction (PRD)

11 This appointment is subject to the pension-related deduction in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 and as amended Declaration: Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment For further information in relation to the pension scheme for Established State Employees please see the following website: Citizenship Requirement Citizens of non-european Economic Area (EEA) States will not be eligible to compete. The EEA consists of the member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Special conditions may apply to citizens of Bulgaria and Romania with regard to their entitlement to be employed and work in Ireland. A candidate who is in doubt in this regard should consult the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. 13. Health & Character Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration. Candidates should be of good character and a reference will be required. The positions will require special security clearance and will require completion of a form for Garda vetting purposes. In the event of conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts. IMPORTANT NOTICE The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate

12 An Bord Pleanála Organogram