Local Link Programme Manager

Duties and Responsibilities The key tasks in this role include : Leading the delivery of the TFI Local Link / Rural Transport Programme. Oversee the delivery of transport services to rural communities across Ireland and in so doing tackling social and economic exclusion and rural isolation; Administer the annual budget provided by Department of Transport (DoT) whilst ensuring strong controls are in place and good practice is followed by the NTA and the local Transport Coordination Units (TCUs); Manage contracts in place between the NTA and the TCUs for the administration of Local Link operator contracts; Work with key stakeholders (including the Department of Transport, TCUs, other government agencies and departments) to identify priorities, enhancements and synergies with transport services provided by other government agencies or departments; Advise Department of Transport on policy and related matters relevant to rural transport and its management; Work closely with the NTA Service Planning team, to support the implementation of the Connecting Ireland programme and ongoing development and improvement of the TFI Local Link network; Liaise with and provide advice to TCUs on matters of management of operator contracts with the NTA, governance, compliance with Government and NTA guidelines / regulations and related issues; Oversee responses to correspondence, representations and PQs relating to TFI Local Link services and their management; Ensure reviews of TFI Local Link public transport services are carried out as required and implement changes arising from these reviews; Provide management responses to reports produced by the NTA internal audit team, following reviews / audits of TCUs; and Support the roll out of other initiatives to develop TFI Local Link services. Managing an inter-disciplinary team (currently 4 people) : co-ordinate and direct the work for the team; Ensure staff training needs are identified and met in a timely manner; Manage the performance of the team to ensure efficiency and effectiveness; and Handle staff matters as they arise in a professional and competent way in line with organisational standards and procedures. Contributing to the strategic direction of the NTAs Public Transport Services Department : Work with peers to identify and deliver key objectives of the Public Transport Services Department in line with the NTAs Statement of Strategy; Ensure TFI Local Link service delivery aligns with the overall objectives of the NTA; Collaborate with other departments and sections of NTA to plan consistent delivery of high quality services that best meet customer needs; and Assist in other activities of the Public Transport Services Department work as required by senior management. The responsibilities outlined above are indicative of the duties of the position and are likely to evolve and change to meet the needs of the business into the future. Note : The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position is based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the Authority. Essential Criteria Please note : In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your application. Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages. Each candidate must meet the following requirements at the time of the competition closing : Have a minimum of an NFQ level 7 qualification or equivalent; Have at least 7 years satisfactory experience within a relevant area, such as transport, local authority, or community organisations with at least 3 years at a senior level; Have a proven ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team; Have excellent skills in stakeholder engagement; Have a proven ability to implement change programmes; and Have an understanding and knowledge of the key issues being public procurement processes, contract management, corporate governance and public transport. Desirable Criteria Please note : Should further shortlisting be required after essential criteria above, a selection of the following may be assessed. The ideal candidate will also : Have awareness of community and voluntary organisations in Ireland and in particular knowledge of the rural community and its unique set of challenges; Have knowledge and understanding of the key issues in delivering efficient and cost effective public transport; Have good written and oral communications skills; Have strong organisational skills; and Have good interpersonal and influencing skills. Skills : Understands complex issues quickly Effectively manages multiple projects Is considered an expert by stakeholders