Applicants must provide evidence that, by the closing date, they meet the following criteria:
Essential
Qualifications:
1. Qualified to degree level.
Experience:
2. Have at least three years’ management experience at a senior operational level (i.e. Senior Executive Officer or above), of managing staff, resources and service delivery.
3. Experience of applying strategy to meet organisational objectives.
4. Experience of liaising/working in a partnership environment with internal and external stakeholders to achieve service objectives.
5. Experience of leading and managing organisational change in a complex organisation* to meet business objectives.
*complex organisation is one that operates across a large geographic area in a number of locations.
Other Requirements and Constraints:
6. Applicants must have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Libraries NI business) or other suitable form of transport which will enable the successful candidate to fulfil the requirements of the post to the satisfaction of Libraries NI.
7. Ability to work a mix of mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends both at base and in other service points as required.
8. Have no criminal record which would prevent working with children or adults at risk.
Desirable
1. Hold a professional library qualification.
2. A management qualification at certificate level or above.
The above essential criteria will be used for shortlisting purposes. However, Libraries NI reserves the right to enhance criteria at the shortlisting stage. If deemed necessary criterion 2 above may be enhanced to five years and/or desirable may be used for shortlisting.
It is essential that candidates provide sufficient details, using examples and dates where appropriate to demonstrate that they meet these requirements. It is not sufficient to simply list duties and responsibilities. Libraries NI will not make assumptions from the title of the post or the nature of the organisation as to the skills and experience gained. If you fail to provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet the essential criteria, your application will be rejected.
Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List may be created in order of suitability for further appointments within Libraries NI. This may be used for up to 12 months to fill the same or like vacancies with a similar job description and personnel specification and on the same salary scale, without further testing of merit.
LIBRARIES NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Shortlisting Process
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the information provided against each specific criterion as presented on the application form. Applications will first be considered against the essential criteria. Where necessary enhanced criteria and/or desirable criteria may be applied.
Only shortlisted candidates will be called to the next stage of the selection process.
SELECTION PROCESS
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and will be expected to demonstrate at interview their knowledge and skills in the following key areas and draw on their personal qualities to support their answers.
Key Areas:
• Current thinking in librarianship as it relates to public libraries
• Library Operations and Support Services
• Policy Formulation and Strategic Planning
• Staff Management and Development
• Management of Resources and Systems Delivery of library services
Applicants may be required to make a presentation to demonstrate their understanding of the current and anticipated challenges of this role. The presentation topic will be provided in advance and candidates may make use of PowerPoint. The selection panel will wish to question candidates on the content of their presentation.
Depending on the number of candidates who meet the shortlisting criteria there may be a two stage interview process.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a permanent appointment.
The successful candidate will be employed on NJC terms and conditions of service and membership of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme is automatic for persons eligible to join. Further information about pensions is available on the NILGOSC website www.nilgosc.org.uk
Where applicable the appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all procedural and pre-employment checks.
Where applicable the successful candidate will be subject to a probationary period of six months.
An unpaid meal break of 30 minutes will normally be taken by employees who are contracted to work four hours or more per day
Travelling and Subsistence
Travel expenses at rates approved by Libraries NI will be paid in respect of approved journeys necessary as an employee of Libraries NI.
Mobility Clause
The post will be located in an agreed location, or at any alternative premises as may be reasonably required and may be subject to change following consultation with the post holder.
Excess Fares
If you are an employee of Libraries NI and in receipt of excess fares, this provision will cease on appointment.