Senior Technical Executive, Project Management Office

Job description

We are delighted to be recruiting a Senior Technical Executive, Project Management Office for our client The Food Safety Authority of Ireland. This is a Fixed Term Contract for 12 months. Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 5^th of August 2025.

TITLE

Senior Technical Executive, Project Management Office

AREA

Corporate Affairs, Project Management Office (PMO)

REPORTS TO

Manager, Project Management Office, or other nominated person

SALARY

Point 1 of the Senior Technical Executive salary scale i.e. €70,647 on a pro rata basis

LOCATION

The FSAI currently operates on a hybrid-working basis which provides clarity around remote working and attendance at head office in The Exchange, George’s Dock, IFSC, Dublin D01 P2V6.

JOB ENVIRONMENT

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is a statutory, independent and science-based body, dedicated to protecting public health and consumer interests in the area of food safety and hygiene. The FSAI support these essential services through the development and implementation of a number of projects that scale from impacting a single internal system to projects that impact on food businesses and the wider public in general. These projects also range from the review or enhancement of existing systems/services to the development of innovative and sector leading technologies to implement changes in public engagement and improving public health.

The FSAI has an established programme and project management framework and is looking for support to further expand on these foundations. The FSAI expect the assigned project manager to have a diverse set of project management skills with experience in the delivery of projects in various sizes of organisations – ideally in other public sector bodies.

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Technical Executive will lead and coordinate the planning, delivery, and evaluation of specific projects within the FSAI. The role involves working collaboratively across internal teams and with external stakeholders to ensure that project objectives are achieved on time, within budget, and in compliance with internal FSAI and public sector standards.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan, lead, and manage projects from initiation to closure in line with public service governance standards (e.g. Public Spending Code, Project Management Methodologies).
• Prepare business cases, project initiation documents, project plans, and status reports.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Monitor and manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and changes.
• Track budgets and expenditure, ensuring value for money and compliance with procurement policies.
• Support change management processes associated with projects.
• Prepare documentation for senior management, steering committees, and governance boards.
• Ensure project activities comply with regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Participate in post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and promote continuous improvement.
• Support the PMO to enable measurement and tracking of benefits after project completion.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of project management frameworks and templates within the organisation.

The above list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of the role. The organisation operates within a changing environment, and you will be required to be flexible and adapt to these changes and to develop your role as a result.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• A minimum of four years’ relevant experience in project management.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK, Agile, Lean Six Sigma).
• Proven experience managing stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and delivering complex projects.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Applications will also be considered from candidates with relevant formal qualifications considered to be of an equivalent or higher standard to those stated above.

Desirable:

• A relevant project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile certification).
• Experience working within the public sector or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with the Public Spending Code, governance frameworks, and public procurement rules.
• Experience in IT system rollouts or organisational change projects.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Leadership

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing and performance issues if they arise
• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team
• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives
• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required
• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills & capacity of team
• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change

Judgment, Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors
• Takes account of any broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions
• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions
• Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these
• Puts forward solutions to address problems

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives
• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time
• Structures and organises their own and others work effectively
• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available
• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required
• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively
• Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs
• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role
• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues
• Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits
• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances
• Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing
• Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goal

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation and effectively communicates this to others
• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work
• Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives
• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands
• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon
• Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided
• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

This job description is subject to change from time to time, in line with the FSAI’s work requirements.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGINING

The FSAI is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities. The FSAI’s vision is to be a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, (DEI&B) in the Irish public sector. The FSAI and its staff is committed to:

• Treating all people equally and respectfully
• Being equitable and fair by working to attract and develop a diverse workforce and ensuring that individuals feel valued in their workplace.
• Being inclusive and seeking out and learning from multiple perspectives.

FSAI STRATEGY AND VALUES

The FSAI’s current strategy sets outs our vision, purpose, values, strategic goals and objectives for the period 2025-2029.

Our Vision

Safe and trustworthy food for everyone

Our Purpose

As Ireland’s independent regulator and the central competent authority for the enforcement of food safety legislation, we will protect consumers’ health and interests by:

• Building a culture of food safety
• Improving food safety within a risk analysis framework
• Leading a robust food safety control system
• Continuing to drive organisational excellence

Our Values

• We develop and inspire people to build a better organisation through teamwork
• We act with integrity and are honest, open and independent in all we do
• We are passionate about protecting consumers
• We act with respect and take personal responsibility
• We recognise and value collaboration with our partners
• We are transparent and open, and we communicate clearly

More information can be found at https://www.fsai.ie/strategy/