Commissioners of Irish Lights - Planning, Policy and Development Manager (1 vacancy)

Role: Planning, Policy and Development Manager
Location: Irish Lights HQ, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Salary: €87,366 - €100,414 (8 points)

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 16th August 2024

Overview of the role

The Navigation, Maritime and Consenting Department, in consultation with our internal and external stakeholders, is tasked with provision of safety of navigation related advice and input with respect to the National Marine Planning Framework and supporting legislation in Ireland and the Marine Plan for Northern Ireland and related legislation in Northern Ireland, navigation risk assessment, optimising current and future marine data assets, supporting service delivery to Coastal Operations and reviewing current and future provision of Aids to Navigation.

The Planning, Policy and Development (PPD) Manager reporting directly to the Director of Navigation, Maritime and Consenting will lead on future planning, policy and regulatory assessment relevant to the maritime safety and aids to navigation domain. They will support Irish Lights engagement with national and international stakeholders and translate future requirements and opportunities into the design, development and delivery of new services. They will be responsible for department level project progress tracking, updates and status reporting.  

The PPD Manager will be responsible for leading policy engagement and development across the following areas:

• Navigation Safety and Aids to Navigation, Planning, Policy & Regulation
• Related National and International Foresight and Stakeholder Engagement  
• Value Added Maritime Services – technology assessment, design and delivery of future services
• Data analytics and the development of Information services  

The PPD Manager will lead a small team of subject matter experts in their relevant areas. They will also be responsible for the preparation and delivery of management information on behalf of the NMC department.

As a member of the Management Team, the PPD Manager will collaborate with others to provide overall organisation level leadership and direction, implementation of organisational values and collective delivery of the Irish Lights Strategy. 

Accountabilities

The PPD Manager will provide expert advice and analysis on existing and future issues relating to Navigation Safety, Planning, Policy Development and Regulation. The primary responsibilities will include: 

• Foresight, requirements gathering and planning to inform the development and delivery of existing and new statutory and where appropriate value-added services.  
• Development and management of key senior level relationships on policy matters with Department of Transport (Coastguard and MSO), Navy, RNLI, MCIB, MCA, UKHO, GSI, MI etc. 
• Input to the Director of NMC and CEO on Policy Development, National Consultation Responses, Strategy Development and Stakeholder Liaison.   
• Support the development and management of key national relationships with Commercial Shipping, Fisheries and Aquaculture and Leisure Sectors.  
• Preparation of annual plans, budgets, external and internal submissions, Board papers, oversight of capital and operational expenditure, Business Continuity Plan, Risk Register, oversight of audit activities and all safety matters for their part of the NMC department. 
• Development of Policy and Service Delivery Standards for Met Ocean Service. 
• Liaison with policy roles across the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) teams 
• Provide strategic advice on maritime safety to Irish Lights Senior Management 
• Represent Irish Lights at relevant national and international committees and events. 
• Support the Communications Manager to promote the work of the Irish Lights. 
• Completion of monthly and periodic reporting requirements. 

Qualifications

Essential

• A maritime policy, regulation, engineering, safety or science related qualification at degree level or equivalent.
• Senior leadership experience.
• A track record in understanding policy and regulations and designing, developing and delivering new strategies and services as a response to policy and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrated ability to address key themes in the current and future Irish Lights strategies, the GLA 2040: Navigating the Future strategy and subsequent documents.
• Demonstrated excellent judgement to understand and translate the organisation strategic intent into operational outcomes, by formulating plans, communicating intentions and executing at a higher level without direct supervision.
• Experience in the translation of stakeholder requirements into new service delivery.    
• A broad awareness and understanding of the business value of a variety of technologies across the disciplines of position, navigation & timing. • Demonstrated ability to innovate and deliver business process improvements.
• Experience in the development and management of relationships of trust with internal and external stakeholders and collaborators to deliver key outcomes.  
• Proven ability to lead and coach teams working in a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional environment.
• Proven ability to manage the delivery of a portfolio of projects.
• Proven ability in data literacy in a business context. A strong ability to read, understand, work with, analyse and communicate with data, turning it into meaningful, relevant information.
• Excellent project management and report writing skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, change management and negotiation skills.
• A refined writing, speaking and presentation capability is an important asset. 

Desirable

• Post Graduate Qualification
• Preferably 8+ years’ experience in managing teams in a changing environment.
• Knowledge and experience of national and international maritime policy and regulation (ideally maritime safety) and the role of international maritime organisations including IALA and IMO, IHO, ITU etc.
• Understanding of future navigation digital technologies in the context of Technology, Policy and Implementation Roadmaps.
• Experience in public sector budget management including estimates, reporting and public procurement processes.
• Appreciation of public sector governance requirements.
• Understanding of and interest in the development of the broader maritime economy. 

Competencies

Core

• Personal Responsibility – Taking responsibility for your own actions and being open to learning and change
• Manage Work – Identifying, prioritising and organising work for delivery.  Taking ownership and being accountable for your work
• Communicate Effectively – Two-way information sharing process which involves sending a message in a clear and responsible way that is easily understood
• Teamwork – Working collaboratively with others, both within and outside your department, to achieve the best outcome 

Management

• Leadership – Understanding the importance of leadership for the achievement of Irish Lights goals. Demonstrating the skills to lead employees to achieve success
• Drive for Results – Consistently performance through people by demonstrating drive, flexibility and a willingness to take action and complete tasks.  Being resilient and courageous in the face of setbacks
• Support Others – Identifying with and understanding the needs and viewpoints of others and supporting employee’s development and wellbeing.  Genuinely valuing the inputs and expertise of all employee’s
• Strategic Thinking – Demonstrating the capacity to think big picture as well as the focus on the detail.  Ensuring work is aligned with the business objectives and strategic direction. 

How to Apply

Please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by midnight on Friday, 16 August to:

Cara Carter,
Halcyon Recruitment
cara@halcyonrecruitment.com 

Please note that applications can only be accepted to this email address.