Deputy Chief Executive / Head of Learning – Festina Lente

Key priorities year one:
This new role is vital, as we anticipate the challenges associated with the move to a new location. With this in mind, we see priorities in Year One as being about:
Supporting the strategic development of the Human Resource function
Reviewing management/staff structures to ensure integration in the context of expansion and growth
Working closely with the Chief Executive in supporting the relocation to a new facility for its current facilities
Work closely with the Chief Executive, Board of Directors, staff and all stakeholders in the strategic development of the organisation

Key Responsibilities:
Develop and manage a dynamic HR function that ensures that appropriate policies and systems are in place to support organisational needs, championing excellence in HR practice and all relevant legislation. This will include administration, leave management, talent planning and acquisition, training and development
Hold responsibility for staff responsible for general administration and Social Media
Partner with Managers responsible for: HSE funded programmes and KWTB Programmes; Pobal funded programmes; Finances
Partner with the Chief Executive by delivering strategic and operational planning and support
Provide support to the Board regarding the strategic plan every three to five years
Write the annual review and operational plan in support of facilitating the Board’s oversight and evaluation of the progress and impact of the strategy
Work with the Chief Executive and relevant Board members to review structures and investigate best practices in the industry in order to sustain a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation structure that delivers innovate, leading edge, customer-focused services.
Work in conjunction with the Chief Executive and Board to maintain strong relationships with heads of department/functions, staff, third parties and service users to ensure that appropriate service governance is in place at all times
Oversee and quality assure all aspects of Festina Lente’s Safeguarding Policies
Provide functional support to sections identified by the Chief Executive, specifically the HR, Health and Safety, Administration and General Data Protection (GDPR) at the outset
In conjunction with the Chief Executive to support the service managers in the delivery of Festina Lente’s training, recreational and employment service options
Manage all Festina Lente related Health and Safety and General Data Protection Regulations matters and ensuring compliance always throughout the organisation
Support the Chief Executive and staff to promote, engage and participate in appropriate research and evaluation studies and forums, which examine the benefits and impact of both equine-assisted learning and social and therapeutic horticulture on young people, teenagers and adults affected by disability and/or socio economic disadvantage
Carry out any other duties within the scope and spirit of the job description as requested by the Chief Executive.
The successful candidate will be expected to have:
An appropriate qualification in Human Resource management and/or organisational development
An understanding of finances
A minimum of 5 years’ experience of working in the NGO/Voluntary and Community sectors or a related field in a management/leadership capacity
Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Festina Lente Enterprises
Excellent organisational, project management and ICT skills
A work ethic that values integrity, flexibility and a commitment to creating the conditions for trust and collaboration through dialogue and teamwork
A high level of motivation, experience and capacity for working on one’s own initiative
Maintain highest standards of ethics, accountability and confidentiality in all aspects of work
Must enjoy working in both an indoor and outdoor environment
Must enjoy working in an environment characterised by diversity, multiple profiles of people, horses and horticulture
The following experience is an advantage:
Proven ability to perform at a strategic level
Proven experience of working in environment with an emphasis on outcomes for people affected by disability and/or socio-economic disadvantage
Experience working in a Pobal supported Community Service Programme
A sense of fun and curiosity
The successful candidate is required to have his or her own car and a full, clean driving licence.

Applicants will be short listed for interview based on the information supplied on their CV and letter of application at the closing date.
Applications should be submitted to applicationsdublin@odgersberndtson.com by Friday 21 August 2020.

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