To best serve and improve the service offered to our members, the Prison
Officers Association now seeks to fill these 2 full time senior positions:

GENERAL SECRETARY AND DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY

The POA has a long tradition of servicing its Prison Officer members with high quality representation at local and national level. There are currently in excess of 3,000 members of the POA spread geographically over 17 centres throughout the Republic of Ireland. Whilst experience within a prison service would be desirable, it is not an essential requirement. However, previous experience at a Senior Trade Union Official level is essential. Applicants would also need to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the operations of the Irish Prison Service and the role of the POA’s members if shortlisted for competitive interview. The General Secretary as the Chief Executive of the Association, will deal with all administrative and secretarial matters relating to the Association. In the absence of the General Secretary, the Deputy General Secretary will deputise and carry out all of the General Secretary’s duties. The duties and responsibilities of the General Secretary/Deputy General Secretary in this regard shall be:

To provide accurate information on all issues to the National Executive Council of the Prison Officers Association, the Annual Conference and any Special Delegate Conferences as required. Both General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary will be responsible for the implementation of decisions taken at the Annual Conference, any Special Delegate Conferences or by the National Executive Council. They will attend to the day-to-day affairs of the Association between National Executive Council meetings and produce reports to be presented at each Annual Conference and be in attendance at each Annual Conference to answer any/all questions from the delegates in attendance arising from such reports.

The General Secretary/Deputy General Secretary shall be the Chief Negotiators for the Association and therefore will be required to have considerable experience of negotiations and representing individuals and groups. The General Secretary/Deputy General Secretary will be proven organisers with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Previous experience of dealing with the different forms of media is essential. The Deputy General Secretary will report directly to the General Secretary and both will be responsible for supervising the work of two Assistant General Secretaries and other clerical staff. The General Secretary/Deputy General Secretary will also handle major projects and devise and develop strategies to improve efficiencies within the Association. They will both provide advice and guidance to all levels within the organisation in conjunction with the provision of excellent and current Industrial Relations expertise and knowledge. A relevant academic qualification whilst an advantage is not considered essential. Initiative and people handling skills however, are seen as essential requirements. A full valid driving licence and own car are also required.

Applicants for the role of General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary will be required to make a presentation in conjunction with attending a competitive board interview. If you feel you have the experience, skills and drive for either of these demanding roles, please apply with a full CV and a brief letter outlining why you feel that you meet the above criteria to:

Mr Pat Cuffe, HR Consultant, c/o Prison Officers Association, 18 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 , in strictest confidence. Closing date is Friday 20th February 2015. Late applications will not be shortlisted.

The POA is an equal opportunities employer and applications are most welcome from any individual both Irish national and non-Irish national, who best meets the criteria as outlined above