Intermediate role in a government department reporting to the Executive Officer.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
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Qualities - Civil Service - Staff Officer
The competencies required for the Staff Officer role in the public services are as follows:
Thinking Analysis/ Problem Solving
- Accurately gathers information required and presents it clearly;
- demonstrates thoroughness and accuracy in tracking back information.
- Considers issues thoroughly before making proposals/ recommendations.
- Handles and manipulates numerical information.
Decision Making & Judgment
- Evaluates information available before making decisions.
- Follows through on decisions made, taking responsibility where appropriate.
People - Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Demonstrates tact and diplomacy when dealing with others, treats others with respect and builds rapport by remaining polite and approachable at all times with others.
- Team-working Team Facilitation; Empowers team members to work towards team goals using a balance of participation, guidance and devolved decision making.
Results Planning & Managing Resources
- Plans and prioritises to meet targets, delegates work appropriately, monitors and reviews progress against plans and develops contingency plans to ensure targets are met.
Managing & Developing People Getting the Best from Others;
- Supervises others by providing clear direction and monitoring performance and attendance.
- Provides coaching and development when required.
- Delegates tasks, distributes work fairly and treats others consistently.
- Values and rewards the contribution of others.
Customer Focus
- Demonstrates commitment to meeting the needs of both internal and external customers in an efficient and effective way.
Commitment to Quality Results
- Strives to achieve quality by checking and monitoring work for accuracy and ensuring guidelines and procedures are followed.
Personal Self Awareness, Development & Confidence
- Is committed to developing own knowledge base and applies this.
Flexibility & Change Orientation
- Shows openness and a willingness to adopt new ways of working and involves others in change.
- Implements change.
Interests - Civil Service - Staff Officer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Civil Service - Staff Officer
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include:
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples:
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include:
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include:
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Civil Service - Staff Officer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €46k
Data Source(s):
Gov.ie
Last Updated: April, 2020
Labour Market Updates - Civil Service - Staff Officer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: National government administrative occupations, Local government administrative occupations, Officers of non-governmental organisations.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates mainly to growth between 2020 and 2021, with employment levels falling by 7,000 since 2022. Despite this there was a relatively high level of recent job hires for this occupation in 2023, and it also featured strongly in online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) data. At 59%, this occupation had the highest share with third level qualifications across the group potentially leading to a level of skills mismatches.
Job openings are likely to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the slightly higher than average share of older workers. Upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Civil Service - Staff Officer
-
Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
