Communications Officer – Staff Officer

Main Duties The main duties include: The core duties and responsibilities will include the following: • Contribute to the development and implementation of The Housing Agency’s communication strategy • Manage content of the Housing Agency’s website, in terms of uniformity of content, editorial work, updating content, generating content planning, and archiving

• Assist with the organisation and promotion of events, including annual conferences, training events, exhibitions and seminars • Support staff across the organisation to maximise their communications including creating content, managing events and provide guidance • Co-ordinate and deliver the day-to-day web, digital and social media activities of the organisation • Keep accessibility of information and platforms used to the forefront of all communications • Support the public relations function of The Housing Agency which includes handling press queries and requests for interview; preparing and issuing press releases; supporting the launches of key publications • Support senior management through the drafting of presentations, articles and other materials • Represent The Housing Agency at conferences and exhibitions • Develop, update and assist in the implementation of relevant policies and protocols relevant to communications including social media, privacy, data protection etc. • Adhere to The Housing Agency’s style guide and promote its use through the organisation • Source, edit and retain photos / images as necessary to support the narratives presented in The Housing Agency’s outputs • Recommend innovative approaches to maximise reach, impact and influence The Housing Agency’s communications; • Contribute to the growth of staff communications competence and confidence to help build a culture of communications excellence; • Carry out any other duties as directed; • Undertake training and development as required.

Personal / Educational Requirements The following criteria are considered essential for the post: • At least two years’ experience in a communications/public affairs or similar function • Excellent ICT and English language skills with good attention to detail • Experience in supporting communications activities • Strong copywriting and content production skills for websites and social media • Experience in digital and social media analytics • Ability to develop and manage relationships with all stakeholders • Excellent organisational and planning skills with high attention to detail and accuracy • Experience of managing multiple priorities coupled with the ability to work on a varied range of projects • Self-starter, demonstrating initiative and confidence with excellent interpersonal and communication skills with flexibility and openness to change; • The ability to work as a team player within a dynamic and continuously changing work environment; • Have the ability to analyse and assimilate information and data, and present it in a comprehensible form;

The following criteria are considered desirable for the post: • Knowledge of the housing sector • Event management experience • Experience working with content management systems • Experience delivering accessible information, including Plain English, accessible PDFs, ALT tags • Third level qualification in communications, public affairs, marketing or similar

Competencies Analytical and Numeracy Skills - Excellent analytical / numeracy skills and able to demonstrate compliance with the required standards and ensures sufficient controls and checks are in place. Decision Making - Exercises good judgment, makes well informed decisions in a timely manner; consults with others as appropriate before implementing decisions. Planning and Organising - Contributes to the development of operational plans, ensures plans are fully implemented, and monitors progress to operational objectives. Communication and Interpersonal Skills - Tailors communications to effectively reach an audience. Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues. Teamwork - Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables. Specialist Knowledge – has a good knowledge of communications, content creation and promotion, social media, and the housing sector.

Salary Scale – Staff Officer – Grade 5 LA Scales €51,210 - €52,739 - €54,301- €55,895- €57,501

LSI 1 €59,373 LSI 2 €61,252 New entrants will be appointed on the first point of the scale in line with government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if immediately before appointment you are a currently serving civil/public servant.

Eligibility to compete: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA by the date of any job offer. Eligible candidates must be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Closing date for Receipt of Applications – 12.00 noon on Monday 14th of April 2025 Application Procedure

Candidates must provide: a. a completed Housing Agency application form b. All sections of the application form must be completed. c. Applications should be typed and submitted via email in PDF format to recruitment@housingagency.ie d. Applicants will be short-listed based on the information supplied. e. Incomplete applications will not be considered for shortlisting. f. Applications will not be accepted under any circumstances after the closing date / Time. g. Canvassing by or on behalf of the applicant will automatically disqualify. Should the person recommended for appointment decline or having accepted the position relinquish it or if any additional vacancy arises, the Agency may, at its discretion, select and recommend another person for appointment on the results of the selection process.