4. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE ETC.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
(i) hold a recognised third level qualification (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent professional
qualification in business, economics, or a related discipline (applications will be
considered from candidates who do not possess such a qualification but who can
demonstrate exceptional career achievement in a relevant discipline), and
(ii) have a minimum of 5 years relevant post qualification experience in a related discipline

Candidates will also be required to demonstrate:-

• significant experience at management level
• a proven ability to work on their own initiative and in partnership with other agencies to

promote the economy of Westmeath.

• experience of implementing agreed strategies to meet objectives and the ability to expand

and improve the range, quantity or quality of existing services

• an understanding and experience of Economic, Social and Community Development,

Tourism and Planning

• satisfactory experience of developing and maintaining effective partnerships and of

engaging and influencing various stakeholders across the socio-economic and planning

spectrum

• satisfactory experience in programme management
• previous experience of creating and promoting funding bids
• proven experience in the development of departmental and corporate long-range plans as

well as budget formulation and reporting processes

• proven ability to plan and think strategically
• strong business acumen
• excellent organisational skills and discipline, and possess the drive to deliver the required

results

• experience of budget and resource management to drive the effective and efficient use of

available resources

• experience of managing internal controls to assure process and legal compliance and fraud

prevention

• experience in the management and supervision of staff, building effective teams,

developing motivation and commitment and maintaining sound employee relations

• experience of putting in place efficient and effective working structures, performance

management arrangements and target based objectives

• a high level of customer focus
• superior verbal and written communication and presentation skills

RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge & Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in
Experience their areas of responsibility. Demonstrates the required specialist
knowledge, understanding and training for the role.

KNOWLEDGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Have an ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles
of Economic Development generally, and, specifically, the role of Local
Government in advancing economic development.

KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Have an ability to demonstrate an understanding of key challenges and
opportunities facing the local government sector and Westmeath County
Council.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy
environment in which they are operating.
Candidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the competencies outlined
above at interview in order to meet the qualifying standards.

ROLE:

The role of the Economic Development Officer will be to actively develop and promote
County Westmeath as an attractive destination for investment, to live and work in. The
successful candidate will be expected to perform duties in relation to economic development
activities undertaken by Westmeath County Council and will report directly to the Head of
Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath County Council.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of economic plans for the county/region
  including the Midland Regional Enterprise Plan and assisting in the development,
  implementation and reporting of the economic aspects of the Local Economic and

Community Plan, Athlone Economic Strategy etc.

• To liaise with local interests, including state agencies, local development bodies, the

business sector and the community & voluntary sector regarding the identification of
suitable projects which could be developed to generate business/economic activity in the

county/region

• Participation in internal and external economic action groups
• Preparing economic applications for funding in respect of Local, National and European

funding sources and management and coordination of same amongst various sections of

the Council and other stakeholders.

• Management and administration of economic grants and budgets
• Conducting economic research reports for Council
• Management and the marketing of Westmeath County Council’s current and potential

enterprise infrastructure and assets (e-working centres, business parks etc.)

• Management of Digital Marketing Strategy of Co-working space in Westmeath
• Development and implementation of Council and other economic development initiatives

such as the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme

• Meetings Administrator for the Economic Development, Enterprise & Tourism SPC
• Promotion and marketing of local areas in Westmeath as a location for investment, singly

or in conjunction with the appropriate national body.

• Responding to information requests from the business community
• Promotion of the Councils wider contribution to Economic Development in the County
• Other duties as may be assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER ROLE

Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview that they
possess the following competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date.