Strategic Assistant, Department of the Ombudsman (Higher Executive Officer)
Conscia Talent ·www.consciatalent.com
Apply directDOWNLOAD Candidate Information Booklet - Strategic Assistant (HEO) HERE.pdf
DOWNLOAD Application Form FSPO HEO SA HERE (2).docx
About the Role
The successful candidate will report directly to a Deputy Ombudsman. The successful candidate will provide high-level, confidential administrative and strategic assistance to the Deputy, ensuring smooth operations and effective stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing high-level, confidential administrative support to the Deputy Ombudsman.
- Acting as a point of contact for the Deputy Ombudsman and manage administrative tasks such as inbox management, communications, and calendar coordination.
- Supporting the Deputy Ombudsman’s internal and external engagements, including attending meetings, drafting correspondence, and preparing presentations.
- Triaging requests and issues where appropriate and redirecting issues that do not require the Deputy Ombudsman’s attention.
- Managing correspondence to the Deputy Ombudsman.
- Supporting the Deputy Ombudsman’s complaint adjudication process by reviewing documentation and researching and analysing issues.
- Assisting in document production including drafting, proofreading and formatting correspondence and documents according to FSPO standards.
- File management, maintaining highly confidential physical and electronic files, ensuring complaint files are accurate and up to date.
- Delivering against key internal work deadlines and meeting dates and planning work accordingly.
- Working efficiently to produce minutes, notes/follow-up emails and delivering on tasks and actions arising from meetings. Booking meetings as required and greeting any external visitors.
- Liaising regularly with other teams in the FSPO.
- Assisting with data analysis, project tracking, and driving deliverables to completion.
- Proactively anticipating and addressing requirements to ensure smooth operations.
- Serving as a trusted adviser, providing meaningful input and feedback.
- Undertaking other tasks as required by the Deputy Ombudsman.
Essential Criteria:
Candidates must demonstrate, by reference to specific achievements in their career to date, that they possess the necessary experience, skills, knowledge and competencies as required for the role of Higher Executive Officer as identified by the Public Appointments Service Higher Executive Officer level as listed below:
- Team Leadership
- Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making
- Management and Delivery of Results
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
- Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values
Personal Qualities Required
In order to be effective in the role of Strategic Assistant (Higher Executive Officer) in the FSPO, the successful candidate should be:
- Extremely organised with strong attention to detail.
- A strategic thinker with sound judgement.
- Comfortable with evidence-based decision-making.
- A relationship builder and an effective communicator (written and verbal).
- Enthusiastic about building processes to support efficiency and assurance.
- Consistent in demonstrating a strong delivery focus and commitment to results.
- Discreet, calm and trustworthy, with a clear sense of the role and key support needs of the Deputy Ombudsman.
Essential Requirements:
Candidates must demonstrate:
- A recognised qualification (Level 7 or higher) in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
OR
At least three years’ professional experience in one or more of the following:
- Executive support at senior leadership level.
- Experience in a legal or financial services (including insurance, banking and pensions), or regulatory role or within an Ombudsman Scheme.
- Complaints handling or regulatory environments.
- Legal or other relevant professional service environment including but not necessarily as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Experience in at least one of:
- Managing complex tasks and priorities.
- Working collaboratively with senior management.
Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Desirable Criteria:
In addition to the essential requirements, it would be a decided advantage for candidates to demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Experience in project management and process improvement.
- Familiarity with reporting tools or management information reports.
- Experience in leading or contributing to process design and delivery.
How to Apply:
Completed application forms must be uploaded via the portal at https://www.consciatalent.com/fspo no later than 1pm (Irish time) on Friday 18th September 2026.
Applications will not be accepted by any other method, nor if received after the closing date. CV's will not be considered.
When outlining your application, accuracy is essential. The information you supply in your application will play a central part of the selection process.
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 24 hours, please check your junk/spam folders as email notifications may be filtered here.
The onus is on each applicant to ensure that they are in receipt of all communication from Conscia Limited. Conscia Limited accept no responsibility for communication not accessed or received by an applicant.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact us at fspo@consciatalent.com
DOWNLOAD Candidate Information Booklet - Strategic Assistant (HEO) HERE.pdf
DOWNLOAD Application Form FSPO HEO SA HERE (2).docx