The Parades Commission - Deputy Secretary

Background:

The Parades Commission was established under the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998. The duties and functions of the Commission are:

1. To promote greater understanding by the general public of issues concerning public processions.
2. To promote and facilitate mediation as a means of resolving disputes concerning public processions.
3. To keep itself generally informed as to the conduct of public processions and protest meetings.
4. To keep under review, and make such recommendations as it thinks fit to the Secretary of State concerning the operation of the Act.

The post holder will report directly to the Secretary. The post holder will exercise a high degree of autonomy for his/her particular area of work and have the ability to work as a key member of a small secretariat team.

• Responsible for providing effective business support arrangements to the Secretary (Accounting Officer) and the Commission in relation to Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Financial Control and Freedom of Information.

· Control and monitor financial and other resources ensuring that expenditure is kept within budget.

· Overview of annual budget/quarterly monitoring rounds.

· Preparation of the Parades Commission business planning documents.

· Provide accurate and timely returns to financial and audit queries.

· Management of the preparation of the Parades Commission Annual Report and Accounts.

• Monitor the Contracts and Assets Registers.
• Ensure that the Parades Commission adheres to good practice in the principles of corporate governance.

· Manage and oversee the development of Parades Commission’s information management systems, IT hardware and software.

· Oversee the co-ordination and processing of all FOI requests including drafting formal responses.

· Support the Commission Secretary and Chair in planning and facilitating a series of events and meetings in support of Commission objectives.

· Attend/arrange Outreach and meetings as requested by the Secretary/ Commission.

· Maintain broad knowledge of local geography and relevant issues in respect of sensitive parades.

· Keep abreast of and advise upon political/local developments on parades.

· Liaison with a wide range of stakeholders and members of the public on parading issues, including correspondence and telephone queries. 

· Line management and supervisory responsibility for administrative support staff.

· Any other ad hoc duties as required by the Secretary.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate recent relevant work experience in at least two of the following three areas:

• Budget setting and monitoring
• Business Planning and Risk Management
• Preparation of statistical and financial reports

Strong analytical and problem solving skills are essential along with a working knowledge of computerised database packages and Excel Spreadsheets, together with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The successful candidate will require CTC security clearance.

It is also desirable for the candidate to have:

• Experience in preparation of statutory accounts;
• Experience of corporate governance;
• Strong level of IT skill. 

Notes:

• The post holder may occasionally be required to work outside normal conditioned hours e.g. evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• The post holder will also need to be flexible regarding annual leave requirements during the main parading season.
• The successful candidate for this opportunity will be expected to be in a post with a current salary in the range of £36,812 - £40,473.  This is not a promotion opportunity.