I.S PROJECT LEADER

Westmeath County Council -
County Westmeath

Apply Now

Job details

Fixed term
€61,217–€79,583 a year
18 hours ago

Benefits

Bike to work scheme
Annual leave
Employee assistance program
Sick pay

Qualifications

System administration
Azure
Management
Customer service
Procurement
.NET
Administrative experience
Project management
Presentation skills
Driving
Organisational skills
Cloud computing
Less (style sheet language)
Leadership
Communication skills
Active Directory
Negotiation

Full job description

I.S Project Leader

Closing date for receipt of applications:
4:00pm on Friday, 18th September 2026

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I.S Project Leader

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

The Position 4

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Qualifications for the Post 7

Particulars of Office (including recruitment) 10

Competencies for the Post 16

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage

applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

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Introduction

Westmeath has a population of approximately 90,000 and is in the heart of the country
with excellent road and rail access to all four corners of the island of Ireland, Westmeath
has a rural tranquillity, but ready access to the country’s main urban cities which include
Dublin and Galway in particular.

Our mission, as set out in the Corporate Plan 2024 – 2029, is:

“To represent, lead and serve local communities and to enhance the quality of life for the
people of Westmeath by promoting the sustainable development of the county and
delivering efficient and inclusive services.”

Westmeath County Council consists of 20 members who are elected every five years; The
county is divided into two Municipal Districts of Mullingar/Kinnegad and Athlone/Moate
with the administrative headquarters of the Council located in Mullingar. There are also
Civic Offices located in Athlone and Castlepollard. Mullingar is the county town while
Athlone is a Regional Growth Centre under the National Planning Framework.

At a strategic level, the Council operates through its Corporate Policy Group comprising the
Cathaoirleach of the Council and the Chairs of the Local Authority’s four Strategic Policy
Committees. The Chief Executive and the Management Team play a key role in supporting
and advising this policy group.

Westmeath County Council has responsibility for delivering a wide range of services in the
local area with a focus on making Westmeath a prosperous county that seeks to support a
vibrant economy, rural quality of life, active and safe communities, diversity, culture and
heritage, healthy and sustainable natural environment along with a sense of community
pride and place. The Council has a workforce of 600 and a budget of €129.4 million in
2026.

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The Position
The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be
considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts
for the position of I.S Project Leader will be drawn.

IS Project Leader is a position within the Information Systems Department and is
responsible for the management of complex multi-disciplinary ICT projects.

The IS Project Leader role includes Application Support & Service Delivery functions. The

Information Systems Project Leader (IS Project Leader) is a senior, technical management

post within the IS department and the successful candidate will report to and work closely

with the Head of Information Systems. From a technical competency perspective, a key

requirement of the successful candidate will be that they have significant, recent,

demonstratable, hands-on application support and development experience (both from an

implementation and support perspective).

Required technical skills are detailed in subsequent sections of the booklet.

Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Application

Support/Development & Service Delivery functions.

Providing high level administrative support based on a thorough understanding of

the overall workings and policy of a section;

Management of a technical support team;

Management of complex multi-disciplinary IS projects and support for existing

applications and systems;

Design, procurement, implementation and support of both new and existing IT

applications and systems, through engagement with internal stakeholders and third-

party vendors to achieve the best outcomes for Westmeath County Council;

Representing the Council at a variety of meetings;

Budget preparation and management of same;

Attending inter-departmental meetings on behalf of the section to which you are

assigned;

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies

as appropriate to the activities of the section;

Continuously monitoring existing procedures to ensure they comply with best

practice and the development of new/improved procedures where appropriate;

Policy formation;
Working on inter-departmental teams concerned with introducing organisational

change;

To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be

required from time to time;
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Working closely with the IT Security lead on enforcing a high level of IT security in the

organisation;

Review, Update and Test the IS Disaster Recovery plan;

Leading a technical team in the delivery of application support and development.

Technical requirements of the position shall include but are not limited to:

Technical Requirements:

• Recent and direct, technical experience in the support or delivery of applications,

systems and platforms;

Cloud platforms - specifically the implementation, configuration and support of

Microsoft Azure, O365, Exchange Online, Azure Active Directory and MS Teams;

Evidence of implementing IT security tools, techniques, and procedures;
Management and Strategic Direction;
Experience of system administration and technical infrastructure, including an

understanding of ITIL;

Experience of leading a technical team in the delivery of IS application support;
Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff, including performance

management;

Understanding of IS procurement processes within the context of public sector

regulations;

Experience managing projects using recognised methodologies: development of

business cases, writing of project initiation documents and identifying project risks;

Practical experience of the management of change, including development of policies,

procedures and work practices, and implementation of same;

Must be able to demonstrate commitment to customer service.

Skills and Other Requirements:

Candidates must demonstrate, through their application form, and at the interview, that
they:

Have the technical proficiency to manage projects using recognised methodologies.
Have proficiency in database design, administration and monitoring.
Have a proficiency in development languages/tools and platforms, including .Net,

Granicus and other development languages/tools/platforms.

Have the technical proficiency, and hands-on experience in the implementation,

configuration and support of Microsoft Azure, O365, Exchange Online and Azure
Active Directory.

Have excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills and sees issues to

resolution;

Have excellent project management capabilities;
Have the ability to deliver results on time and to a high standard;

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Have good interpersonal skills and able to establish positive relationships with staff

of the Council, Councillors, partners, external agencies and suppliers etc.;

Have well-developed presentation and negotiation skills: able to communicate

clearly and confidently with staff and stakeholders both orally and in writing;

Can meet day-to-day and project targets;
Have excellent analytic and organisational skills;
Are proactive, takes ownership, a self-starter, able to follow through without

supervision;

Are confident in their abilities, can work under pressure and to tight deadlines;
Are committed to self-development and be enthusiastic about acquiring new skills

and embracing new technologies;

Enjoy documenting and open to sharing knowledge.

The IS Project Leader appointed will be under the direction and control of the Head of
Information Systems or another officer designated by the Chief Executive. They must
undertake those duties as assigned to them by their supervisor.

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Qualifications for the Post

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of
ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). 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 UK 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

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 the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4. Education, Training, Experience
Candidates must have on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms:

A) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major

award (i.e. honours degree) in a relevant computing discipline and at least 4 years

direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date*

B) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major

award (i.e. honours degree), or higher, with computing taken in the final year and at

least 5 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment

to date*

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C) A Level 7 NFQ major award qualification in a relevant computing discipline and at

least 5 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment

to date*

D) A Level 6 NFQ major award qualification in a relevant computing discipline and at

least 6 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment

to date*

And

(ii) have satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire

such knowledge

Relevant ICT hands-on experience should include, but is not limited to:

Project management

Backup and recovery systems

Cloud computing

Delivery & support of Applications

Database management

Knowledge of procurement process

Team Lead

Staff management

Proficiency in development languages/platforms

Cyber security best practice and standards

Presentation skills

Problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and

Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National
Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a
translation document.

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Driving Licence

IS Project Leader employed by Westmeath County Council will be required to use

their car on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current

clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport.

It is the responsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and to

indemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance

certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Travelling

and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in

accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and

Subsistence Policy.

If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive

endorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify the

Council immediately.

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Particulars of Office (including retirement)

1. The Post
A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a
further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel may be used to fill
permanent & fixed term positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be
offered in order of merit as per the panel. Vacancies may arise on a county-wide
basis. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any work
location having regard to funding and/or operational circumstances.

2. Salary
The current salary for the post of IS Project Leader is €61,217 - €79,583 per annum
(including Long Service Increments), which is analogous to Administrative Officer
scale as per Circular EL 04/2026. Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory
performance.

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by
the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale
in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the
Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016
dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated
bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of
employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments
are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and
national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or
conduct are not satisfactory.

You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the
Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your “wages” (for the purposes of
the Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of
the amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991,
Section 5(5

3. Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public
Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant
scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to
pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation
to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration

Page | 10 | I.S Project Leader

plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice
the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the
maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local
authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's
Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5%
of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the
annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum
rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay
the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her
superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable
remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable
Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of
a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans
Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s
Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in
respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable
remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms
of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of
appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and
death gratuities.

In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, the employee must
have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st
January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable
remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump
sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be coordinated with the State
Pension Contributory Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions)
Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public
Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:
There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the
public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As
a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants
will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory
retirement age of 70 years.

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4. Probation

a. There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such
persons shall hold the position on probation.

b. such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion
extend such period.

c. The person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of
probation unless the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in
such office is satisfactory.

The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take
up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to
take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local
authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not
appoint them.

5. Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days. Public holidays will be governed by
the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements
which may apply from time to time.

6. Working Hours

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter
your hours of work from time to time.

The person appointed may be required to attend meetings as occur outside of normal
working hours at which your attendance is required by virtue of the position you hold
with Westmeath County Council, any such attendance will be considered as part of your
normal duties.

All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the
Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time
Regulations 2001.

7. Sick Leave
The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

8. Location
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any
premises in use by the Council, now or in the future.

The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means
of transport and at their own expense.

9. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies
Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council
codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future
organisational policies.

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10. Training

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate
in training programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached
to the post.

11. Safety and Welfare
Westmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably
practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to
exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measure to protect the
Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees. The holder of the post shall co-operate with
the terms of Westmeath County Council Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan.
He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make
proper use of all safety clothing and equipment.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-
operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do
anything which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under
the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work.

Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all
required Safety and Health Training.

12. Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the
position.

13. Employee Benefits
Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)

Access to Flexi Time Scheme

A range of Family Friendly Policies

Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme

Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme

A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities

Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council’s Social Club

State of the art office accommodation in our Civic Headquarters

Automatically entered into a pension scheme

Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council’s Employee

Assistance Programme (EAP).

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14. Recruitment

Shortlisting Stage:

If the volume of applicants for the position is such that it would not be practical to
interview all candidates, Westmeath County Council may decide to carry out a short-
listing process to select candidates for interview based on an examination of the
application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position to bring forward to
the interview stage.

Application forms will be examined against a pre-determined criteria based on the
requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily
unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates,
who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant
experience. It is therefore, in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate
account of your relevant qualifications/experience and complete all sections on the
application form.

Candidates can expect all enquiries, applications, and all aspects of the proceedings to
the extent that they are managed by Westmeath County Council are treated as strictly
confidential subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2004.

Interview Stage:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on
behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined
by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.

The interview process is an opportunity for the candidates to give evidence of
knowledge, skills and experience and the Local Authority’s opportunity to assess your
suitability for the role.

The invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Westmeath
County Council is satisfied that you fulfil the requirements of the Regulations or is not
disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your
application will receive further consideration. It is important to note the onus is on you
to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirement for the post before attending for
interview.

Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the
interview and the onus is on the candidate to attend for interview on the dates and
times of the interview.

Interviews are conducted by a Board(s) set up by Westmeath County Council. The
Board(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except in so far as they are assessed
otherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed Qualifications and any
other relevant matters.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on
a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared
for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of
the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. Placement on any panel from this
competition is no guarantee that a position will be offered.

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15. Canvassing

Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation,
directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the
candidate’s favour, any member or employee of the Council or person nominated by the
County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the
candidate for the position being sought.

16. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required by
Westmeath County Council, or who do not, when requested, give such evidence as
Westmeath County Council require regarding any matter relevant to their candidature,
will have no further claim to consideration.

17. Pre-employment
Before contracts of employment are entered into various pre-employment checks are
undertaken. These include medicals, references and may include Garda Vetting.
Westmeath County Council will invite successful candidates to under a medical
assessment. A Medical Examiner will be nominated by Westmeath County Council.
Westmeath County Council will pay the fee for any general medical examination.

18. Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May, 2018
replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU data Protection Directive.
The personal information (data) collected on the application form, including any
attachments, (which may include the collection of sensitive personal data) is collected
for the purpose of processing this application, and any data collected is subject to
Westmeath County Council’s privacy statement which can be found at
https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/yourcouncil/privacyanddata/

19. Closing Date
The completed application form must be EMAILED to [email protected]
not later than 4.00pm on Friday, 18th of September 2026.

Please send using the subject line “I.S Project Leader 202606, Your Last Name, Your First
Name e.g. I.S Project Leader 202606, Bloggs, Joe

Only applications received via email will be accepted.

NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will
review regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will
only be through your nominated e-mail address.

The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications
from the Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for
communication not accessed or received by the applicant.

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I.S Project Leader

Key Competencies

Candidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates at
the interview will be questioned on at least some or all of the indicators listed below under each
competency.

Has relevant experience and technical knowledge to carry out the

duties of IS Project Leader.

Understanding of the role of IS Project Leader in Westmeath County

Relevant Council

Knowledge, • Relevant experience to date

Knowledge of all the technical aspects required for the position

Experience and
• Demonstrates experience in the use of relevant IT packages

Skills • Experience of managing Technical Projects.

Possess technical and administrative experience of a high standard
Understanding the role and duties in safety management in the

workplace

Displays the ability to think and act strategically. Thinks long term.

Can translate organisational mission and vision into clear specific and

achievable objectives.

Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful strategic

outcomes

Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the

Management & organisation.
Change • Develops and maintains positive and mutually beneficial relationships.

Builds networks of technical and professional contacts.

Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for

the organisation it represents.

Effectively introduces change, fosters a culture of creativity in

employees and overcomes resistance to change.

Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change.

Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services.

Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required

standard through collaborating with, instructing and motivating
employees and by managing resources effectively.

Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically.

Delivering Results

Understands the context and impact of decisions made.
Plans projects to determine rationale, objectives and deliverables,

resource requirements, timelines and milestones, reporting
requirements, and evaluation methods. Establishes high quality service

and customer care standards.

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Recognises the value of and requirement to communicate effectively.

Has effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates resilience, initiative, and a proactive approach to solving

complex problems.

Personal • Maintains a reflective practice approach, learning from experience, data, and
feedback.

Effectiveness
• Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

Can act decisively with complex information and multiple stakeholders.
Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and

obstacles.

Keeps up to date with current development, trend and best practice in this

area.

Candidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the

competencies outlined above at interview in order to meet the qualifying standard.

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