Decision Drafters, Assistant Principal Officer

Decision Drafters, Assistant Principal Officer

 The FSPO is seeking to recruit suitable candidates to be placed on a panel for the role of Decision Drafter at Assistant Principal Officer Grade.

 Specific key responsibilities will include:

 – To investigate complaints and draft fair and balanced decisions contributing to the development of robust decisions.

– To work with the Ombudsman, Deputies, and/or delegates in relation to the draft decisions and/or documents prepared and to have in depth discussions about those decisions.

– To engage with the parties to the complaint, as required.

– To manage the assigned complaint caseload effectively within the stipulated timeframes.

– Researching and keeping abreast of relevant legislation, regulation and case law to ensure draft decisions have regard to the statutory and regulatory background within which the conduct complained of occurred.

– To deal efficiently with administrative duties as required.

– Contribute to the development and achievement of the strategic goals of the FSPO generally, and divisional objectives in particular, by participating in cross-divisional projects as required and progressing potential strategic projects.- Any other duties as assigned by the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman from time to time

 

Personal Qualities

 In order to be effective in the role of Decision Drafter (Assistant Principal) in the FSPO, the successful candidate should have:

 – The ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.

– Analytical skills, attention to detail, thorough judgement, and problem solving skills.

– The ability to take a strategic approach in the delivery of key objectives, to foster a positive working relationship with colleagues and to lead and work on teams.

– The confidence to liaise with senior personnel, legal and other professionals and to provide collaborative leadership and guidance to more junior staff.

– A commitment to the delivery of quality public service and,

– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

 

Essential requirements

 Candidates, on or before 3rd September 2025, must meet either 1 or 2 and must meet i, ii and iii:

– A) Have been called to the Bar and be enrolled as a Barrister in the State or have been admitted and be enrolled as a Solicitor in the State and

– B) Have practised as a Barrister or Solicitor in the State for not less than three years.

OR

– A) Hold a qualification at Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) OR an equivalent professional qualification and

– B) Have a minimum of 5 years demonstratable professional experience relevant to the role.

AND

 

Candidates must also have the necessary experience with a record of achievement that demonstrates their capacity to deliver in this challenging role including:

 

– i. Experience of analysing, evaluating and integrating a range of complex information such as contractual, legislative or regulatory provisions, in a rational and objective manner

– ii. Experience demonstrating good judgement and sound decision-making

– iii. Excellent writing skills and attention to detail as evidenced in their application form and/or written exercise

 

In addition to the specific essential requirements set out above, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they possess the competencies identified for effective performance at Assistant Principal Officer level as set out in Appendix A.

 Desirable requirements

 In addition to the above essential requirements, it would be a decided advantage for candidates to have some or all of the following:

– Relevant experience in the financial services or pensions sectors

– Familiarity with financial services and pensions legislative or regulatory provisions and case law or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop this and a desire and ability to keep up to date with developments in these areas

– IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and MS Teams

– Demonstrable evidence of ongoing professional and personal development

– Experience of working within a judicial, quasi-judicial environment or similar, with experience of adherence to the principles of fair procedure and the ability to make evidence-based decisions

– Demonstrable knowledge and appreciation of the statutory, governance and policy framework within which the FSPO operates