Project co-ordinator

Key Duties

1. To develop a full understanding of the role of the Childminding sector within Northern Ireland and the issues facing its development and sustainability.
2. To assist with NICMA’s Childminding Recruitment and Retention plan, to address both the ‘unregistered childminding’ issue and to increase the number of registered childminders, approved home childcares and childminding places.
3. To participate in Childcare Partnerships and associated sub-groups as necessary
4. To engage and develop working relationships with all 11 councils to create Childminding academies.
5. Develop and update Childminding policies and procedures.
6. To provide a regular report to Chief Executive on progress and developments within the team.
7. To provide written reports to external agencies and monitoring returns within agreed timescales.
8. To support the completion of internal and external written documents for example, reports, analysis, publications and consultations.
9. To work in partnership with statutory bodies and voluntary organisations. 
10. To promote childminding and raise the profile of NICMA with statutory bodies and voluntary organisations and be a strong representative for the organisation externally.

Concentrates on issues that support the organisational strategies, by working as part of an SMT

11. Understands and consider the interests and aims of the organisation.
12. Plans thoroughly to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve organisational goals, working closely with Finance and HR manager.
13. Is a strong representative for the organisation externally.
14. To assist the CEO as part of an SMT in identifying strategic challenges facing NICMA and developing solutions.
15. Other ad hoc duties as required.

Leadership and Management

1. Demonstrates a detailed understanding of working practices, procedures, and policies relevant to the role and the roles of staff
2. Spends time coaching and developing others, making time for and paying attention to individual and any of their concerns. Encourages, motivates, and stimulates others to perform at their best.
3. Respects, values and considers the opinions, circumstances, feelings and views of others.
4. Is tactful and diplomatic when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect always.
5. Manages individual team performance by setting targets, monitoring progress and regularly assessing performance by giving constructive feedback.
6. Handles difficult or sensitive situations with empathy and diplomacy.
7. Provides clear direction and makes sure that staff know what is expected of them.
8. Provides constructive and supportive assistance to staff.
9. Challenges any incident of inappropriate behaviour and acts accordingly
10. Understands the needs, talents, capabilities and interest of their staff and encourages them to develop.
11. To work in partnership with NICMA’s HR representative as required.
12. Demonstrates a continued willingness to learn and continuous professional development, ensuring staff do likewise.

Communication

1. Ensuring the appropriate record keeping and communication processes are adhered to with all staff.
2. Communicates ideas and information confidently and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
3. Use appropriate language and a style of communication that is relevant to the situation and individual being addressed.
4. Communicates all needs, instructions, and decisions clearly and concisely, checking for understanding.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. The post holder will carry out any other duties as appropriate to the post and as requested by the Chief Executive 
2. Any other duties which may be required from time to time, which could also involve in assisting in managing the organisation’s other departments should the need arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

You must be able to demonstrate the following essential skills and experience:

1. Ability in dividing responsibilities and monitoring progress.
2. Outstanding written and oral communication and leadership skills.
3. Recent knowledge and experience of Childminding sector.

Desirable Criteria

1. A 3rd level qualification relevant to the post OR at least 3 years’ experience in the childcare sector.
2. Proven recent experience as a manager/team leader.
3. Exceptional proven ability of staff management.

Additionally, you should also possess the following competencies:

1. Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise and delegate tasks effectively.
2. A positive approach in managing and coordinating a team.
3. Ability to cope under pressure, in a calm and efficient manner to set deadlines.
4. Establishes effective working relationships with people at all levels through communication, consultation and interpersonal skills.
5. Able to demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Self-driven and able to manage delivery with minimal supervision.
7. Sets clear standards and leads by example.
8. Ability to use person-centred approaches to leadership.

Conditions of Service

The nature of the job will change over time as the needs of the business change.  It is a requirement of the job to contribute to the development of the role to reflect the changing needs of the business.

The job requires a considerable degree of commitment, flexibility and adaptability on the part of the jobholder to meet the demands of the job.

This job description is for information purposes and does not form part of the contract of employment.

For further information please contact Patricia Lewsley-Mooney CBE - patricia.lewsley-mooney@nicma.org.

Send C.V to patricia.lewsley-mooney@nicma.org by 08/10/2024