SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.

At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 – 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others.

The role of the ALL Strategy National Programme Office is to coordinate delivery of the ALL Strategy, operating as a central coordinating body across Government departments and other relevant stakeholders. The Office serves as a driver of collaboration and overall strategy implementation through the national network of Regional Literacy Coordinators, aligning national and regional literacy plans and centrally administering an ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Ensuring a cross-Government and whole-of-society approach, the National Programme Office comprises a number of sectoral lead roles: Community, Education, Health, Numeracy and the Workplace.

Reporting to the Director, the Manager will play a major role in the delivery of the ALL Strategy. A key leadership role within the National Programme Office, the successful candidate will be expected to operate and communicate at a strategic level, bringing insights and considered actions that will inspire, support and motivate colleagues. The Manager will lead the full range of National Programme Office activity and oversee implementation, impact measurement and reporting. 

This is a 3 year, Fixed Term Contract position for which the salary scale ranges from €79,021 to €103,398 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week.  Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82.  Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.

SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.