Head of Transport Security

Job DescriptionAbout the Role The successful candidate will build and lead the Transport Security function within the Transport Regulation Directorate of the NTA and will report to the Director of Transport Regulation. The Programme for Government commits to the formation of a Transport Security Force (TSF), and the successful candidate will develop and oversee the establishment programme for the TSF and ongoing operations in this regard. Within the broad set of NTA functions, the candidate will lead the development of a coordinated transport security framework, within which the TSF will operate.

This framework will include research and design activities, policy and regulation development, data and intelligence systems, strategic and operational intervention processes, performance metrics, compliance and oversight mechanisms, and continuous improvement processes. In delivering the above, the successful candidate will oversee a range of functions including planning, strategic and operational design, stakeholder engagement, team building and development, project management, financial planning and procurement. The successful candidate will be required to engage extensively with various key stakeholders, including transport operators, An Garda Sochna, emergency services, Government Departments, public representatives, security and intelligence stakeholders, regulators, consumer bodies, local authorities and other agencies.

The successful candidate will be required to work collaboratively with other sections within the NTA to ensure a fully coordinated approach to transport security, reporting to the NTA Board. The successful candidate will be able to provide evidence of a high level of integrity, political astuteness, sound judgement, reporting acumen and an ability to build trust and effective working relationships with all stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will be required to fulfil the following principal responsibilities: Lead the development and implementation of the NTAs transport security strategy, policies, standards and work programmes across relevant modes, services and infrastructure; Build and lead on the development of the Transport Security function team; Oversee the day-to-day operation of the transport security policy function in NTA, including programme planning, prioritisation, resourcing, budget management and reporting; Lead on the development and maintenance of transport security risk assessment methodologies, assurance processes, audits and review mechanisms to support a consistent and evidence-based approach; Lead engagement with transport operators, infrastructure managers and other relevant bodies to strengthen security governance, preparedness, resilience and incident response arrangements; Support the development, testing and review of transport security plans, contingency arrangements, exercises and lessons-learned processes; Provide strategic advice to senior management on current and emerging transport security risks, vulnerabilities, incidents and policy developments; Develop and maintain effective working relationships and information-sharing arrangements with An Garda Sochna, Government Departments and other relevant national agencies; Oversee the procurement and management of external specialist advisers, service providers and technical supports, as required, in the transport security area; Lead the preparation of high-quality briefings, reports, submissions, consultation material and governance documentation for senior management and other stakeholders; Support the development of systems, data, metrics and reporting arrangements to monitor transport security performance and inform policy and operational decision-making; and Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, consistent with the level of the post.

Note:The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed require the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the Authority. Essential Criteria Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your application.

Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages. Each candidate must meet the following requirements at the time of the competition closing: Hold a minimum of an NFQ level 7 qualification in any of security, risk management, emergency management, transport, legal, public administration, business, project management or an equivalent discipline; Have a minimum of nine years recent satisfactory experience in similar or related roles, with at least five years recent experience in a senior team management role within a relevant area; Demonstrate strong strategic, analytical, reporting and decision-making capability; Demonstrate strong leadership skills, with the ability to set direction, build capability and deliver results through others and fostering positive partnership working; Demonstrate experience in establishing, transforming or leading the development of a new organisational function, programme or operational capability; Exhibit excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders at senior level. Desirable Criteria Please note: Should further shortlisting be required after essential criteria above, a selection of the following may be assessed.

The ideal candidate will also: Have experience of successful budgetary, programme and contract management; Have experience of effectively leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams in remote and/or blended workplaces; Demonstrate experience and expertise in developing, implementing and managing governance, assurance, compliance, risk or security-related processes and procedures; Demonstrate strong project and change management skills; and Demonstrate good knowledge of security and policing governance, incident management, regulatory compliance frameworks and emergency planning. TPBN1_IJ