Job Description & Responsibility Statement s1

JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

1. POST TITLE: Talent Identification Officer

2. SALARY: £25,000 + package per annum

3. CONTRACT: Fixed term contract from 1st April 2010 to 31St March 2013 – (subject to Government Spending Review in 2011)

4. LOCATION: Ravenhill Rugby Grounds, Belfast

5. WORKING PATTERN

The role will require the TID Officer to discharge their duties under a 5/7 working arrangement that will involve regular evening and weekend work. The work programme will be agreed with the High Performance Manager and Operations Manager.

6. ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION The Talent Identification Officer will be responsible for the delivery of the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Identification and Development Strategy and will work with all relevant stakeholders to introduce and implement policies, programmes and practices that will improve the way in which young talented performers in Rugby are identified, selected and developed.

7. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Ulster Rugby High Performance Manager (HPM) & IRFU (Ulster Branch) Operations Manager (OM)

8. MANAGES

No direct reports

9. RESPONSIBILITIES

- In conjunction with the HPM and OM organise and co-ordinate the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme in line with IRFU policy and deliver the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Identification and Development Strategy. - Co-ordinate and manage all aspects of the under 16 and under 17 schools and youth Regional Development Squad programme including the recruitment of suitable coaching and management teams, liaison with schools and clubs regarding the nomination process and ensuring that all venues are booked for use by the squads. - Liaise with the HPM, OM and Coach Development Manager (CDM) to provide targeted and appropriate education and continuing professional development to all staff and volunteers involved with the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme. - In association with Ulster Rugby Academy Staff and Ulster Branch Coach Development Officers develop a programme for delivery by the RDS management teams and monitor its implementation by the coaches. - Work with the Ulster Rugby Academy staff to co-ordinate a programme of quarterly player assessment camps for identified players within the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme. - Develop and manage a network of Talent Advisors who will provide feedback to the Talent Identification Officer in relation to players both within and outside of the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme. - In association with Ulster Academy staff make nominations to the management of Ulster Age Grade representative teams. - Create and manage systems to ensure that the details of all participants involved within the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme are accurately recorded and maintained. - Establish and maintain relationships with all clubs and schools in relation to the Ulster Rugby/IRFU (Ulster Branch) Talent Programme and ensure that they are kept informed as to the progress of any of their players involved within the programme. - Maintain a working relationship with all relevant club and school coaches and ensure regular communication to optimise knowledge exchange in relation to talent identification and development. - Increase the profile and understanding of the talent programme to all stakeholders and the wider Ulster Rugby public - Ensure all activities are conducted within budget and secure maximum value for money in the most cost-effective manner at all times.

10. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

i) RUGBY:

- Drive development opportunities to increase the quality of players within the player development pathway

- Regional Development Squad programme operating successfully with the full support of clubs and schools

- Monitoring the identification of player progression through development pathways.

- Regularly review Talent Identification and Development programme and produce recommendations for improvements as required.

ii) OPERATIONS:

- Delivery of Ulster Rugby /IRFU(Ulster Branch) programmes to agreed quantity and quality.

- Implementation of a provincial Talent Identification and Development strategy, in line with IRFU policy, which ensures the flow of indigenous talent into the Ulster Academy.

- Delivery of Ulster Rugby /IRFU(Ulster Branch) Player Development programmes to agreed quantity and quality.

- Ensure all programmes operate to both time and budgetary constraints.

iii) PROFESSIONAL APPROACH:

- Maintain high profile within clubs and schools through visits, seminars and other rugby public occasions and conferences. - Provide early warning of projects and programmes that are falling behind target or over-running budget.

- Project a positive and professional image of the Ulster Rugby /IRFU(Ulster Branch) at all times.

11. DOUBLE EMPLOYMENT

The Talent Identification Officer is prohibited from any involvement in any club or school in either a playing or coaching capacity.

This Job Description is an outline of the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not an exclusive or exhaustive list and will be updated to reflect the changing needs of the organisation. PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS  *Degree or equivalent 3rd level qualification which can be  Higher degree in sports or management related proven relevant to the post or 5 years full-time experience discipline (or part time equivalent) working in an environment that  **IRFU Level 2 Attended coaching qualification can be proven relevant to the post  *IRFU Accredited Level 1 coaching qualification or equivalent EXPERIENCE  *2 years full time experience (or part time equivalent) in an  High level experience in the sports industry as a environment that involves the identification and player, coach or administrator. development of talented sports people  **3 years coaching experience at LTPD Stage 3-5  *Demonstrable experience of working directly with  An understanding of legislation relevant to sports athletes including planning and managing their progression organisations to include child protection, health across a number of stages of development and safety, data protection, equity etc.  *Demonstrable experience in planning, developing,  **Experience of working with and managing implementing and monitoring development programmes volunteers  Proven experience in resource allocation and the management of budgets. KNOWLEDGE  Knowledge and understanding of Irish rugby.  Knowledge of the developmental pathways for  Knowledge and understanding of the Long Term Player rugby players. Development model.  Knowledge of specific preparation needs of  Applied technical knowledge of rugby which can be players and coaches. demonstrated in management decisions across coaching  Knowledge of the Irish sporting agencies’ and player development structures and services (ISC, Sport NI, Coaching Ireland etc.)  Knowledge and understanding of ongoing research regarding Talent ID and development in a global context SKILLS  Organisational ability - for self and others.  Project Management skills (lead and support  Ability to critically review performance process and deliver roles). a quality outcome.  Ability to influence others positively.  Excellent written and verbal communication / presentation skills.  Clarity in decision-making.  Well-developed time-management skills, including the ability to set and meet deadlines and to prioritise work.  Ability to work alone and as part of a team.  Computer-literate and competent in the use of information technology. PERSONAL QUALITIES  Ability to gain the confidence, respect and trust of others.  Willingness and desire to entertain new ideas and  Integrity and honesty. seize opportunities.  Committed, enthusiastic and motivated.  Ability to think creatively and understand a wider  Willingness to accept and encourage constructive context. challenges.  Flexible and adaptable to circumstances.  Ability to work within a team environment.  Willingness to seek personal development opportunities. CIRCUMSTANCES  *Access to a form of transport insured for business use that will permit the post holder to meet the requirements of the post in full.  *Available to work unsociable hours including evenings and week-ends. IMPORTANT NOTE: This position prohibits the involvement of the post-holder in any Club or School in either a playing or coaching capacity. Only those applicants who display relevant qualifications and experience of the essential criteria marked * will go forward to the next stage of the recruitment process. The panel reserve the right to enhance criteria to facilitate short listing, these are indicated with **. All offers of employment subject to successful Access Northern Ireland check.