Jobsplus Permit 632 / 2026

Remuneration and Benefits

The annual salary attached to this appointment for 2026 shall be €42,772.48 + €242.32 (COLA 2026). The officer will also be entitled to applicable allowances.

General Role Description

The Head of Further Education and VNFIL will be responsible for the national management of all aspects related to the further education sector including Further Education Institutions, Further Education Centres, and Tuition Centres and to VNFIL (Validation of non-formal and informal learning and Recognition of Prior Learning).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership and management - Develop and implement strategies that align with MFHEA’s objectives. Provide visionary leadership to guide teams in achieving program goals. Also,

Review and strengthen programmes and providers for licensing, accreditation, validation and quality assurance procedures.

Review and strengthen administrative procedures, such as a unified registry and filing system, to cover the whole process.
Maximise internal synergy within MFHEA with the work of the MQRIC.
Seek to set up procedures for the validation of informal and non-formal learning.
Set up parameters and procedures for the accreditation of world-based learning.
Undertake protocols with third-party accrediting institutions of recognised specific VET courses so as to harmonise their role with that of MFHEA.
Liaise with the relevant officer to set up modernised IT systems that facilitate the information on recognition.
Plan, implement, manage and monitor all the activities of the licensing, accreditation, validation and quality assurance units.
Project management - Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of applicable programs and projects. Ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Team management - Lead and mentor managers and teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Conduct regular performance evaluations. Manage day-to-day operations and ensure coherence at the unit. Provide performance feedback and undertake training and development initiatives for Further Education officers.
Stakeholder engagement - Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Communicate progress, challenges, and achievements as may be required.
Resource allocation - Manage resources efficiently, ensuring optimal use of budgetary allocations, personnel, and technology. Identify and mitigate potential risks to intended outcomes. Moreover, assist in the financial planning process by identifying costs involved in carrying out pertinent functions. Also helps identify general efficiency gains leading to identifiable cost savings in further education processes.
Monitoring and evaluation - Monitor the work of the Unit’s Officers. Also, establish metrics for success and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve effectiveness.
Compliance and quality assurance - Ensure all programmes adhere to organisational policies and standards and meet regulatory requirements. Implement best practices for quality assurance.
Reporting - Draw up reports for the CEO, the MFHEA board or as may be required from time to time. Prepare and present regular reports on provider and programme status, achievements, and financial performance as may be required.

Ancillary

Participates in and contributes to initiatives related to the Authority.
Attends and participates in events both locally and abroad as may be directed by the Authority.
Undertakes any other assignments that may be related or conducive to the attainment of any of the above.
Supports the Authority and its objectives efficiently and effectively.
Ensures that all assigned tasks are retained in high confidence.
Assists in other functions as may be required.

Internal Relations

Maintains a professional relationship with all MFHEA employees.
Work in close cooperation with Heads, Senior Managers and Managers responsible for the other units within MFHEA.
Provides the necessary assistance and contributes to the Authority’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.

External Relations

Represents and works in the best interest of the organisation.

Tasks and duties of the job holder are not limited to the above listed and the employee may be assigned other duties.

Key Areas of Competence

Further Education and VNFIL.

Eligibility Requirements and Personal Qualities

The qualifications, experience, skills, and other attributes required of the applicant.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required

A full and recognised Degree at MQF Level 7 and 5 years of senior management experience in an educational setting or a suitable or related field.

Skills Required

Excellent supervisory and leadership skills,
Excellent managerial skills,
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills,
Assertive and with excellent written and verbal communication skills,
Excellent organisational / administrative skills,
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills,
Excellent time management skills and demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, - Good computer skills.

Required Personality

Clean criminal record,
Reliable nature and loyal disposition,
A team player,
Able to manage sensitive situations and information with confidentiality, tact and empathy, professionalism, and diplomacy,
Discernment and discretion are essential,
Analytical mindset and gives attention to detail.

Documents Required Upon Application

An expression of interest,
Copy of the applicant’s Identity Card (Original to be presented on interview).
Curriculum Vitae (CV),
Police Conduct Certificate (Must not have been issued more than 30 days before application date).
Copies of Qualifications (Originals to be presented on interview). Certificates issued by foreign institutions are to be covered by the pertinent MQRIC statement.
Any other documents deemed pertinent (Originals to be presented on interview).

Applications are to be submitted by not later than Friday 21st August 2026.

Receipt of applications will be confirmed within three working days.

Head of Further Education & VNFIL

Job Description