Administrative Officer 2023

vatsie76

hi folks , can you help me understand this- I am 2 years short of turning 50. Working as a CO presently in civil service for 2 years. Completed masters from IPA in 2022 and post graduate certification from trinity in 2023 in design thinking and innovation. All the effort with the focus to do well in public sector. My observation is that average profile of AO’s are fresh graduates/ younger lot. Do you think it’s ok for me to go ahead with AO.

skidmarkoner

What is the Masters in?

But the general profile idea is rubish you have a solid 15-20 years left in your career and I've heard of alot of AO's in their 40s and 50s.

The specialised streams are launching tomorrow I'd check eligibility you could be an AO in no time at all.

apat7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121599089#Comment_121599089

Hi there, if it helps - I'm turning 46 soon and I'm going for it also. I don't think that age is a factor and, if anything, your previous professional and life experience should stand to you in the process. Also, if the civil service really values equality, fairness, we'll be graaaaand :)

vatsie76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121600521#Comment_121600521

Masters is in financial management ( public sector finance) . Thank for the info on the AO comp opening tomorrow. Will apply for that as well.

Elliebellie90

Hi guys, I’m currently in the CS as a CO and was eagerly awaiting the AO competition to open as I am really interested in it. Unfortunately my degrees are not eligible. Does anyone know will this be the only competition for the year? Or are there ever AO competitions that don’t have specialised streams. My degrees are in Law. Thanks for your help.

Limerick1001

Just for those wondering about progress, I have received my assignment.

CW2022

New competition on public jobs website for Dublin

Fizzgig Fozzywig

This thread is for the general AO competition. The basic requirement was a 1st or 2nd class honours degree (level 8). Setup a profile and alerts on publicjobs.ie. The general AO comp is yearly and launches around September.

Beckett99

Most AO campaigns appear to be Dublin-based. Are people applying living in Dublin or commuting?

Fizzgig Fozzywig

This is a nation wide competition. I believe, but am open to correction, that most AO roles are Dublin based, but if you are on a panel and living close to an office with an AO vacancy, say in Limerick or Cork, PAS may take your location into account.

skidmarkoner

I think 2023 was Dublin only other competitions prior to this had been nation wide but this one was Dublin only

Beckett99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121613394#Comment_121613394

The reason I asked is the high cost of rent and general state of renting in Dublin, are people already living there or commuting in?

swoozy

Anyone any idea what OOM has been reached for assignment yet?

maruhc1994

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121622952#Comment_121622952

I'm already living in Dublin. Tbh I came here last year and yes the renting situation is bad but it's not impossible and with this job you're gonna be looked on more favourably as a potential tenant cuz it's secure. You just have to have a good message for daft and send enquiries to as many ads as you possibly can.

plaidshirt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121628523#Comment_121628523

I was low 30s and have been placed.

MeganeMan

Hey folks, sorry if this is a silly question but regarding the reference from current employer how are the rest of ye handling that? I'm non-CS at the moment and it seems a bit backwards asking my current boss for a reference for a job that I haven't necessarily been offered yet.

MFPM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121633708#Comment_121633708

It's a little awkward but if they are asking for a reference then you're going to be offered a placement as an AO so provided you're going to take it it's probably OK.

spot555

Hi all

Am considering applying for the 2024 AO positions just advertised.

one of the requirements is:

(i) a first or second class primary honours degree (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Environmental Science, Energy, Climate, Agriculture, Economics, Geography, Electrical or Technical Engineering

Would a degree in IT fall under Technical Engineering or no?

elfie123

I’ve been asked to fill out a form called ‘addresses for additional security clearance’ does this mean I’m going to a department which requires special security clearance, does anyone know?

skidmarkoner

You can email them and ask but heads up they also do IT streams for HEO grade regularly

maruhc1994

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636315#Comment_121636315

I was asked to do this form too and was wondering the same thing, I guess we'll be finding out soon

elfie123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121637721#Comment_121637721

Having asked around, it defo seems to be special security clearance. What sections require this I wonder, all I can think of is some parts of justice and the courts

spot555

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636697#Comment_121636697

Yep did this but they basically said due to the volume of emails they get its not possible to confirm if I meet the requirements.

Pamelabeasley

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121637737#Comment_121637737

AGS would also have additional clearance

elfie123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121638400#Comment_121638400

Thankful I’ve been placed in Justice, so I’m not sure if that was special clearance that I did because I was placed within hours of sending back the extra form I was asked to do 🧐

ingy79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121599089#Comment_121599089

Hi there. I joined CS at age 48 as an EO. I then got the AO three years later so I wouldn’t worry at all about going for it. Wishing you the best of luck

Avenger2020

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121599089#Comment_121599089

Age is only a factor for yourself, i.e. how it would impact your career. My advice is to check the turnover rate in the department you are offered. If it is high, it would be a red flag. I know a number of departments where AOs are leaving once they pass probation. If you get a bad manager it could really impact you. In one particular unit, the AOs leave asap. AO is good for the young uns who get the two years experience and then leave to bigger and better things. AOs are viewed as graduates entry level. It is not the HEO post, however the actual job is the same its just you’re viewed as a new kid on the block in most departments. And rule no. 1 of the civil service: never outshine your boss. So if you want to sit back like a graduate and have your credit taken ok but it wasn’t for me on that salary.

spacentime

..

spacentime

@Limerick1001

not sure if you got your VOG yet, but I'm in the same boat with the dutch clearance. mine came in the post after about 7 working days.

maruhc1994

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121646890#Comment_121646890

Ahh so lucky, do you know what role you'll be doing there? I'm still waiting to be assigned my department but I'm in the 40s OOM