Job Opportunities API

Hartley People Recruitment in partnership with our client are hiring for an Assistant Principal Officer, Regional Programmes (Capital Planning) in Dublin 4. This role suits an experienced professional with a financial, commercial or capital investment background. You will play a key part in shaping the future of Ireland’s education infrastructure. Working at a strategic level, you will lead the development of capital funding programmes, evaluate business cases and investment proposals, and make evidence-based recommendations that influence funding decisions across the sector. You will work closely with Government Departments, Higher Education Institutions, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and other key stakeholders. Together, you will ensure funding is allocated effectively, delivers value for money and supports national policy objectives. Key Responsibilities • Lead the development and implementation of strategic capital funding programmes. • Design and manage funding calls to support future infrastructure investment across the higher education sector. • Evaluate funding applications, business cases and investment proposals, ensuring recommendations are supported by thorough financial and strategic analysis. • Assess projects against governance requirements, funding criteria and national policy objectives to inform investment decisions. • Develop financial models, investment frameworks and funding mechanisms that deliver value for money and long-term sustainability. • Analyse complex financial, demographic and infrastructure data to identify investment priorities and support evidence-based decision making. • Prepare high-quality reports, briefing papers and presentations for senior leadership, Government Departments and other stakeholders. • Represent the client in meetings, presentations and strategic discussions with senior stakeholders, including the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), Higher Education Institutions and Government bodies. • Build and maintain strong relationships across public sector organisations and external partners to support the successful delivery of capital investment strategies. • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team while driving continuous improvement across the Capital Planning function. Skills & Experience The successful candidate will ideally have: • A Level 8 qualification (or higher) in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Programme Management or a related discipline. • Minimum of 8 years experience in capital planning, investment appraisal, infrastructure, finance or strategic programme management. • Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience evaluating complex business cases and investment proposals. • Experience making recommendations that influence funding or investment decisions. • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and operational data. • Experience developing financial models, funding frameworks or investment strategies. • Outstanding presentation and communication skills, with confidence presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders. • Strong stakeholder management experience, particularly across public sector or regulated environments. • Proven people management and leadership experience. • Excellent report writing, negotiation and influencing skills. Desirable Experience • Experience working with or alongside the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). • Knowledge of public sector funding models and governance frameworks. • Experience within capital investment, infrastructure planning or major public investment programmes. • Familiarity with Infrastructure Guidelines and Public Procurement requirements. • Experience using Power BI or other analytical reporting tools. How to Apply For immediate consideration, please email your CV to [email protected] or call Darren O’Connor on 051 878813, Hartley People Recruitment works to the highest ethical standards in our industry. We value the trust you place in us when you send your CV. We guarantee that your CV will not be sent to any of our clients without your prior consent and are happy to provide a full, confidential consultation.