About This Job
JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and/or his/her delegate, the Senior Manager will (A) conduct and guide the procurement and management of material resources, and (B) guide and assist in human resources (HR) administrative matters as required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. To conduct and guide the procurement and management of material resources.
1. Keep updated with applicable laws, regulations and procedures related to the procurement and management of material resources in the public sector.
2. Follow and guide others to follow the laws, regulations and procedures referred to above.
3. Procure and manage in line with applicable laws and regulations the material resources required for the daily running and the programmes of the Agency.
4. Guide and assist colleagues in the procurement and management of resources required for the fulfilment of their role and the achievement of the targets of the programmes they administer.
5. Manage public procurement processes implemented through the e-procurement portal (ePPS) including the preparation of documents, provision of clarifications, evaluation, and related contracts. Training will be provided as required.
6. Ensure that accurate and up-to-date registers and records of procurement procedures, contracts, suppliers, and material resources are maintained.
7. Liaise with the relevant authorities and/or service providers to ensure the proper maintenance of the Agency’s premises and equipment.
B. To guide and assist in HR administrative matters as required.
1. Keep updated on employment laws and regulations, particularly those related to employment within the public sector.
2. Follow and guide others to follow the laws and regulations which govern employment within the public sector.
3. Assist the CEO and/or his/her delegate with human resource planning and staff allocation.
4. Facilitate the recruitment process by following statutory procedures, liaising with relevant authorities, and maintaining records as required.
C. General Duties
1. Mentor staff within Senior Manager's remit.
2. Ensure that all use of capital goods, resources and consumables are made in accordance with the Agency’s policy and procedures.
3. Undertake performance assessments for staff within the Senior Manager's remit according to guidelines established by the Chief Executive Officer and/or his/her delegate.
4. Under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer, and/or his/her delegate, prepare budget reports.
5. Deputise for Agency staff and as requested by the Chief Executive Officer and/or his/her delegate.
6. Any other task that may, from time to time, be assigned by the CEO and/or his/her delegate.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria by the closing date:
1. A recognised degree at MQF Level 6 or higher (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET or equivalent) in Procurement or Accountancy or Finance or Public Administration or Public Management or Business Management or a related area*. Preference will be given to candidates with MQF Level 7 degree in the same areas. Recognised comparable professional qualifications will be accepted, subject to the relevant MQRIC statement.
AND
2. A minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience. Documented evidence of work experience is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience which included duties and responsibilities related to the procurement and management of material resources and/or the administrative aspect of human resources management and/or payroll.
AND
3. Proficiency in spoken and written Maltese and English, evidenced by means of a minimum of MQF Level 3 in Maltese and English, SEC (Grades 1 – 5) or GCE (Grades A – C), or equivalent.
AND
4. High competency in ICT applications, including spreadsheets and databases. Experience using resources management software would be desirable.
Due consideration will be given to candidates whose prior experience referred to in (2) has been in a management position.
* If the area of the qualification is not listed, the applicant must submit an evidence-backed justification of the relatedness of the area to the knowledge, skills and competencies required to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of this role. The remit to accept or reject this justification rests with the selection board and the decision of the selection board on the matter is final.
Qualities required
1. High commitment to the core values of the applicable Code of Ethics (Public Administration Act, Cap. 595, First Schedule).
2. Sound management skills including the ability to lead and motivate teams, organise activities effectively and keep within budgetary framework.
3. Strong interpersonal and communication qualities.
4. People-oriented skills including the ability to mentor and supervise personnel in a way that inspires professional growth.
5. Task-oriented skills, responsibility, and attention to detail.
6. Transparency in working and a team-orientated work ethic.
7. Commitment to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines.
8. Commitment to ensuring a high-quality service and service user satisfaction.
9. Positive and constructive attitude.
10. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity.
Terms and Conditions
1. This is a full-time post. The post-holder is required to work flexible hours, within a 40-hour week (average), as per the exigencies of the service. Current working hours are:
Winter 1st October to 15th June 07:45 – 17:00
Summer 16th June to 30th September 08:00 – 14:00
2. The selected candidate will be engaged on a basis of an indefinite contract. This is subject to a probationary period of twelve (12) months.
3. The salary of the Senior Manager is equivalent to NLA Grade C and shall be remunerated as follows: entry into the minimum of Grade C, which in 2026 is €35,804 per annum with an annual increment of €700 up to a maximum of €40,004, payable in 13 payments.
4. In addition, the Officer shall receive annual performance bonuses up to 15% of the Salary, Expense Allowance of €1,500 per annum, Transport Related Allowance (incl. of fuel) of €2,500 per annum and Communication Allowance of €1,000 per annum. Furthermore, an annual allowance pertaining to NLA full-time employees in line with their level of responsibility in promoting and sustaining lifelong literacy practices will be payable in two equal instalments. This allowance may be withheld by the management in case of proven unsatisfactory performance.
5. The post-holder will be required to go through an induction phase during which s/he will undertake intensive training with the National Literacy Agency. The selected candidate may also be requested to attend training organised by entities other than the National Literacy Agency.
6. Willingness to be flexible to meet the demands of the role.
Supervision Received
The post-holder shall be accountable to the Chief Executive Officer and/or his/her delegate. The post-holder is expected to show initiative and demonstrate the ability to work without constant supervision.
The National Literacy Agency has zero tolerance policy towards any form of child abuse. Employment with the Agency is subject to the Protection of Minors Act (POMA) clearance.
The National Literacy Agency is committed to the active promotion of Equal Opportunities as an employer and in the provision of services to the community.
This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.