Ballymena people urged to apply for Tourist Board role

If you think you can help tourism play its part in creating a dynamic, competitive economy in Northern Ireland then the search has begun for members and a chairperson of the Board of the NITB and applications are welcome from all sections of the community.

No specific academic qualifications are required for the posts. Appointments will be made by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and the aim is to appoint those who can provide a blend of relevant experience and knowledge to make a valuable contribution to the Board.

It is important that people from a wide range of backgrounds take up public appointments so that the Boards of public bodies like NITB reflect the rich diversity of our society and better understand the needs of the communities they serve.

If you are a good team player with experience of dealing with strategic issues and have good communication skills, why not take a look at the application pack.

The Chairperson and at least one member will be appointed with effect from 1 July 2014. The new Chairperson will join the Board as a member from 1 July 2014 for a six month handover period before being formally appointed as Chairperson with effect from 1 January 2015. The remaining members will be appointed with effect from 1 January 2015.

The Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that NITB fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Department and approved by the Minister, and for promoting the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources by NITB.

The competition is an open one, which involves an application form and interview process. It begins today and the closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 14 February 2014. Appointments are made on merit.

The Chairperson is expected to attend Board meetings and other events, (including all Tourism Ireland Board meetings as an ex-officio member) amounting to approximately 4 – 6 days per month. In addition the successful candidate will be expected to attend occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £24,915 per annum.

Board Members are expected to attend Board meetings on one day per month, to serve on one or more sub-committees of the Board; and may be required to attend Visit Britain meetings. In addition successful candidates will be expected to attend occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £4,995 per annum.

The Chairperson and members also receive reimbursement for all reasonable travel and subsistence costs, and any dependant-carer expenses incurred whilst undertaking Board duties.

Appointments will be made from those individuals who best satisfy the essential criteria set out below.

Applications are invited from individuals with experience of dealing with strategic issues, scrutinising the performance of an organisation and ensuring good governance and accountability, maintaining relationships - working in partnership and marketing and communications.

The Chairperson should have similar attributes but in addition candidates will be required to demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills.

If you would like to receive an application pack (with full details of essential criteria and guidance on the application process), contact DETI, Public Appointments Unit, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP, Tel: (028) 9052 9214 or (028) 9052 9282, textphone: (028) 9052 9304. You can also email [email protected] or download one from http://www.detini.gov.uk