Maitiú gives us insight into his career as an Administrative Officer in the Department of Finance.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
I have been working in the Banking Division of the Department of Finance since October 2023. Spending the past year and a half in Financial Consumer Protection policy I’ve worked on legislation, engaged with the Central Bank on the Consumer Protection Code and researched European consumer protection policy.
A typical day in the role varies, from drafting legislation, preparing briefings, writing speeches, researching policy and responding to Parliamentary Questions you have a wide range of tasks as an AO.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
As a recent graduate with a background in Economics, the opportunity to apply my knowledge to public policy was the main incentive when applying for the role. I also knew that the Civil Service offered interesting and rewarding career opportunities.
What do you value most about your job?
What I value most about my job is the exposure you get to major political and economic developments both domestically and internationally. Working on your policy area you need to be conscious of such developments as they have a significant impact on your day to day work. You really get the sense that you are working at the centre of policymaking and at the heart of the government.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
There are a range of courses on offer to further your education, I am currently enrolled in a Diploma in Financial Services run by the Institute of Banking. I have also completed training in EU Negotiations, legislation and an external course on the regulatory framework of financial services in Europe.
There are a range of courses on offer to further your education, I am currently enrolled in a Diploma in Financial Services run by the Institute of Banking. I have also completed training in EU Negotiations, legislation and an external course on the regulatory framework of financial services in Europe.
The Department also has a mentoring programme and buddy system in place to assist new entrants settling into their role.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
The role has given me the opportunity to develop my professional capabilities and gain valuable career experience. You are given a lot of responsibility from the beginning and in my short time working in the Department I have been responsible for transposing EU legislation, drafting national legislation and preparing speeches for the Minister.
I have also had the chance to develop my network by representing the Department at a number of events and meetings with colleagues from industry, international organisations and other Government Departments.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
I was surprised by the exposure I have gotten to the overall policy objectives and focus of the Department.
Alongside your daily responsibilities and immediate policy area, there is a strong focus on your overall development. The Department frequently holds informational power hours, debriefs of Executive Board and Strategic Management Group discussions and policy committee presentations which provide the chance to learn about other areas of the Department.
You get an insight into what the big challenges facing the Department are, your focus and understanding are not limited to the policy area you’re working directly on.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
I enjoy the variety in the role. Every day has different tasks. In any week you could be preparing a briefing for a meeting in Brussels, drafting a speech for the Minister, travelling down to Cork for a stakeholder event and progressing legislation through the Oireachtas.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I would definitely recommend a career in the public sector, your work is rewarding and interesting and you are surrounded by intelligent, engaged colleagues who create a collaborative and social workplace.
Anything else you would like to share?
In March I will be moving to Brussels for a 5 month secondment, working in the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission. The opportunity to work abroad through the Department and gain experience working on policy at a European level was something I was not aware of when applying for the role. The Department provides plenty of opportunities to work and travel abroad.