Chantelle tells us about her role as a Higher Executive Officer with the Department of Finance.
Where do you work & what is your role?
I am a Higher Executive Officer with the Department of Finance. My role involves Corporate Affairs, Freedom of Information, Parliamentary Questions co-ordination and Memorandum of Government co-ordination.
Can you briefly describe what you enjoy most about being a Higher Executive Officer?
I enjoy the level of responsibility combined with the support and mentoring from management.
Can you outline your career journey to date?
I joined the civil service first as a temporary clerical officer (TCO), and then a permanent clerical officer (CO) in 2018. I was the CO in the Economics Division in the Department of Finance and progressed through promotion to HEO in 2024 in my current role.
Prior to my career in the civil service in Ireland, I was a civil servant in South Africa on Assistant Principal Officer level, before moving from South Africa to Ireland in 2006.
What initially attracted you to your role?
Besides the financial and other benefits, the main attraction was to be in a manager capacity in the civil service. The work is challenging but very rewarding.
Was it something that you always had an interest in?
Yes, coming from a civil servant family and background, it is a good fit for me. I did work in the private sector during my career, but for me personally, civil service is what I am passionate about and fits my interest and personality.
How would you describe your role day to day?
Our team has responsibility for three areas within the Department of Finance: Freedom of Information, Parliamentary Questions (PQs) co-ordination and Memorandum of Government co-ordination.
Communication through email, Teams and phone calls is vital in my role. Strict deadlines are a weekly target. We also work closely with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance’s office and professional protocol is of utmost importance. Weekly and quarterly reports to the Executive Board (Senior management) are my responsibility.
Are there any key projects that you’ve worked on that stand out?
I do not have specific key projects as every day is a project day, but the coordination of oral PQs and urgent Memo’s for Govt stand out, as this can be very challenging and demanding on our team.
What skills are required for your role?
Communication – written and verbal, Quick decision making, Organisational and co-ordination skills, Working under pressure on deadlines, Lateral thinking.
Have you gained any new skills since starting your career?
Negotiation, problem solving, time keeping and working under pressure.
Would you recommend a career in the public service?
Yes. A career in the public service offers good work-life balance, great financial and other benefits, many study and career opportunities, support from managers, great and fair HR practices all within an interesting and challenging work environment.
What are your interests outside of work?
I was involved in the parent/teacher association at the local school. I volunteer in many community groups. I volunteer at an animal sanctuary.
WAre you involved in any social clubs/charity activities connected with the Public Service?
I am also on the union branch committee, and I am a union workplace rep.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to my career progression and I hope to be an Assistant Principal officer at the end of my career in the civil service.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I see myself as part of the “New Irish”. I am 20 years in Ireland now. Arrived with my South African family (husband and 4 small children) and had to start at the bottom of the career ladder in 2006. Worked my self up and today I am a happy proud Irish citizen working as an HEO in the civil service.