Assistant Relationship Manager

About the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)

The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) provides loan finance to Local Authorities Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing. The HFA is a key stakeholder in Irelands national housing strategy supporting the implementation of government policy.

The Role

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) is seeking to appoint an Assistant Relationship Manager to join its newly established Relationship Management Team. This is a critical new role designed to support the delivery of high-quality credit assessments and customer engagement in line with the HFAs expanding lending capacity. Reporting to the Relationship Manager (HEO) the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the assessment of funding applications compiling credit documentation and ensuring timely and accurate communication with customers. This position is vital to maintaining operational efficiency and upholding the HFAs commitment to funding social and affordable housing through Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Local Authorities (LAs).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Engagement & Information Management

Liaise with customers to ensure timely receipt of all required documentation for lending proposals

Follow up on outstanding information and clarify gaps to support credit assessment

Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and documentation received

Credit Paper Preparation & Due Diligence

Assist in compiling and reviewing information for credit papers including financial and operational data

Support the due diligence process by identifying risks and inconsistencies in applications

Draft initial versions of credit papers for review by Relationship Managers and submission to management and credit committee

Operational Support & Team Collaboration

Provide day-to-day support to the Relationship Manager and wider team to ensure smooth workflow

Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and documentation standards

Assist in managing workload priorities and responding to queries from internal stakeholders

Compliance & Governance

Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with HFA policies public sector guidelines and relevant legislation

Support the delivery of accurate and compliant credit information to management and the Board

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA/QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications & Experience

A degree-level qualification in Finance Business Economics or a related discipline.

At least 2 years experience in a financial lending credit assessment or customer-facing role

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and assess risk

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a structured environment

High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Demonstrated understanding of public sector governance and accountability

Ability to work collaboratively in a small high-performing team

Desirable Experience

Experience working in a public sector or regulated financial environment

Familiarity with housing finance credit committee processes or property lending

Proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel and Word

Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:

Analysis & Decision Making

Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources investigating all relevant issues

Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which s/he works procedures divisional objectives etc.

Draws accurate conclusions & makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence

Delivery of Results

Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion

Is logical and pragmatic in approach setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation

Minimises errors reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/ audience

Maintains a focus on dealing with stakeholders in an effective efficient and respectful manner

Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing

Specialist Knowledge Expertise and Self Development

Displays high levels of skills/ expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues

Has a clear understanding of the role objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department/ Organisation and can communicate this to the team

Leads by example demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for self and the team

People Management

Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working

Actively shares information knowledge and expertise to help the team to meet its objectives

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Is committed to the role consistently striving to perform at a high level

Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Tenure

The appointment is on a permanent contract subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.

Hours of Work

Operating on a 35-hour week with core hours between 08.00am 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a flexible work model with staff currently required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.

Salary Scale

The Executive Officer Standard salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 August 2025) is as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE - PPC

59335¹ 61216²

This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE

56504¹ 58274²

This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Important Note

N.B. Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if immediately before appointment you are a currently serving civil/public servant.

Annual Leave

In addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 23 working days based on a five-day week. This will rise to 24 days after 5 years service and to 25 after 10 years service.

The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via HIREHIVE only

Each candidate should submit a short covering letter outlining why you believe your skills experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm on 15 October 2025.

If applicable please contact our HR Manager Katherina Sage if you require a job description in an accessible addition candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.

Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical.

The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.