How short-term hires solve long-term problems in public sector IT recruitment

In an era of digitisation, the government is unsurprisingly urging the public sector to embrace innovation, but as organisations work to upgrade their IT systems, one factor is proving difficult: staffing. 

In part, this is because digital transformation requires new skills, but as projects roll out, the spike in demand for IT expertise also means vacancies can be hard to fill. Organisations are often looking for high-calibre candidates to fill positions at short notice. 

With its flexible recruitment services targeted to the public sector, and with specific expertise in filling IT roles, Unijobs offers a solution. As a public sector organisation, it offers temporary recruitment solutions to the public sector as a shared, non-profit service. This unique model, combined with a clear understanding of public sector IT-related challenges means fast, flexible and cost-effective recruitment alternatives are just a click away.

Public sector demand for tech talent 

Employing over 40,000 people across 18 government departments, and more than 20 other offices and agencies nationwide, the Irish Civil Service has a vision to improve the digital services it offers to the State and the people of Ireland. 

As a result, it is constantly recruiting ICT staff to help design, build, and maintain the systems that support its digital interactions with both citizens and businesses. It has a need for candidates across a variety of roles in everything from software development to infrastructure and operations, as well as networks, cybersecurity, and digital business engagement. 

Staff in these disciplines will help solve various issues across a range of public services. But as demand for digitisation ramps up in response to current challenges, not just in the civil service but across the public sector, the demand for staff becomes more urgent, and public sector organisations from health to education are faced with an unfamiliar IT recruitment process.

IT challenges driving public sector recruitment 

When it comes to digitisation and ICT investment in the public sector, IT leaders are experiencing a number of drivers. 

First and foremost is a pressure to innovate and adopt new time-saving technologies in line with the government’s vision for Ireland to be recognised as a global leader in digital development. Adopting cloud-based solutions is a perfect example of this with cloud infrastructure potentially improving both continuity and agility. With the ability to add on new applications, or to enhance staff collaboration, cloud solutions can realise cost-savings, however, there has been a reluctance to adopt cloud solutions due to security concerns. But with increasing openness to this technology, many public sector organisations are now looking to hire tech talent they previously had no need for. 

Another factor changing the public sector IT landscape is the increased acceptance of home- and hybrid-working in the wake of the COVID pandemic. For government services to run smoothly, employees must be able to work seamlessly between workplace and home, and as a result require consistent, secure network access with IT leaders looking for staff to facilitate this. 

One of the biggest challenges facing government at all levels, however, is the threat of cyber-attack. In the move to accelerate digitisation, it’s easy to create cyber vulnerabilities, but there is also a great deal of work required to protect legacy systems in the public sector from cyber threats.

Specialised recruitment fills IT vacancies 

With such an acute need for IT expertise, it’s no surprise that the public sector is turning to recruitment agencies to fill these roles. Thanks to a deep understanding of the public sector, along with a thorough knowledge of its IT challenges, Unijobs offers a solution and in fact, opting for a specialised agency can have several benefits for those looking to hire in this sector. 

When it comes to sourcing tech talent, one of the primary advantages of using an agency is faster time to hire. Unijobs offers access to a large pool of in-demand IT talent, and with a streamlined interview and screening process, it’s possible to get candidates in position swiftly. With systems in place to manage volume recruitment, we can support all kinds of IT projects, helping you scale new technology developments at speed. 

Thanks to our rigorous pre-screening efforts, Unijobs can also help reduce hiring costs. Not only will you be presented with a list of relevant candidates featuring only those with appropriate skills which can accelerate hiring, this can also reduce the long-term costs associated with hiring the wrong candidate. 

In fact, you have a higher chance of engaging high-quality candidates when working in partnership with an agency thanks to relevant market knowledge. At Unijobs, we know the public sector, but we also excel in IT recruitment. That makes it easier for you to engage high-calibre candidates for the kind of short-term roles required for intensive systems development, but also for the many IT support jobs required to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. 

As such, Unijobs provides an effective solution for temporary IT positions, but this can equally lead to permanent solutions, often providing an opportunity for public sector organisations to permanently advance their ICT capabilities.

Looking for IT recruitment support? 

To find out how Unijobs could support your organisation with a flexible and resilient IT workforce, contact our team today.