Adult Education Officer

NATURE OF POST

As specified on the advertisement.

SALARY SCALE

€62,952 – €98,008. As per Department of Education and Skills guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale, however incremental credit may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

POST SUMMARY / PURPOSE

This is a senior management position within the Further Education and Training department.

LOCATION

Appointment is to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Scheme. The successful applicant will be based initially in Dundalk, County Louth.

FUNCTION OF ROLE

The successful candidate will lead, manage and report on specific aspects of Further Education and Training provision as defined by the Director of Further Education and Training, working as part of an integrated management team in Further Education and Training and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Citizenship Requirement

Citizenship requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under European Union agreements may also apply.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position may, at the discretion of the employer, be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting Form. References will be sought.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Third level qualification(s) in relevant discipline(s) commensurate with this role essential

• Management experience at an appropriate senior level, including leading teams and managing resources

• Relevant experience in leadership of teaching, learning or training in adult education, further education and training or community sectors, governance and management, performance management

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience in the Further Education and Training sector

• Evidence of ability to adapt to changing work patterns and accept responsibility

• Ability to analyse data and make recommendations

• Ability to work with individuals and diverse groups of interested parties to ensure efficient and effective delivery of education and training services

• Has undertaken individual formal development

• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead change and to fulfil reform requirements within Louth and Meath Education and Training Board

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including ability to work effectively with stakeholders and represent Louth and Meath Education and Training Board as required

• Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a management team, contribute to development, implementation and review of strategic plans, organisational work plans, policies and procedures

• Understanding of strategic challenges for the Further Education and Training department

• Enthusiasm, positive attitude, ability to work flexibly both as part of a team and on own initiative

• Evidence of work-related achievements in an education and training context

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office packages or similar, and working knowledge of management information systems

• Significant experience of staff supervision, financial management, business planning and industrial relations

• Experience in managing facilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written

• Access to own transport

• Flexible in relation to working hours

Candidates must have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the post are continually evolving as the exigencies of the role require. The below outlines some of the more immediate duties and responsibilities but is not an exhaustive list and is subject to amendment and change.

The Adult Education Officer will:

• Be responsible, under the direction and guidance of the Director of Further Education and Training and or the Chief Executive, and in co-operation with other Further Education and Training managers and staff, for provision of curriculum, assessment and quality assurance support in respect of all Further Education and Training activities within Louth and Meath Education and Training Board

• Oversee the Quality Assurance Support Service in the enhancement of quality assurance practices across all Louth and Meath Education and Training Board provision

• Lead the Quality Assurance unit in providing organisation-wide quality assurance support to Further Education and Training centres and colleges and support implementation of the overarching Education and Training Board Quality Assurance system as part of statutory obligations with Quality and Qualifications Ireland and other quality assurance systems

• Assist and support Further Education and Training provision on all local and national quality assurance matters and awarding body requirements including procedure implementation and review, learner qualifications, registration, assessment and certification, self-evaluation, monitoring of quality assurance systems, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement initiatives

• Manage quality assurance enhancement processes including internal verification, external authentication, results approval, external appeals, self-evaluation, programme development and validation, qualifications approval, internal monitoring, curriculum documentation control, standardisation of assessment techniques and development of teaching and learning resources

• Review effectiveness, appropriateness and completeness of governance and management processes and systems for quality assurance in Further Education and Training

• Compile the annual Quality Improvement Plan for submission to Quality and Qualifications Ireland, identifying outcomes and improvement activities based on ongoing monitoring of quality assurance processes

• Plan, monitor, review and evaluate programme development and programme review processes

• Oversee PLSS system operationalisation and reporting

• Support reporting requirements under Funding Allocation Request Reports and data analysis

• Plan, monitor, review and report on technology enhanced teaching and learning and learner supports

• Manage employer engagement planning, monitoring and reporting

• Manage and be accountable for defined provisions of full-time and part-time Further Education and Training programmes and learner support services

• Work collaboratively with senior management to integrate programmes and support services across centres and progression pathways

• Monitor utilisation of financial, human and physical resources across services

• Monitor implementation of strategic agreements and organisational strategies

• Collaborate with national, regional and local agencies involved in Further Education and Training provision

• Fulfil requirements of SOLAS and Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to planning, monitoring and reporting

• Lead curriculum and programme development, certification planning and future programme requirements

• Fulfil reform and change management requirements within the organisation

• Forward plan and report on learner cohort needs in line with funder and government objectives

• Provide reports, data analysis and documentation for organisational and funding requirements

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Leadership

• Contributes to development of strategy and policy

• Drives high performance and addresses issues

• Leads and maximises team contribution

• Defines objectives and delegates effectively

• Develops capability of others through coaching and feedback

• Supports innovation in service delivery

Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making

• Researches issues thoroughly and gathers information appropriately

• Analyses complex information and data accurately

• Integrates diverse information sources

• Makes timely and well grounded decisions

• Considers wider stakeholder implications

• Takes clear positions on important issues

Management and Delivery of Results

• Delivers challenging tasks on time and to high standards

• Plans and prioritises work effectively

• Ensures customer service and quality are central

• Identifies improvements and innovative solutions

• Maintains controls and performance measures

• Manages multiple projects effectively

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Communicates clearly and confidently

• Encourages constructive discussion

• Works effectively with teams and stakeholders

• Maintains professionalism under pressure

• Builds networks and relationships

• Promotes customer service

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Strong knowledge of Further Education and Training

• Understands organisational objectives and priorities

• Demonstrates sector awareness and expertise

• Committed to continuous self development

• Works independently and as part of a team

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Self motivated and performance driven

• Honest and trustworthy

• Learner centred approach

• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards