JOB DESCRIPTION. 4. DEPARTMENT: Study Abroad Office, International Office. Head of International Relations. Study Abroad Tutor.

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Study Abroad Tutor 2. HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HRMS/ ROLE CODE: SATSAO 4. DEPARTMENT: Study Abroad Office, International Office 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Head of International Relations Study Abroad Tutor 1 x FTE Academic 1 x FTE Study Abroad Coordinator 1 x FTE Study Abroad Clerical Assistant 6. JOB PURPOSE: The Study Abroad Office (SAO), within the International Office, manages a range of opportunities which enable students to undertake experiential learning overseas. These include a number of student exchange programmes and the organisation and delivery of the Level 5 module Learning in the Wider World. The SAO also contributes to the management of work placements overseas. As Study Abroad Tutor, the post holder will have overall responsibility for the academic experience of both outgoing and incoming students who study abroad.

2 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: This appointment is directly related to the University s continuing provision for international study, such opportunities contribute to the enrichment of student programmes, enabling participants to gain academic credit for study at partner Universities and Colleges in the United States of America, Australia and, through the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP), institutions worldwide. While this appointment carries with it significant administrative responsibilities, it is essentially an academic post, requiring the post-holder to provide tuition and facilitate learning, assess students work and to take responsibility for the academic quality and standards of the assigned modules. The post-holder will be educated to post-graduate level and will have higher education teaching experience in international studies. He/she will also possess effective administrative and organisational skills commensurate with those needed by academic staff involved with flexible and negotiated programmes of learning. An ability to tutor flexibly, including online whenever necessary, is essential. In addition, the post-holder will be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills when dealing with international partner organisations, colleagues from within and outside the University, and Undergraduate students. 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: The post holder will be required to: 8.1 Communicating Effectively Routinely communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders within the University (e.g. Finance Office, Accommodation), with overseas partners, students and external agencies (e.g. Student Finance England), both verbally and in writing. Promote the study abroad/international exchange programmes at various University campuses and during open days and visit days. Communicate effectively in writing e.g. in the development of teaching materials, module descriptors, in correspondence with partners/ students overseas, publicity materials. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively Contribute effectively to team working within the SAO team; work collaboratively within the SAO team and with academic and support staff in other Academic Departments when managing and approving overseas exchanges/work placements. Supervise the Study Abroad Office Administrative staff.

3 8.3 Liaison and Networking Develop and maintain collaborative partnership agreements with a range of overseas Universities. Facilitate student academic exchanges for both incoming and outgoing students in accordance with partnership agreements. Liaise with the student s Academic Department to ensure that the programme of study undertaken overseas, or for incoming exchange students at the University of Chester, meets both the needs of the student and the academic requirements of their home Department. This will require the effective negotiation of a portfolio of appropriate academic modules with a standard and credit value commensurate with their level of study. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service Ensure that all aspects of the study abroad and exchange programmes are compliant with the QAA Code of Practice (Section B10) Collaborative Provision. Produce clearly documented, written procedures of the processes used to secure, approve and manage student placements located overseas and then disseminate these processes/procedures to appropriate colleagues. 8.5 Effective Decision Making In collaboration with the Line Manager, monitor and make decisions on the suitability of overseas organisations which support overseas opportunities for Undergraduate students (e.g. Edge of Africa) and the countries in which students are to be based. Use knowledge, expertise and experience of academic, political, economic and environmental situations to assess potential hazards and make informed assessments of the risks arising from studying overseas. On the basis of these assessments, approve or reject experiential learning or work placements completed in collaboration with organisations based overseas as appropriate. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others The role holder is required to plan, prioritise and organise his/her own work and of other members of the Study Abroad Office team on a weekly or monthly basis.

4 Plan and manage the student exchange programme(s) in collaboration with ISEP and bilateral partner Universities and monitor progress against the plan. Ensure the effective use of resources within the Study Abroad Office. Receive information from and provide information to others to complete their planning. In collaboration with the Line Manager, set performance standards and establish monitoring procedures to keep track of progress across different aspects of work and provide input to longer term planning through the Annual Monitoring Report and Faculty Business Plan. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) The role holder is required to use initiative and creativity to resolve problems where the optimal solution may not be immediately apparent, but must be assessed by a process of reasoning, weighing up the pros and cons of different approaches, identify and assess practical options and break the problem down into component parts. For example when managing incidents should a student fall ill, sustain an injury or a loss of travel documents due to a theft when overseas or when resolving difficulties over visa applications. 8.8 Analysis and Research. The role holder is required to analyse the academic requirements of exchange students, incoming and outgoing, degree programmes in order to match as closely as possible, the modules required at their home University with those to be completed at the overseas University in terms of pre-requisites, academic level, content etc. The role holder is required to undertake scholarly activity relevant to International Development Studies, Global Citizenship, etc. and professional development relating to BS8848 Standard for Overseas Fieldwork. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Standard office environment and equipment Work Environment Although primarily office-based, the role is likely to involve some overseas travel, including to developing countries Pastoral Care and Welfare Conduct thorough hazard and risk assessments in order to ensure the safety and security of students during periods of overseas study for all study abroad programmes.

5 Advise students on the potential hazards and risks they are likely to encounter in the country they are visiting/ working based on guidance supplied by the FCO and other relevant agencies (e.g. Control Risks/ UMAL) and on strategies for minimising these risks (e.g. vaccinations, culturally inappropriate behaviour/ dress etc.) 8.12 Team Development The role holder is required to clarify the requirements, agree clear task objectives, organise and delegate work fairly according to individual abilities, help the SAO team focus their efforts on the task in hand and motivate individual team members. The role holder will be responsible for the induction of new staff and the development of existing staff through the PRDP process Teaching and Learning Support Design, manage, tutor and assess the level 5 experiential learning module(s) and the student exchange modules. Prepare students for study abroad by planning and delivering induction programmes designed to enhance their understanding of the culture and customs of their host country and of the concept of global citizenship. Develop and maintain on line learning materials using the University s virtual learning environment (VLE) to facilitate remote access to support, guidance and online tutorials Knowledge and Experience Please see Person Specification below 8.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies and procedures.

6 Job Title: Study Abroad Tutor PERSON SPECIFICATION Department: Study Abroad Office, International Office Criteria / Method of identification Qualifications: Honours degree, or equivalent level qualification. Relevant post-graduate degree in an appropriate discipline (e.g. International Development Studies.). Teaching qualification and/or membership of the Higher Education Academy. Proven Experience: Significant experience in liaising or working with agencies in developing countries and elsewhere to secure appropriate student placements and with Universities throughout the world to secure student exchange opportunities. Experience of working in developing countries and of supporting students attending overseas placements. Experience of teaching and assessing students at undergraduate and of curriculum design in Higher Education. Experience of hazard analysis and risk management related to living and travelling in developing countries and elsewhere. Experience of leading and managing small teams/ individuals ideally both in the UK and overseas. Experience of managing a budget. Awareness of the BS 8848 Standard for Overseas Fieldwork. Ability to speak a second language. form/certificates form/certificates form/certificates form Interview Interview form

7 Delivering academic and service excellence: Effective administrative and organisational skills. A willingness to travel extensively overseas to support students on placement including, if necessary, during emergency situations. Managing self and inspiring others: Effective time management and self-organisational skills. Effective leadership of the Study Abroad Office team and inspiring other academic colleagues to contribute to the overseas exchange development. Working together: Effective collaboration with representatives of partner organisations overseas, academic colleagues and Departments within the University and students. Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Ability to develop a marketing strategy for the SAO and to build awareness of what the SAO offers both internally and externally. Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test)

8 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER INTERNATIONAL OFFICE STUDY ABROAD OFFICE STUDY ABROAD TUTOR SALARY SCALE TSR4, points 35 39, 36,309-40,847 per annum. CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT Permanent contracts will be offered to those candidates who possess both a higher degree and a postgraduate HE teaching qualification/fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. A successful candidate who lacks either will be offered a fixed term contract, pending fulfilment of these conditions. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 35 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years). Two extra statutory days during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION The successful candidate will be required to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire and may also be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualification as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a DBS check before an appointment can be made. PENSION SCHEME All academic staff will be enrolled in the Teachers Pension Scheme from their first day of employment, in accordance with the scheme rules. If staff do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all Academic posts.

9 CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Thursday 21 st August 2014 quoting reference number HRMS/13242