DIRECTOR Work-Based Learning. Title of Position: Director Work-Based Learning (Grade 4)

Transcription

1 DIRECTOR Work-Based Learning Title of Position: Director Work-Based Learning (Grade 4) Office: SOLAS Location: Block 1, Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin 1. Reference: 140 Background SOLAS (An tseirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna), the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland was established on 27 October, Its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provision to support economic and social wellbeing, while simultaneously playing its part in influencing and supporting the development of a FET sector that is more responsive to the needs of learners and employers. Set out in the Education and Training Act, 2013, the general functions of SOLAS are to: (a.) (b.) (c.) (d.) (e.) (f.) (g.) (h.) (i.) (j.) (k.) prepare and submit to Minister a strategy in respect of the provision of further education and training; promote an appreciation of the value of further education and training provision; consult with Ministers for Department of Social Protection (DSP) and Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI), as relevant, to ascertain priorities as to which further education and training programmes should be the subject of grants; fund Education and Training Board (ETBs) and other bodies engaged in the provision of further education and training; provide, arrange and coordinate training and re-training for employment; promote, encourage and facilitate the placement of persons belonging to designated social welfare categories, as set-out by the Minister for Social Protection; promote cooperation between ETBs and other bodies involved in the provision of further education and training; promote equality of opportunity within further education and training; develop and facilitate new and existing further education and training programmes, including the design of systems to monitor the quality of the provision; ensuring that it is fit for purpose; conduct or contract relevant research; provide or assist in the provision of training to persons charged with the delivery of further education and training (CPD). See for the full text of the Act. SOLAS is an agency of the Department of Education and Skills (DES). It works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and 1

2 knowledge, providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. Working with sister agencies of the Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the Further Education and Training Strategy , Action Plan for Education , the National Skills Strategy 2025 and others. The Role Reporting to the Executive Director for Skills Development, the Director of Work- Based Learning will drive development and implementation of national policy on work-based learning and effective partnerships between enterprise and the education and training system. Ireland is implementing a new post-secondary education and training policy with work-based learning as a central component. Work-based learning provision which includes the national apprenticeship system and traineeships are in a period of significant expansion and development. Ambitious goals and targets have been set in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland The Director of Work-Based Learning will lead achievement of the development targets and related work-based learning actions and goals, working closely with colleagues in SOLAS, and with key external partners who include the DES, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), industry representatives and education and training providers in further and higher education. Key responsibilities Implementation of national policy on work-based learning within further education and training. Support expansion and development of the national apprenticeship system to meet 2020 goals and targets. Expansion and development of traineeships to meet 2020 goals and targets. Effective integration of work-based learning policy and implementation within further education and training as a whole. Leadership of a high-performing team, working effectively with internal and external colleagues. Development of strengthened partnership arrangements between further education and training and the enterprise community. Fostering strong and effective liaison with the Department of Education and Skills (DES), Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), Education and Training Boards (ETBs), the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Department of Social Protection (DSP); the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI). 2

3 Oversight and management of funding and other resources to enable achievement of national work-based learning policy, including preparation of annual budget submissions, liaison with education and training providers on resource needs and allocations. Enhancement of data collection, analysis and evaluation to underpin implementation and monitoring of work-based learning policy and practice. Key functions: To lead implementation of work-based learning policy and practice within SOLAS and with key external partners. As a member of the senior management team, to contribute to the successful achievement of SOLAS strategic goals and objectives. To demonstrate strong leadership and management skills in leading an effective, high-performing internal team and in supporting the Executive Director of the Skills Development division as well as other Executive Directors and the CEO of SOLAS as required. To lead delivery of the development actions and targets set in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship and related policy and strategy statements To promote effective and efficient allocation of resources to achieve goals and targets set for work-based learning nationally To enhance existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with industry representatives To work effectively with key external partners who include DES, HEA, QQI, education and training providers across further and higher education, other Government departments which include the DSP and DJEI. To provide regular updates on progress, drawing on all available data and evaluation sources. To contribute to the ongoing development of work-based learning in Ireland with reference to national and international trends and policies. To act as a spokesperson and representative of SOLAS as required To carry out any other duties that may be assigned, from time to time. 3

4 Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience: A relevant third level qualification or equivalent. Post-graduate qualification desirable. A minimum of 5 years experience in a position of leadership/management, with the ability to engage and motivate individuals and teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in writing well-structured, succinct documents and in engaging with large and small groups of stakeholders. Strong project management skills and experience. Experience of using information technology and data analytics to support evaluation and achievement of goals and targets. Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to engage with and present confidently to large and smaller groups of stakeholders and partners internal and external to the organisation, including Government departments and Board members. Knowledge and experience of the Irish education and training system. Experience of the further education and training system desirable. Proven capacity in multi-tasking, meeting deadlines and creativity in planning and problem-solving. See Appendix 1 for Generic and Technical Competencies. The current salary scale is 81, ,333 per annum inclusive of two long service increments. Entry salary will be subject to public service regulations. Applications must be made by submitting a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date and clearly demonstrating how you meet the personal and technical competencies sought in Appendix 1. A short letter of application or personal statement (no more than 2 pages) should accompany your CV, outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the post of Director Work-Based Learning. Applications must be submitted through recruitment@solas.ie by 5.00 pm on Friday, 30 th June 2017 with the relevant documentation attached quoting reference number 140. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. 4

5 APPENDIX 1: Personal and Technical Competencies At Director level (Grade 4) it is expected that the person would have an advanced or expert level skill in the practice or implementation of these competencies. Persons would be able to independently perform tasks which require these competencies and would be able to support and mentor others in their application. Personal Competencies 1. Internal and External Communication 2. Continuous Improvement and Change Leadership 3. Planning, Organising, and Achieving Results 4. Personal Management, Developing Self, and Coaching 5. Learner and Stakeholder Focus 1 Clearly conveys information, and ideas through a variety of media (written, verbal, and presenting) both internally and externally. Actively listens and respects others opinions and views. Fosters open communication. Shares information to the appropriate individuals in a timely manner. Seeks more efficient ways of conducting work. Explores and proposes new solutions to own problems. Helps others find solutions to work problems. Initiates and contributes to change. Plans and implements successful change. Communicates change and effectively gathers support for change across all levels of the organisation. Establishes courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently. Manages and prioritizes time, tasks, and resources according to demand. Develops timelines and goals to measure progress. Designs and improves processes and systems to achieve results. Makes decisions in a timely fashion. Learns new skills and knowledge quickly. Takes personal responsibility for work and knows own strengths and weaknesses. Conducts work to high standards and delivers a high personal performance. Continuously trains and develops oneself and helps coach others. Is dedicated to meeting the requirements of learners, stakeholders and customers; having cognisance of internal/external restrictions that may apply. 1 Where stakeholders, learners and customers are referred to, this is taken to refer to those internal and external to the organisation. 5

6 Personal Competencies continued 6. Teamwork and Builds Effective Teams 7. Leadership Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve group goals and objectives. Encourages team members and builds constructive and effective relationship with all people, regardless of background. Promotes equal opportunity for all. Utilises the full potential of all people within the organisation. Builds cohesive teams of people and shares recognition of success with all team members. Helps guide teams to establish and achieve goals. Pursues work with initiative and drive. Achieves goals and results. Perseveres through difficult situations. Honest and truthful. Directs, motivates, and empowers others. Inspires others with a compelling vision of the future. Creates a strategy and culture for the organisation to achieve its objectives. Technical Competencies 1. Decision Making 2. Project Management 3. Interactive Technology Uses clear criteria for timing of a decision. Considers consequences and risks in order to assess the timing for a decision. Makes decisions in a timely manner when the options and consequences are clear. Recognises issues, problems, or opportunities and determines whether action is needed to advance the decision making process. Plans, initiates, and manages SOLAS projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. Ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems and compile information to support SOLAS s strategic initiatives. Demonstrates awareness of new ways in which individuals can use technologies. 6

7 Technical Competencies Continued 4. Financial Management 5. Monitoring and Quality Control 6. Analysis of Information and/or Data Understands the organisation's financial processes. Prepares, justifies and administers the programme budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities. Establishes high standards and measures. Able to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines. Conducts work correctly the first time and inspects work for flaws. Tests new methods thoroughly. Strives for excellence in all aspects of work. Audits outcomes when necessary. Examines data to understand issues, draw conclusions, make decisions, and solve problems. Identifies key facts in a range of data, break down complete information into component parts. Applies logic and complex layers of rules to analyse data. Categorises complicated information. Develops a conceptual understanding of the meaning of a range of information. Anticipates risks and considers all possible solutions. 7