JOB DESCRIPTION. 3. DEPARTMENT: Business & Community Development DIRECTOR BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Project Facilitator (Costing) 2. ROLE CODE: PROJFAC 3. DEPARTMENT: Business & Community Development 4. ORGANISATION: DIRECTOR BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON EE LLN PROJECT FACILITATOR The role-holder reports to the Director of Employer Engagement Lifelong Learning Network (EE/LLN). 5. JOB PURPOSE: To work with the Project Director to ensure the implementation and monitoring of the Employer Engagement Plan and Employer Engagement LLN targets. To help promote, initiate and monitor the development of Employer Engagement activities across the University working toward mainstreaming projects into core faculty activity. To project manage and support the finance and risk assessment aspects of bids to external funding bodies for contracts and funding. To undertake the costing of any bid or proposal. To work with University Finance Department to complete all appropriate paperwork relating to bids or proposals. To assess and cost employer contribution in kind for any project. To complete risk assessments for all project activity To liaise with MIS and finance departments in partner colleges and HEIs to facilitate joint costings. To prepare the costing aspects of bids and income received from funding bodies for relevant committees, SMT and University Council.

2 6. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Employer Engagement Plan The current HEFCE funded engagement plan has the objectives of: a. Developing a network of employers who will co-fund at a contribution of 20% (08/09) 35% (09/10) 50% (10/11). b. Developing a curriculum that learners need and employers will pay for, thus impacting on the bottom line effectiveness of employer business. Curriculum Development Officers prepare employer training for assessment and accreditation. Academic staff from the University s faculties who develop employer training in a specialist area are called Business Translators. Academic staff seconded from the University s sister colleges to develop employer training in new skills areas are called Skills Pioneers. The Employer Engagement Operational Management Group, is chaired by the Director of EE/LLN. The membership includes Employer Curriculum Development Officers, Business Translators, Skills Pioneers and the Assistant Director Curriculum and Quality Engagement. The group directs and monitors the Employer Engagement Plan at an operational level. A further proposal agreed by HEFCE in January 2009 focuses on up-skilling employees in declining skills areas to match demand evidenced by the Regional Economic Strategy. It responds to employers requests for academic staff who understand the employer s bottom line and Gross Value Added (GVA) and seeks to embed, permanently co-funded employer engagement activity into University and sister Colleges plans, structures and faculties. 7. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 7.1 Communication The role-holder will explain to public and private sector employers and University Staff the complex concept of HEFCE Employer Engagement co-funding and the University fee arrangements. To fully explain to appropriate parties the financial aspects of application requirements and criteria for submission to funding agencies. To locate appropriate information that will lead to the development of tender/bid. To meet with managers to assist in the preparation and to improve the quality of bids and proposals.

3 To undertake the written documentation required for bid proposals collecting financial and costing data, interpreting it into the correct format and chasing outstanding information in order to complete the proposal. To meet with college principals and vice-principals etc to provide briefings and answer questions relating to the bid. To meet with Deans, Heads of subject, Faculty Management Groups etc to provide briefings and answer questions relating to the bid. To prepare the costing aspects of bids and income received from funding bodies for relevant committees, SMT and University Council. 7.2 Teamwork and Motivation The role holder s team is the Employer Engagement Operational Management Team, managed by the Director of Cheshire & Warrington Employer Engagement LLN. The role-holder will not have any supervisory responsibility but will pull together appropriate groups to facilitate bids with full accountability for planning and organisation. 7.3 Liaison and Networking To act as the key point of contact for academic staff who are proposing a project bid and to provide expert advice on requirements relating to financial and risk assessment aspects, deadlines and project planning to ensure the final project meets the requirements of the funding agency. To liaise as a key contact within the University with external funding agencies to progress applications and deal with queries relating to financial and risk assessments aspects. To attend Employer Engagement Operational Management Team meetings/working groups. To participate as appropriate in internal groups and meetings to ensure the success of the life long learning sector initiative. To liaise internally with members of the Finance Department to provide a seamless service in relation to bid applications. To provide verbal and written reports to the Employer Engagement Operational Management Group and the Director of EE. To contribute to the dissemination and sharing of practice between current and future projects. To meet with Deans, Head of subject, Faculty Management Groups etc to provide briefings and answer questions relating to the bid.

4 To prepare reports on the costing aspects of bids and income received from funding bodies for relevant committees, SMT and University Council. 7.4 Service Delivery To organise and support the process of completing and submitting the financial and risk assessment aspects of bid application. To take a key proactive role in contacting appropriate parties meeting to assist in the preparation of applications. To be pro-active in developing contacts with external members and potential contributors to activities run by regional, national and international networks. To ensure that costings and risk assessments relating to proposals for projects and activities are followed up in a timely manner and that detailed costings are prepared and submitted for approval. To proactively offer and promote the services of the institution to others. The role holder will ensure that the service offered meets the standards set by the Director of Employer Engagement LLN. To deputise for other directorate staff at key meetings and conferences. 7.5 Decision Making To take independent decisions on how to deal with internal and external queries and which specialist areas of the University to refer them on to. To take independent decisions on how to advise interested parties on cost and risk assessment related project proposal deadlines and requirements, based on knowledge developed in the role. To make collaborative decisions with Finance in order to cost bids appropriately. To negotiate with colleagues in University faculties, external agencies and partner organisations. 7.6 Planning and Organising Resources The role-holder will have the ability to plan and organise their own work in conjunction with the project director. To operate autonomously in planning and organising own work and organising workload to meet bid deadlines. To be responsible for the monitoring of completion of objectives. The role holder will not supervise other staff but will have responsibility relating to the financial analysis, negotiation and organisation for bids and proposals.

5 The responsibility for resources (e.g. people, equipment, money, etc) will be decided with the Director and the EE/LLN team. 7.7 Initiative and Problem Solving The role holder will have considerable opportunity and latitude to engage in bid costing development in collaboration with the employer/private training provider. To identify strands of funding opportunities relevant to partners / employers working with the University. To resolve issues and problems related to bid applications that may threaten the submission deadline. 7.8 Analysis and Research The role-holder will work with the Director of LLN network and representatives of the University in liaising with FE and HE institutions as well as employers. The role holder will manage data associated with projects and proposals for example costing the development of several bids and analysing them to establish best value. The Director and team will work with the post holder to determine any research or investigation requirements. 7.9 Sensory and Physical Demands The role-holder will not be required to lift, carry or handle large or heavy objects. Assistance may be given by others or in the form of special equipment by the agreement of the Director of the Employer Engagement Lifelong Learning sector and the work group. The role-holder may work offsite and the workplace will be organised with the employer or working group and the Director of Employer Engagement Lifelong learning. This post holder will have experience of working with Employers and in the Public Sector or with Partnerships and other institutions Work Environment Office based environment with visits to FECs HEIs and employer premises Pastoral Care and Welfare To show a basic sensitivity to colleagues or others in distress Team Development The role-holder may be required to help new colleagues settle in to the work of the team if required.

6 7.13 Teaching and Learning Support To design presentations for the Director of Employer Engagement Lifelong Learning Network Knowledge and Experience A first Degree or equivalent Finance/management information experience Risk assessment experience IT skills A working knowledge of project management requirements would be desirable. An ability to communicate confidently and credibly at all levels within the university and with external agencies e.g. HEFCE

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION Post Title & Department: Project Facilitator (Finance) Cheshire and Warrington Lifelong Learning Network Criteria Qualifications: A degree or equivalent qualification Project Management qualification Computer literacy, with a practical knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets An understanding of databases and an ECDL qualification A good written command of English and appropriate office management skills Proven Experience: Experience of working collaboratively both with senior staff in education and with external partners on strategy implementation Excellent numerical skills including costing and budget monitoring experience. The ability to work concurrently with several different teams with diverse remits is essential. Staff management skills and a knowledge of higher education systems Knowledge of MIS systems. Knowledge, skills and abilities: Strong planning and co-ordination skills Ability to analyse and respond to complex situations, written material and information Excellent communication (written and verbal) and negotiating skills Ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of educational staff, employers and representatives of other organisations Ability to travel Excellent communication skills with a good telephone manner Good finance skills, including budget monitoring and costings OR Method of identification (i.e. application form, interview, test) Selection Panel use this section to match your skills and abilities to the criteria outlined Application Form Application Form Application Form/ Risk assessment skills Other Attributes: High level of interpersonal skills Full driving licence Application Form/ Well-developed IT skills 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 ill normally be rejected at 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.

8 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT PROJECT FACILIATOR (COSTING) FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 30 TH MARCH 2011 SALARY SCALE University Scale OS6, points 19-22, 21,458-23,449 per annum payable monthly in arrears. 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. HOURS OF WORK Monday to Thursday 9.00am pm Friday 9.00am pm A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. CRB CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a CRB check before an appointment can be made. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Cheshire County Council local government pension scheme. All support staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. 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 University posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than Thursday 13 th August 2009 at 12:00 noon quoting reference number HRMS/08144b.