THE CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT AGENCY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION

 
JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing direction and leadership in executing the mandate of the Curriculum and Assessment Agency in the develop and maintenance of national curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations for public institutions at the primary and secondary levels.

Within the context of the role and scope of the Agency the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic policy advice to the Ministry of Education and Youth and other Government organisations on Curriculum and Assessment matters.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Organisation’s vision, mission and core values
• Strategic plan, business plan and corporate plans
• The Curriculum and Assessment framework
• Research and development projects
• Monthly, quarterly and annual Performance reports
• Financial, administrative and performance monitoring systems
• Motivated and high performing staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

   Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Leads the development and periodic review of the Agency’s vision, mission and core values ensuring alignment with national education policy.
• Leads the development of the strategic and operational plans for the Agency, ensures an effective mechanism is in place to monitor and report on performance and that appropriate corrective
  measures are initiated as necessary to achieve the stated objectives.
• Guides the development and manages the Agency’s operating budget ensuring compliance with
  the FAA Act as well as prudence in the use of resources. 
• Leads the development and periodic review of operating policies, systems and procedures to
  guide the management of the Agency; monitors adherence to policies and ensures that any
  breach is properly identified and effectively addressed.
• Guides the development and implementation of programmes to foster a culture of service,
  accountability and high performance across the Agency; ensures appropriate mechanisms
  are in place to measure the quality of service delivery to internal and external customers.
• Manages the selection of a pool of curriculum experts to serve the Agency on special
  assignments and provides technical advice as necessary on the work of the Agency.
• Provides strategic and policy advice to the Ministry and other Ministries/Departments/ Agencies of Government on matters relating to curriculum and assessment.
• Prepares annual, thematic and other reports on areas of responsibility.
• Represents the Ministry and Agency at meetings, conferences, and other events.

  Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Guides the design and monitors the implementation of an integrated national curriculum and
  assessment framework.
• Guides the commissioning of curriculum development work, ensures the effective selection and
  monitoring of external curriculum experts to assure the quality and integrity of the work of the Agency.  
• Leads the continuous review of the curriculum to determine its effectiveness and initiates strategies for improvement to ensure it remains responsive to the changing needs of learners and society.
• Ensures appropriate training and administrative support are provided to the Regional Agencies
  and schools in implementing new/revised curriculum.
• Guides the design of a monitoring mechanism to ensure that assessments, tests and examinations are administered in a fair, efficient and consistent manner.
• Guides the development of a comprehensive databank of test instruments for all levels of
  assessment, tests, examinations conducted by the Agency.
• Ensures appropriate protocol and security of test instruments and other resources are in place
  to protect the integrity of the assessment system.
• Commissions relevant research in the field of curriculum and assessment to inform the work of
  the Agency.
• Establishes an effective framework for collaboration with schools, colleges and other
  educational agencies including the Regional Education Agency the National Inspectorate, HEART Trust/NTA, the Early Childhood Commission etc and key stakeholders to facilitate the work
  of the Agency.
• Directs the development and implementation of a public information/relations programme to keep stakeholders and the public in general informed of the work of the Agency.
• Guides the development of an effective mechanism to report on the results of assessments
  to schools and other stakeholders such as the government, education interest groups and
  the general public; ensures the mechanism/s used provides information relevant to the
  needs/interests of the various stakeholders.

   Human Resource Responsibilities

• Contributes to the personal and professional development of direct reports through effective communication, coaching, mentoring and delegating.
• Creates an environment which encourages staff to engage in continuous learning and cultivate
  a work ethic of high performance. 
• Conducts performance appraisals and provides timely constructive feedback.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of direct reports as well as staff for special functions.
• Ensures that the staff is aware of, and adheres to, the policies, procedures and regulations of the organisation.

  Other Responsibilities

• Keeps abreast of global trends in education development and curriculum and assessment and adapts elements where appropriate to enhance the work of the Agency and the education system in general.
• Undertakes any other duties within the scope of the job that may be assigned by the
  Minister or Permanent Secretary.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• The mission, vision and core values of the Agency are reflective of its mandate and are ingrained
  in the daily operations of the Agency.
• The strategic objectives and targets of the Agency are consistently achieved.
• The budget and other resources are effectively managed.
• The Agency’s operating policies and procedures are comprehensive, current, in-keeping with
  management good practice and effectively communicated to, and complied with, by staff.
• The Agency is responsive to the impact of changing social, cultural and economic factors on the
  changing needs of the educational environment.
• The Agency is managed in a manner that earns the respect of its employees, clients and the
  general public and is regarded as an institution of high repute within the education system.
• Employees are motivated and productive.
• Advice provided is sound, balanced, well researched and in the best interest of the national
  education system.
•  Professionalism is consistently maintained in conducting the affairs of the Agency.

   REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking and Visioning
• Leadership and Staff Management
• Organisation Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Technical Credibility – Education and Education Management
• Government and Public Sector Operations
• Professionalism, Integrity and Ethics

   MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-graduate degree in Education with specialization in Testing and Measuring and/or Curriculum development or, Business Management or relevant discipline.
• At least five (5) years experience in a senior managerial capacity in a medium to large scale
  organisation, preferably in an education or learning institution.
• At least ten (10) years experience as an educator five (5) of which should be in the area of
  curriculum and assessment.
  
  SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

Typical office environment.

  AUTHORITY

The level of authority as established and/or delegated by the relevant Legislation and the Ministry of Education and Youth. 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA & ASSOCIATE COMPETENCIES
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT AGENCY

        Strategic Thinking and Visioning

• Demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate and implement a clear vision of the Agency and
  influences others to translate the vision into action
• Inspires a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to the Agency’s vision and objectives.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the strategic planning process and how it relates to the budget
  formulation process
• Examines policy issues and strategic planning with an understanding of the linkages between
  operational and administrative objectives and the needs of the Council.
• Takes a long-term view and acts as a catalyst for organisational change

       Leadership and Staff Management

• Reflects the core values of the Agency in everyday behaviour and applies a disciplined approach
  with a high level of attention to detail.
• Makes self accessible and available to direct reports and is supportive and helpful to them.
• Involves direct reports and others as appropriate in generating ideas, suggestions and alternatives to problems.
• Defines specific performance standards expected from employees, inspires them to achieve high levels of performance and commitment to excellence and quality work.
• Approaches and manages organisational change in a positive constructive manner, quickly and effectively adjusts to new situations or changing requirements
• Demonstrates ability to take reasonable risks in order to achieve better business results and
  shows personal commitment to achieving goals.
• Exhibit tough-mindedness and the ability to make difficult business decisions.
• Approaches decisions and problems in a thoughtful, systematic manner and shows resourcefulness and judgment in developing solutions. Makes clear-cut decisions when they are needed.
• Builds rapport with individuals through information contacts
• Builds long-term alliances with others inside and outside the organisation to enhance the work of the Agency.

       Organisational Management

• Applies sound business practices, ensuring the most effective processes and resources possible
  are used to achieve established objectives and targets of the Agency.
• Manages and allocates scarce resources in accordance with strategic priorities and uses efficient and cost-effective approaches to achieve the objectives of the Agency.
• Develops and implement appropriate management control systems including quality assurance and performance measurement to protect the integrity of the Agency.
• Develops Plans that reflect the organisational priorities of the Agency.
• Manages internal and external resources to achieve goals.
• Creates and sustains an organisational culture which encourages others to be accountable and provides quality service essential to high performance.

      Analytical Thinking

• Uses creative reasoning to apply or describe complex information/concepts and identifies the
  logical, factual outcomes
• Uses analytical techniques to draw logical and objective conclusions.
• Analyzes pros and cons and potential impact  of  a situation to arrive at sound
  recommendations/decisions

     Communication and Presentation Skills

• Composes concise documents for a diverse range of audiences.
• Is able to make presentations to a variety of small or larger audiences presenting ideas and information clearly, openly and persuasively and captures the attention of the audience.
• Practices active listening to gain a clear understanding of the message(s) given and
  responds constructively.

     Technical Credibility – Curriculum and Assessment Design and Development

• Is knowledgeable about the various aspects of the operations of the Agency and shows
  competence in his or her technical role.
• Is regarded as subject matter expert among peers and within the education system.
• Keeps up-to-date with trends, issues, policies, standards, and technology in Curriculum
  and Assessment and education development in general.

    Government and Public Sector Operations

• Demonstrates understanding of the economic, political and social context of education. 
• Is knowledgeable of formal and informal government processes including finance with an
  appreciation for their strengths and weaknesses.
• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable legislative, administrative and regulatory requirements
  and the impact of those requirements on the Agency’s operations.
• Is aware of broad government directions, trends in education policy and their possible operational implications to the Agency. Conducts environmental scanning to anticipate issues and options
  for future program development initiated by the Agency.

   Professionalism, Integrity and Ethics

• Demonstrates the ability to interact effectively with people in a wide variety of situations.
• Earns the respect of others by exhibiting exemplary behavior. Shares recognition, accepts
  responsibility and consequences for one’s actions.
• Trusts others, demonstrates objectivity, courage and fairness across all situations and carries
  through all valid decisions in good faith.
• Confronts conflict situations in an honest and direct manner.
• Adheres to a professional code of conduct.
  
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