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GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, HOME AFFAIRS, LABOUR AND GENDER AFFAIRS
Department of the Public Service
VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of
CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SUSAINABLE DEVLOPMENT, INNOVATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, (DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, INNOVATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING).
RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide strategic leadership and technical advice in the formulation and coordination of policies and programmes that promote good governance and institutional capacity development; change management initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing education monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, planning and management, in accordance with legislation, regulatory requirements and national educational plans.
- To manage staff and resources to ensure work programmes are implemented in accordance with administrative and legislative requirements and established education management standards and practices.
- Reports to the Minister on matters relating to the implementation of the Education Act.
- Liaises with District Education Officers, School Administrators, Teachers, Heads of Departments, Regional and International Organisations on matters relating to work in progress.
- Reports to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, Innovation and Vocational Training.
- Supervises the Deputy Chief Education Officer (instruction), Education Officers and School Supervision.
DUTIES AND TASKS
- Develops and enhances Administrative Principles and Procedures for the administering of educational institutions; monitoring and evaluating systems, planning framework, performance management and dialogue with stakeholders to improve and stimulate the leadership and management of educational systems, policies and programmes that adequately respond to the needs of schools and other educational institutions.
- Establishes the work programme for the administration of schools and other educational institutions in line with the Ministry’s strategic objectives, through strategic planning, consultation with stakeholders and team members and reviewing key evidence-based reports/documentation, to enable the determination of targets, milestones and deadlines.
- Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching and assessment of individual staff performance to ensure effective performance management.
- Initiates curriculum innovation and reform by utilising modernization, reform and change management strategies, collaborating with stakeholders, and process reviews in accordance with the Education Act to enhance education delivery for sustainable improvements in teaching and learning and in support of national development plans.
- Coordinates and facilitates curriculum development through the design, implementation and evaluation of integrated plans, syllabus reviews and working in collaboration with stakeholders for impact assessment on student learning, teaching and delivery, planning and design to ensure a progressive, cohesive and systemic process for improvements in educational systems
.
- Directs the evaluation of instructional programmes of schools and other educational institutions though the establishment of relevant procedures, policies, legislation and assessment methodologies to ensure adherence to the Education Act and that standards and practices positively impact learning and teaching.
- Ensures the observance of the Education Act and its supporting regulations made thereunder pertaining to the conduct of schools and other educational institutions by providing guidance and implementing effective governance policies and procedures as required by statutory obligations.
- Advises the Minister on matters affecting education in the State by conducting evidencebased research, programme and operational reviews to provide guidance on legislation, policy decisions, educational planning and development that support the achievement of national education and learning objectives.
- Initiates, organises and conducts induction training and development programmes in formulating a systematic support structure for new teachers, designing training modules and proposals, conducting and/or facilitating training, and accessing professional development opportunities; to provide guidance to teachers, attain high quality educational standards, teaching and assessment practice.
- Develops and directs effective training of professional personnel through the facilitation, coordination and delivery of relevant learning and development programmes for capacity building that foster the growth and success of education administration and the competencies and expertise of educators.
- Delegates authority to professional staff of the Ministry for administering the systems of education including registration and administration of private schools; through consultation with the Permanent Secretary, utilising set policies, procedures, conducting performance management, training, and providing guidance and support to ensure the effective governance of the educational system and the implementation of work programmes.
- Ensures the development and implementation of a comprehensive facility inspection and maintenance plan guided by facility maintenance standards, environmental health laws and policies, to permit identification of deficiencies, maintain integrity of buildings and structures for the avoidance of disruption in activities and assurance of a conducive work and educational environment.
- Ensures the protection of school premises, property and stock through the establishment, assessment and monitoring of safety plans, emergency management and security protocols to facilitate safe and secure teaching and learning environments at public educational institutions.
- Directs and/or conducts site visits to monitor systems, procedures and conditions within schools and educational institutions by assessing the application of established standards, and preparing relevant reports to document incidents/deficits and implementing approved corrective measures, to foster an enabling environment for teaching and learning.
- Implements and monitors the budget of the Division by assessing the proposed programmes and collaborating with the Accounting and Finance Unit, to enable access to funds for programme implementation, ensure the effective use of resources and to facilitate early detection and management of budget variations
- Develops and implements policy guidelines for community use of premises and resources of public educational institutions through research, dialogue and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations, to avoid adverse effects or liabilities.
- Represents the Department on boards/committees, conferences and meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.
- Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and making recommendations that are constitutionally sound to enable legal reform and decision making.
- Perform any other job related duties as may be assigned.
CONDITIONS
- Congenial accommodation is provided in a general administrative office.
- Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Departmental Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, Finance (Administration) Act and supporting regulations, Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue, Education Act, 1999 and other relevant regulations and policy documents.
- Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Public Service Training and Development Policy.
- Required to undertake the duties as specified by law in accordance with the Education Act, 1999 to enable the enactment and implementation of the relevant legislation and regulations.
- Required to work beyond the normal working hours.
- Required to remain current on practices and developments in education planning, innovation, strategic leadership and management.
- Required to demonstrate political acuity.
- Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Required to undertake site visits and inspections at educational institutions.
- Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
- Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s licence.
- May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of the structure and function of the education system, the machinery of government and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply teaching and civil service rules and regulations, departmental guidelines and standard operating procedures, Education Act, 1999 and other relevant regulations and policy documents.
- Intermediate knowledge of the Pensions Act, the Estimates of Expenditure, Saint Lucia Constitution, Part IV of the Labour Act (Occupational Health and Safety), Finance (Administration) Act and supporting Regulations.
- Expert knowledge of strategic education planning and management theories, curriculum development and quality assurance in the education system.
- Expert analytical and conceputalisation skills.
- Expert leadership and management skills and ability to inspire and motivate staff.
- Expert interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence.
- Expert negotiation and mediation skills.
- Expert oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Expert business process management, organisational and project management skills.
- Intermediate level computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation programmes.
- Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Intellectually acute, visionary, innovative and capable of translating ideas into policies.
- Ability to exercise judgment, diplomacy and impartiality in the execution of duties.
EVALUATION METHOD
- Demonstrated knowledge of the structure and function of the education system, the machinery of government and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply teaching and civil service rules and regulations, departmental guidelines and standard operating procedures, Education Act, 1999 and other relevant regulations and policy documents.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Pensions Act, the Estimates of Expenditure, Saint Lucia Constitution, Part IV of the Labour Act (Occupational Health and Safety) and the Finance (Administration) Act and supporting Regulations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply strategic education planning and management theories, curriculum development and quality assurance in the education system.
- Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
- Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated business process management, organisational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement, diplomacy and impartiality in the conduct of duties.
- Demonstrated intellectual acuity and ability to be visionary and innovative.
- Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
- Demonstrated political acuity.
- Demonstrated ability to remain current on issues related to education planning, innovation, leadership and management, strategic leadership and management.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s Degree plus Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Education Planning, Management and Administration or related field, plus four (4) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above or at least five (4) years relevant professional experience. OR
- Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Education Planning, Management and Administration, plus a Certificate in Teacher Education and five (5) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above or at least five (5) years relevant professional experience.
SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC$103,194 per annum (Grade 19, Step I).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form, and should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
The Waterfront Castries, St. Lucia
Applications are to reach the above address no later than May 19, 2023.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.
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