VACANCY NOTICE

The Department of Education, Innovation and Vocational Training invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the office of Education Officer – Early Childhood Services.

A.      OFFICE IDENTIFICATION

B.      RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Networks with local, regional and international agencies and other actors who can contribute to the development of the Early Childhood Sector by providing direction and focus to the Sector.

2. Advises the Chief Education Officer on strategies and actions that will enhance the development of the Early Childhood Sector in St. Lucia.

3. Develops, directs and administers plans and programmes to implement the             St. Lucia Early Childhood Policy.

C.      DUTIES AND TASKS

1. Manages the daily operations of the Early Childhood Services Unit by  maintaining constant dialogue with staff to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Analyses the implication of policy and legislative initiatives and assesses their impact on programme and service delivery through discussions and documentation thus enabling sound decisions.

3. Co-ordinates the activities of different stakeholders within the St. Lucia Early Childhood Sector – parents, providers, practitioners and staff, through direct and indirect communication to ensure successful outcomes.

4. Prepares the Unit’s annual budget, work plans and programmes by incorporating the yearly activities in order to adopt a clear understanding of what the Unit intends to achieve.

5. Identifies and facilitates the development of projects for the advancement of the Early Childhood Sector through direct and indirect communication, so as to achieve the medium and long term goals of the Unit.

6. Conducts periodic reviews and submits quarterly evaluation reports to the Chief Education Officer through monitoring and observing the performance of staff and the use of available technology.

7. Maintains an efficient, comprehensive record-keeping system that allows for appropriate management of the Early Childhood Sector through all communication tools available.

8. Develops plans and programmes for the total integration of existing Early

Childhood Services in accordance with the national objectives of the St. Lucia Early Childhood Policy through dialogue, discussion and documentation that would ensure efficiency in service provision and programming.

9. Prepares project proposals for the development and enhancement of the Early Childhood Sector through the use of relevant communication tools in order to ensure efficient service delivery.

10. Ensures that centres utilize the technology and necessary curricula essential to            service provision and quality programming.

11. Assists with the delivery of professional development/training activities through            direct and indirect supervision to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

12. Performs any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief                 Education Officer and the Permanent Secretary. 

D.      CONDITIONS

1. Accommodation is provided in a general Administrative Office.

2. The officer is required to maintain a motor vehicle to function in a scheduled travelling post. Basic travelling and mileage allowances will be paid in accordance with approved rates.

3. Salary is in accordance with the terms stipulated by the Government in the Estimates/Collective Agreement and is liable to taxation in accordance with the Income Tax Ordinance.

4. Institutional support is provided through appropriate Civil Service and Teaching Service Regulations, Statutory Instrument and Departmental Guidelines.

5. Opportunities exist for personal development and career advancement through established orientation and in-service training (workshops, seminars,  orientation courses).

6. Housing, free medical attention and medicine will not be provided. 

E.      EVALUATION METHOD

          Work performance will be evaluated on the basis of:

1. effective implementation of the Early Childhood Policy as per the provisions of the agreed upon action;

2. efficient service delivery in the Sector that meets or exceeds the minimum standards that have been mandated by the Government;

3. capability to develop quality programmes and facilitate the development of projects that will advance the Early Childhood Sector;

4. effective demonstration of supervisory and management capabilities;

5. compliance with Departmental and Ministry’s Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures;

6. effective implementation of duties, responsibilities and assignments as defined in the Job Description.

F.      SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1. Decisiveness and soundness of judgment in issuing directives.

2. Excellent report writing skills.

3. Quality of advice and supervision given in the delivery of professional development and training activities.

4. Working knowledge of the operation and delivery of Early Childhood programmes and services.

5. Ability to effectively organize and manage administrative operations.

6. Ability to effectively network with different stakeholders.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a team of professionals.

8. Ability to provide leadership, direction and guidance to staff.

G.      QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The candidates should possess at least one of the following:

1. A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, plus Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate, plus five (5) years’ experience in a supervisory or administrative position, plus Certificate in Teaching.

OR

2. A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, plus seven (7) years’ experience in a supervisory or administrative position, plus Certificate in Teaching.

OR

3. A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education plus a Post Graduate Diploma, plus ten (10) years’ experience in a supervisory or administrative position, plus Certificate in Teaching.

H.      SALARY

Salary is at a rate of EC$84,346.92 per annum (Grade 17, Step 1).

I.       GENERAL

The successful applicant’s income will be liable to taxation in accordance with the Income Tax Act Chapter 15.02.

Applications MUST be accompanied by verified copies of ALL certificates and transcripts from the relevant institutions. Two confidential testimonials are required – one from the

Principal of the school at which the teacher is presently employed and one from the Education Officer for the District. For applicants outside of the school system, testimonials should be from immediate supervisors.

Please note that:

1. performance and punctuality will be used as part of the criteria for selection of persons already in the Education System;

2. the successful applicant may be given an acting appointment for up to twelve  (12) months; and

3. applicants are required to indicate administrative positions held and experience gained.

J.       HOW TO APPLY

Applications on the prescribed forms should be addressed to:

The Secretary Teaching Service Commission Stanislaus James Building The Waterfront

CASTRIES

Completed application forms should reach the Secretary, Teaching Service Commission by Friday, August 29, 2025.

Application Forms can be obtained from the Office of the Teaching Service Commission, Ground Floor, Sir Stanislaus James Building, The Waterfront, Castries or http://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/forms/saint-lucia-teaching-serviceapplication-form.pdf