Job Related Information

Transcription

1 Job Related Information This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with your application. 1. Role Details Vacancy reference Job title: Reports to: Salary: Terms and conditions: Employability Project Co-ordinator Assistant Director (External Strategy) 31,656 to 37,768 per annum Academic Related Grade 7 Duration of post: Temporary Contract until 31 March 2019 Working hours: Location: 29.6 hours per week, 3, 4 or 5 day basis The Open University in Wales, Cardiff Closing date: noon 15 September 2016 Type of application form accepted: Standard application form Number of referees required: 3 Unit recruitment contact: Wales-Recruitment@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 7

2 2. Summary of duties Purpose Statement This role will support the successful delivery of the Go Wales work placement programme within The Open University in Wales. Go Wales is an EU funded (50% West Wales and Valleys and 50% East Wales) programme and provides students who are at a greater risk of Not being in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) with a series of work placements and employability support to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to aid their ability to secure high quality employment opportunities in the future. Working in the Open University in Wales External Strategy Team, and also closely with the Careers Advisory Service based in Milton Keynes, the post holder will be responsible for: 1 Identifying, establishing and maintaining relationships with employers with the aim of creating placement opportunities for students, from half day shadowing experiences to one month placements. 2 Identifying students that meet the Go Wales criteria from amongst the University student body; engaging with them on issues relating to employability and ensuring sufficient numbers engage with the programme. 3 Overseeing the tasks of the project s Administration Assistant, and ensuring the project is monitored in accordance with the strict specifications of the funder and the reporting information is submitted accurately and timely. Brief outline of job purpose (include scope, objectives) 1 Using the agreed objectives of the project as a basis: design and implement the Go Wales project plan, ensuring all targets, outputs, deadlines, risks and measures required by the funder are met within time and budget constraints. 2 Maintain project plan documentation including schedules, risk and issues registers, and communication plan; taking responsibility for resolving risks and issues. 3 Provide regular reports and reviews of progress and work to senior colleagues and project funders, ensuring what is reported meets the needs and expectations of funders 4 Record and implement agreed changes to the project schedule and adapting documentation, working practices and schedules to meet the changing demands of the project. 5 Manage budgets for the project. 6 Oversee the work of the project Administration Assistant, ensuring all necessary information is submitted to the funder in an accurate and timely fashion. 7 Make strategic contributions to the development of innovative Careers Education Information Advice & Guidance resources and communications. 8 Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required. Key Tasks 1 Develop project plan, ensuring it meets the expectations and needs of the funders. 2 Build relationships with appropriate employers across Wales, securing work placements for Open University in Wales students. 3 Develop innovative and appropriate online resources to engage students with the importance of work placements and career planning. 4 Engage with students who meet the Go Wales criteria and recruit them to participate in the Go Wales work placement programme. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 7

3 5 Match students with other employability opportunities should they arise. 6 Work closely with the Careers Advisory Service, sharing knowledge, skills and experiences so the wider University benefits from the learnings of this programme. 3.Person specification Education, qualifications and training A first degree or equivalent education, or work experience at a comparable level. Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Desirable: Desirable: Experience of building relationships with a range of employers, ideally in a work placement context. An understanding of the careers needs of adults and /or distance learners, especially those who are at risk of being not in employment, education or training (NEET). Understanding of the issues affecting student employability, and the relationship with retention and progression in the context of part-time open learning. Awareness of the external environment and Welsh Government policies as they might impact on the University, especially those focussed on employability. Personal abilities and qualities Experience of managing projects using established methodologies. Excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work on own initiative. Excellent research, analytical and planning skills with the ability to assimilate information from multiple sources and stakeholders. Excellent written, oral and online communication skills with ability to lead as well as contribute to informal and formal discussions. An ability to communicate with people from a wide range of experience and backgrounds. Experience of drafting project documentation for funders. Experience of working independently, as well as being able to work collaboratively and as an effective member of a team. Well-developed ICT skills and experience of using, management information etc. Ability to work flexibly and respond to changing priorities. Experience of managing support staff such as project assistants (either directly or indirectly). Experience of managing resources and/or budgets. Desire to innovate and extend services proactively to students. Excellent influencing, persuading and negotiation skills for working with colleagues less familiar with careers. Motivation and commitment to the continuous improvement and development of the service. Commitment to own personal development and a willingness to keep up to date with developments in employability and carers services The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 7

4 High levels of initiative, a can-do attitude and a willingness to take ownership of issues and resolve them. Ability to think creatively to resolve problems A flexible and positive attitude to change Ability to maintain a sense of perspective when dealing with challenging colleagues and clients. Special working conditions e.g. shift working Willingness to work occasionally in the evening and at weekends. Ability to work in an open plan office environment where people may be talking on the telephone at the same time. Willingness to work unsocial hours occasionally and to travel regularly to other locations within the UK and Europe. Additional requirements A sound understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Understanding of the legal and cultural significance of the Welsh language Regular travel to other locations for meetings with immediate colleagues and conferences; in particular throughout Wales and to Milton Keynes. The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh, or a willingness to undertake Welsh Desirable: language tuition. N.B. The role holder may be required to undertake any other duties reasonably required as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the role, subject to the proviso that normally any changes of a permanent nature shall be incorporated into the Job Description in specific terms. All staff are expected: To comply with the University s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies in the performance of their duties To take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. To co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with. To demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity. 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working The post-holder will be based in Cardiff, travel throughout Wales to engage with employers will be necessary, along with some travel to Milton Keynes. 5. About the unit/department Academic Services The most crucial interactions and relationships with registered students are managed through Academic Services, working in collaboration with colleagues in the University, and in particular those in academic units. More than 900 staff are employed by the unit at or through: Four central sub-units based at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes Three National Centres based in Scotland, Wales, Ireland The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 7

5 Nine English locations Academic Services is led by the Director of Academic Services who reports to the University Secretary. The Academic Services unit is divided into four functional areas as follows: Access, Careers and Teaching Support Assessment, Credit and Qualifications Student Support Office of Director, Academic Services THE OPEN UNIVERSITY IN WALES The Open University in Wales is responsible for delivery of core services to students and enquirers right across the country. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and serves approximately 7,500 students and 320 Associate Lecturers, and offers tutorials at locations across Wales. Our Cardiff office is the base for 69 members of staff. The Open University in Wales is structured as follows: the Director for Wales and 3 Assistant Directors with overall responsibility for the management and oversight of the work of the Open University in Wales, including that delivered by faculty staff based in Wales; around 19 academic staff, managers and coordinators of Faculties and Schools these report jointly to the Director, Wales and the Dean of their Faculty/School; 8 Student Services Managers working closely with faculty staff to ensure the successful delivery of services to students, enquirers and Associate Lecturers across all activities; 2 Widening Access Managers, 1 Employer Engagement Manager, 1 Corporate Development Manager, working closely with Directorate to enhance the Open University in Wales contribution to the widening access, employer engagement and collaborations agenda in Wales; 2 Policy and Public Affairs and 3 Marketing staff. Around 21 support staff, including Directorate Assistants, Associate Lecturer Services staff, and Support Services staff. As part of a major change initiative, the Cardiff office is also base for a UK wide Venue Management Team of 8, which is responsible for venue procurement and management activities for tutorials, examinations and ad hoc meetings in the UK and Continental Europe. The Open University is committed to sustaining a powerful and visible presence in Wales, working closely with other educational providers and organisations to offer high quality part-time higher education opportunities via distance learning. The University has a Welsh Language Scheme and provides a bilingual service in its dealings with the public and its students. The University is committed to working with the Welsh Government and the Funding Council in meeting the economic, social and cultural needs of the Wales. This is an exciting time to join the University, as it works to develop further its work in the fields of widening access, employer engagement and partnership and collaboration activities, whilst providing a high quality learning experience for its students. Staff are involved in planning and organising large-scale operations, using new technology to produce materials and information, and effective management of resources to produce and deliver services to schedule. All staff are concerned with the maintenance and improvement of our high standards of support to individual students and have a strong customer service ethos. The Open University in Wales operates within a framework of policies and procedures laid down by the University s senior management and committees. The Open University in Wales is located at 18 Custom House Street, Cardiff. This is a five minute walk from The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 7

6 Cardiff Central train and bus stations. For further information on Open University in Wales, and on the University, please see The Open University in Wales website at 6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Ms Hannah Pudner, Assistant Director (External Strategy) ( ) at the OU in Wales. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: noon 15 September Post it to: Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: Post Code: Or your application to: Alison Deering, Senior Support Services Assistant The Open University in Wales 18 Custom House Street CF10 1AP 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: The other members of the interview panel will be: The interviews will take place on: The selection process for this post will include TBC TBC TBC a computer based test We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 7

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