Education Standards and Excellence Partner

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Education Standards and Excellence Partner, within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Education Standards and Excellence Partner, within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The successful candidate will provide strategic and practical operational direction for the education sector. 

With an initial focus on driving safeguarding standards and awareness within the education system, the role will infuse approaches to support the Ministry of Education with its strategic vision for education transformation. Particular focus will be on supporting to develop special educational needs provision within a mainstream setting. Although based within the Ministry, the successful candidate should expect to spend significant amounts of time within the three primary and single secondary schools working alongside School Leaders. This role provides a unique blend of strategic and frontline actions, allowing the successful candidate a great opportunity to support school-based initiatives that will emphasize excellence, democracy and inclusiveness among staff and students. 

This is an exciting and challenging role, enabling the right individual to apply a breadth of skills and contribute to ensuring a working culture within the education system to promote improved learning for all students. 

Although not an exhaustive list, the successful candidate will: 

ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Key Requirements:

• Degree level qualifications in Education or relevant subject matter, plus post graduate Certificate in Education or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Substantial experience as an educator, including experience in education planning and management. 
• Track record in own professional development.
• Experience in School Improvement.
• High level of commitment to equality and managing diversity, sensitive to the needs and views of diverse groups and individuals including children and young people.
• Highly developed leadership skills, able to command confidence and commitment to delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, capable of applying these to supporting and working closely with senior Government of Montserrat officials.
• Significant knowledge of working with children and young people, including disadvantaged learners, in a variety of settings.
• Significant expertise, knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy and best practice which relates to area of operation and broad understanding of wider service area.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding in education and the importance of multi-agency working.
• High level research and analytical skills to inform professional judgement and recommended interventions. 
• Knowledge of quality improvement tools and skilled in using them effectively with keen understanding of how to use pupil performance and school data to drive school improvement.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a management team with colleagues from a wide range of professional disciplines.
• Thorough knowledge of processes and procedures for raising standards in attainment and progress.
• Keen ability to adapt best practice to unique situations, with a pragmatic approach and recognition of resource constraints.
• Sound ability to motivate colleagues and develop their professional capability.
• Proven ability to inspire, challenge, negotiate, mediate, confront, persuade, motivate, develop and influence staff, partners and stakeholders as required.
• Well-developed communication skills, with excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Resilience and flexibility in approach to meet changing needs.
• Ability to reflect, adapt and implement change based on experience and the unique context of Montserrat.

Desirable Experience:

• Qualification in School Improvement or Inspections.
• Experience of education improvement in small island states or the Caribbean region
• Knowledge that extends across the key phases
• Senior Leadership Team experience in any phase of education
• Experience of partnership working across professional boundaries
• Teaching experience in more than one phase
• Coaching and mentoring skills

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed Term - 12 months initial with potential for extension

MORE INFORMATION FOR RECRUITMENT APPLICANTS

The successful candidate will be supported to secure work permit, locate housing and open a Montserrat bank account as needed. An allowance package is provided, including a return flight to your home nation at the start and end of your contract, and an allowance for housing and incidentals.