THE NATIONAL EDUCATION INSPECTORATE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION

 
  JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Executive Officer is required to provide direction, and leadership for the development  and management of an inspectorate to monitor, inspect, evaluate and report on the standards and quality of education in institutions at the primary and secondary levels as well as on the effectiveness of Regional Educational Agencies in supporting school and student performance.

Within the context of the role and scope of the Inspectorate, the Chief Executive Officer is also required to provide strategic and policy advice to the Ministry on matters relating to the schools inspection and related functions.

        KEY OUTPUTS

• Organisation’s vision, mission and core values
• National Inspection framework
• Strategic plan, business plan and  corporate plan  
• Financial, administrative and performance monitoring systems.
• Annual reports on the standards and quality of education in Jamaica
• Monthly, quarterly and annual performance and financial reports
• Trained, efficient and productive staff

         KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

     Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Leads the development and periodic review of the Inspectorate’s vision, mission and core
  values ensuring alignment with national education policy.
• Leads the development of the strategic and operational plans of the Inspectorate, ensures an
  effective system is in place to monitor and report on performance and that appropriate measures are
  initiated as necessary to achieve the stated objectives.
• Oversees the development and manages the Inspectorate’s operating budget ensuring compliance
  with the FAA Act as well as economy in the use of resources.
• Leads the development and periodic review of operating policies, systems and procedures
  to guide the management of the Inspectorate; 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 Inspectorate; ensures appropriate
  mechanisms are in place to measure the quality of service delivery to internal and external customers
• Establishes and maintains an effective network of educational agencies regionally and
  internationally to enhance the work and maintain a high quality professional profile
  of the Inspectorate.
• Provides strategic and policy advice to the Ministry and other Government departments/agencies
  on matters within areas of responsibility of the Inspectorate.
• Prepares annual, thematic and other reports on areas of responsibility.
• Represents the Inspectorate at meetings, conferences, and other events.

    Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Guides the development of a national inspection framework which should include a
  differentiated approach to inspection that effectively caters to the various types and profile
  of schools within the system.
• Periodically reviews the inspection framework to ensure continued relevance to the needs
  of the Jamaican education system.
• Guides the development and ensures effective implementation of an inspection model for
  Regional Agencies ensuring the methodology utilised is objective, clear, consistent and in-keeping
  with good practice.
• Guides the development of inspection manuals for the conduct of inspections, ensuring
  compliance with procedures and standards.
• Guides the development and the implementation of a model for the continuous selection
  and training of a cadre of external professionals to conduct inspections on behalf of the
  Inspectorate as required.
• Ensures a comprehensive database of trained inspectors is developed and maintained.
• Leads the development of a mechanism to adjudicate the appeals of schools and regional
  agencies in relation to their inspection reports and ensures timely evaluation and response is provided
  in order that the desired benefits to the schools and Agencies can be achieved.
• Prepares and publishes the annual inspection report; hosts consultations and other fora to
  promulgate the findings of the report and raise public interest in the work of the Inspectorate.
• Leads/oversees the conduct and publication of research papers on educational matters relevant
  to the work of the Inspectorate as required.

      Human Resource Management 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 the teaching profession and
  adapts elements where appropriate to enhance the work of the Inspectorate 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 Inspectorate are reflective of its mandate 
  and are ingrained in the daily operations of the Inspectorate.
• The strategic objectives and targets of the Inspectorate are consistently achieved.
• The budget and other resources are effectively managed.
• The Inspectorate’s operating policies and procedures are comprehensive, current, in keeping
  with best practices and effectively communicated.
• The Inspectorate is responsive to the impact of social, cultural and economic factors on the
  changing needs of the educational environment.
• The Inspectorate 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 Inspectorate.

         REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

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

       MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-graduate degree in Education, Business Management or relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years experience as an educator in a national, regional or district school inspection
  or quality assurance Inspectorate or an equivalent organisation.
• At least five (5) years experience in a senior managerial capacity.

        SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

Typical office environment.

     AUTHORITY

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

     Strategic Thinking and Visioning

• Demonstrate the ability to develop, articulate and implement a clear vision of the Inspectorate
  and influences others to translate the vision into action
• Inspires a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to the Inspectorate’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 Inspectorate.
• Takes a long-term view and acts as a catalyst for organisational change
  
  Leadership and Staff Management

• Reflects the core values of the Inspectorate in your 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 Inspectorate.

     Organisational Management

• Applies sound business practices, ensuring the most effective processes and resources
  possible are used to achieve established objectives and targets of the Inspectorate.
• Is able to manage and allocate scarce resources in accordance with strategic priorities and
  uses efficient and cost-effective approaches as well as cost-benefit thinking to achieve the
  objectives of the Inspectorate.
• Develops and implement appropriate management control systems including quality assurance and performance measurement to protect the integrity of the Inspectorate.
• Develops Plans that reflect the organisational priorities of the Inspectorate and effectively
  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 and forceful documents for a diverse range of audiences using various
  formats, adapting language to suit the different readers.
• Makes 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

• Is knowledgeable about the various aspects of the operations of the Inspectorate and shows
  competence in his/her technical/operational roles.
• 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 area of specialization.
  
  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 public sector financing.
• 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 scan in anticipation of issues and options for future program development. 
  
  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 behaviour.
• 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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