PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.

6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Experience
Hold a bachelor's degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in an ICT related subject and have two year's demonstrable experience successfully leading complex projects

OR

Have a minimum of five years' demonstrable experience successfully leading complex projects

Demonstrable experience of project management techniques and delivery including practical experience in the PRINCE2 methodology

Demonstrable experience of working to deadlines and controlling multiple projects, where you have made a significant impact within your role, making a substantial difference to the success of a company and the satisfaction of its employees

Demonstrable experience of Project Management including the ability to plan, prioritise, deliver high quality outcomes, and evaluate success

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge Demonstrable advance knowledge of MS office, applications such as Excel, Databases and of capturing and preparing requirements for market, identifying any procurement experience

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

The successful candidate will be required:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA's Game Changing People Model .

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment
Knowledge/

Experience

Knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing the Education Authority

Knowledge of Project Management tools and associated Project documentation

Demonstrate experience of making managerial and technical decisions

Interview

Skills/
Abilities
In line with EA's Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to talk and present to a range of audiences, acting as a translator between parties

Ability to work collaboratively with a range of Business Stakeholders, understand the needs of Services, Schools, and other stakeholders. In particular demonstrating ability to translate service improvements into achievable technical deliverables and project outcomes

Managing relationships with internal and external suppliers at all levels, to ensure that project deliverables are produced on time, on budget and to the required quality. Negotiating and securing 'best value for money' agreements when buying in products and services from external suppliers

The ability to deliver high performance whilst working under pressure on multiple projects within project timeframes

Strong collaborative skills to build genuine and productive relationships with internal & external stakeholders

A customer focused passion for creating solutions with a positive attitude to implementing improvements/change

Excellent proven analytical & creative thinking and an informed evidence-based approach to decision-making

Strong risk management skills,

Interview/Presentation

Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA's ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here .

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Experience
PRINCE2 Certified or have experience in the use of PRINCE methodology

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as 'regulated activity'.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves 'regulated activity', the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here .

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here .

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer