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/
Professional Membership
Hold a Bachelor's Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent, higher or professional qualification in Procurement or Business-related subject

Hold full Membership of CIPS or Chartered Member of RIBA, RICS , CIOB or equivalent

Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience
Have three years' experience of the successful management of a procurement function/procurement category and team in a **large complex organisation at *a senior level within a procurement/construction environment dealing with the procurement of supplies, services or works contracts that are regulated by the Public Contract Regulations/Procurement Act 2023

Demonstrable experience at *senior management level demonstrating an ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate staff at all levels within a changing environment

Demonstrable experience of NEC terms and conditions and their application through contracts

Demonstrable experience of the successful implementation of Procurement policies, procedures and driving continuous improvement through the implementation of these

*A senior role is defined as: the candidate has a high level of responsibility for managing the day to day business tasks such as planning and supervision to ensure the smooth running of a procurement teams and procurement category within their organisation

** A large complex organisation means; one that has at least 250 employees or a turnover in excess of £50m
Knowledge
Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of NI Public Procurement Policy and NI Procurement Policy Notes and their application

Demonstrable knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing NI Public Sector Procurement

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development to ensure effective leadership and continuous improvement

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

Proven ability, at a strategic level, to identify and manage supply chain risks with appropriate procurement routes/methodologies and to work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the contracts ultimately delivered are fit for purpose

Proven ability to identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a strategic procurement function that has contributed to the organisations strategy and delivered tangible benefits

Ability to use own initiative and judgement to solve problems and respond to others and contribute to an Organisations Corporate Objectives

High level communication skills and influencing skills, with ability to communicate at all levels using different mediums

Ability to lead, manage and motivate others through change and in challenging circumstances

Ability to take a responsive and customer focused approach to work

Ability to work under pressure to address and meet conflicting priorities

Ability to successfully develop projects, programme of work and ability to deliver results to agreed timescales in a demanding work environment

Interview

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 Experience Demonstrable experience designing and implementing a methodology and framework for the reporting of annual procurement efficiencies and capturing savings

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

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