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, UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6, or equivalent/higher qualification in a relevant discipline i.e Business Management/Business Administration, Management/Leadership, Business Information Systems/ Information Technology/Computer Science and have at least three years' demonstrable experience leading or managing a PMO, programme office or equivalent governance and reporting function within a complex programme/project environment;

OR

Have at least five years' demonstrable experience leading or managing a PMO, programme office or equivalent governance and reporting function within a complex programme/project environment.

*"complex" is defined as cross-cutting across a number of business areas, involving internal and external stakeholders, and having an impact on multiple people/groups.

Demonstrable experience of leading or coordinating a PMO, programme office or programme/project support team.

Demonstrable experience of preparing and quality assuring programme reports, dashboards, briefing papers or governance papers for senior management or Programme Boards.

Demonstrable experience of engaging senior stakeholders, workstream leads, delivery teams, suppliers or partners to support delivery and decision-making.

Demonstrable experience of supporting programme governance, resource planning, financial monitoring, procurement activity or supplier performance monitoring.

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

S ection 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:

Providing clear leadership, direction and support to a PMO team, including the ability to prioritise work, manage competing demands and maintain momentum across multiple workstreams.

Applying sound judgement to programme governance, including identifying when issues require challenge, escalation, corrective action or senior decision-making.

Interpreting complex programme information and presenting it clearly, accurately and concisely for senior audiences, with appropriate options, recommendations and implications.

Using planning information to assess progress, identify slippage, manage dependencies and support practical recovery action across workstreams.

Influencing and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders, workstream leads, suppliers and partners to resolve issues and maintain alignment.

Demonstrating resilience, accountability and a collaborative approach when working under pressure, managing ambiguity and supporting delivery in a complex programme environment.

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
Demonstrable experience of working within, supporting or managing a major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), corporate systems, digital transformation or business change programme.

Possession of a recognised project, programme or PMO qualification, such as PRINCE2, MSP, AgilePM, P3O or an equivalent professional qualification.

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 at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

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.