Job Description
SOLAS is seeking a ProjectOfficer for its Apprenticeship Services Unit.SOLAS has statutory responsibility for the organisation and administration of the nationalapprenticeship system. Apprenticeship is a major part of skills development policy and istargeted to expand significantly in the coming years.The person must have experience in developing curricula and assessments. It is desirable to holdqualification(s) in one or more crafts/trades and have relevant experience within the family oftrades. The person willbe responsible forthe development of technical and pedagogical content ofcurricula and assessments within craft areas, as well as completing assessments and willassistinthe Units overall operational and administrative functions. SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. At SOLAS, we put the learner,employersand communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do.Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others. Key Tasks and Responsibilities Project manages and leads the development/ periodic reviews of curriculum andassessments in accordance with SOLAS specification/ guidelines. Facilitates engagement with stakeholder groups in the review and development ofcurriculum and assessment. To develop or advise on individual assessment instruments to comply with SOLAS designspecifications, QQI and with assessment schedules. To complete assessments as required within the apprenticeships and across apprenticeshipsas necessary. To observe and validate assessments of tests (as required and agreed with SOLAS)?To make amendments to assessments and give feedback as required to AssessmentDevelopers on assessment design and development. To make amendments to assessments s/he develops based on feedback from peer review. To collaborate with technical/ training specialists and with instructors, lecturers andmanagement to achieve agreement on the design of appropriate assessment items andassessment strategies for SOLAS programmes. To evaluate and verify assessment designs including assessment processes, content,marking criteria and grading systems. To proof read and submit work in agreed formats to the SOLAS administration coordinator for desk top publishing/ computer aided design services. Where required, conduct focus groups with stakeholders and seek feedback on apprenticeship programmes. Conduct analysis on assessment performance and stakeholder engagement and generate reports as required. To represent the Apprenticeship Services as requested on internal and external working groups and committees. Undertake training when requested by Manager or Assistant Manager of the unit. Undertake any other project work or any other work assigned by the Manager and/or Assistant Manager of the unit. Requirements ESSENTIAL: Has a clear understanding of the role. Driven to ensure that tasks are completed to a high standard. Flexible and innovative approach to work. Proven track record in a busy working environment. Curricula and Assessment design and development. Excellent administration experience. Assessor/ instructor experience. Stakeholder engagement experience. Quality Assurance experience. Lead and facilitate groups. Problem solving abilities. Ability to plan, organize, monitor assigned tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to play an active role in a team. Excellent time management skills Excellent communication skills. Able to represent unit at meetings/ workshops etc. Excellent writing skills. Enthusiastic, discreet, respects confidentiality, conscientious, honest and trustworthy. QQI/ FETAC/ HETAC Level 6 or above OR Assessor/ Instructor qualification OR 3 years relevant experience. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. DESIRABLE: Proven self-development efforts Strives to find the best solutions to achieve objectives Displays an understanding of project management Some knowledge of key SOLAS systems Experienced Assessor Report writing experience Holds a Training and Education Qualification, or is pursuing qualifications in relevant areas. This is atemporary position for which the salary scale ranges from€45,203to€71,810per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service. SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number544, 12pm, Monday28thOctober2024 **A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (CastleforbesHouse, Dublin 1).One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. **Please note that as a public sector employee, you mustresidein the Irishjurisdictionto avail of blended working, andin accordance withDepartment Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) requirements, you must be available to attend in personif and whenrequired. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Skills: Quality Assurance Administration team player Good communication skills. Report Writing Microsoft Suite Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work Scheme Travel Pass Wellbeing Initiatives