Assistant project manager: test design
- Recruiter
- Department for Education
- Location
- Warwickshire
- Salary
- Competitive
- Posted
- 14 Jun 2018
- Closes
- 24 Jun 2018
- Sectors
- IT, Project Management
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
The post holder will be responsible for assisting the development of key stage 1 and key stage 2 test materials through the project co-ordination of desktop publishing projects. Principle responsibilities include project co-ordination, quality assurance and proofing.
The post holder will report to the Test Design Manager.
The Agency: The STA is the part of the DfE responsible for assessment policy and the development and delivery of statutory assessment for pupils up to the age of 14. The STA has three main functions: to develop high quality and rigorous tests in line with Ministerial policy; to deliver the assessment (including printing, distribution, marking and data capture as appropriate); and to support schools and other stakeholders to deliver the assessments.
The work of the STA is regulated by Ofqual, the independent assessment regulator that reports directly to Parliament, and is managed through the regular DfE governance arrangements with the exception of the STA function in relation to setting and maintaining test standards which needs to be demonstrably independent from Ministers.
The Team: The test design support team is responsible for supporting the development of statutory tests, and supporting guidance and communications material. Working closely with the test development, test administration and communications teams, the test design support team manages the production of questions, mark scheme entries, guidance materials and booklets; preparing them for both print and online use. Materials are managed through a robust quality assurance and proofing process to ensure they are error free.
The Post: The post holder will be responsible for assisting the development of key stage 1 and key stage 2 test materials through the project co-ordination of desktop publishing projects. Materials include test booklets, mark schemes and supporting guidance. Responsibilities include the co-ordination of projects, distribution of work to the team and the quality assurance and proofing of materials in development. Ideally, the post holder will have a background in project co-ordination, proofing and quality assurance, with experience of using relevant supporting software and tools.
Examples of the materials produced can be found here:
Main Responsibilities:
The test design assistant project manager will:
• Co-ordinate the design team's desktop publishing of question items and pre-test papers, ensuring they are produced in a common format for pre-testing;
• Quality assure and proof materials to ensure they are produced accurately; provide suitable feedback to the design team, test development project teams and the test design manager;
• Play a key role in project planning, development and maintenance of project documentation, risk and issues management and reporting for the design team;
• Manage day-to-day interdependencies with other STA teams including test development, print and distribution and communications;
• Monitor progress and resource on project milestones and ensuring that deliverables are met;
• Apply appropriate project management techniques to ensure that all projects are delivered to time, cost and quality;
• Other functions related to test development as designated by the Test Design Manager.
Key Skills: Applicants should demonstrate a background in project co-ordination, involving quality assurance or proofing, with experience of using relevant software and tools in a professional capacity in their competency responses.
The postholder will be expected to demonstrate the following core skills at the appropriate grade.
Managing a quality service
• Make effective use of project management skills and techniques to deliver outcomes, including identifying risks and mitigating actions.
• Work with team to set priorities, goals, objectives and timescales.
Changing and improving
• Find ways to improve systems and structures to deliver with more streamlined resources.
• Regularly review procedures or systems with teams to identify improvements and simplify processes and decision making.
Delivering at pace
• Take responsibility for delivering expected outcomes on time and to standard, yet allowing the team's space and authority to deliver objectives.
• Regularly monitor own and team's work against milestones or targets and act promptly to keep work on track and maintain performance.
Collaborating and partnering
• Readily share resources to support higher priority work, showing pragmatism and support for the shared goals of the organisation.
• Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes.
Additional background or experience: Applicants that can also demonstrate the following experience may have an advantage:
• publishing of materials for print.
• publishing of test materials or supporting guidance.
• experience of using Adobe Acrobat software for mark-up and commenting.
However, training will be provided to the successful applicant.
Competencies
We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:
- Managing a quality service
- Changing and improving
- Delivering at pace
- Collaborating and partnering
Civil Service Competency Framework
Benefits
Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass basic security checks.
Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.
If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.
Selection process details
After submission of your application you will be invited to complete a Verbal Reasoning test. You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next test. Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is Midnight on 27/06/2018. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.
Guidance for each test will be available when you are invited to take the test.
The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
An initial sift based on the competency "Managing a Quality Service" may be held if a large number of applications are received.
If your application progresses to a full sift, all competences will then be considered.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Eligibility
Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.