THE JAMAICA TEACHING COUNCIL

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION

   JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for directing the operations of the Teaching Council in executing its mandate to provide professional leadership for the teaching profession, raise the profile, status and public image of the profession and provide advice on the supply and distribution of teachers in the public education system.

As head of the Council, the Chief Executive Officer is expected to ensure the council’s representation in matters of national importance which will promote and/or garner support for the development of the teaching profession.

Within the context of the role and scope of the Council, the Chief Executive Officer is also responsible for providing strategic policy advice to the Ministry of Education and Youth and other government organisations on matters within the purview of the Council.

KEY OUPUTS

• Organisation’s vision, mission and core values
• Strategic and operational plans
• The Council’s annual budget
• Advice to the Ministry and other private and public sector organisations
• Operating policies and procedures
• Teachers’ registration and licensing system.
• Professional standards  and code of ethics for teachers
• Teachers’ Register
• Productive and professional management team
• Performance and other reports and position papers

 
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

   Management / Administrative Responsibilities

• Leads the development and periodic review of the Council’s vision, mission and core values
  ensuring alignment with the national education policy; ensures an appropriate organisation
  structure is in place to effectively accomplish the mission.
• Leads the development of the strategic and operational plans for the Council, ensures an effective mechanism is in place to monitor and report on performance and that appropriate corrective
  measures are initiated as necessary to achieve the stated objectives.
• Guides the development and manages the Council’s operating budget ensuring compliance with
  the FAA Act as well as economy in  the use of resources. 
• Leads the development and periodic review of operating policies, systems and procedures to
  guide the management of the Council; monitors adherence to policies and ensures that
  non-compliance is properly identified and effectively addressed.
• Provides strategic and policy advice to the Ministry and other ministries/departments/ agencies of Government on matters within the purview of the Council.
• Establishes and maintains an effective network of Teachers’ Council organisations regionally and internationally to enhance the work and maintain a high quality professional profile of the Council.
• Guides the development and implementation of programmes to foster a culture of service,
  accountability and high performance across the Council; ensures appropriate mechanisms
  are in place to measure the quality of service delivery to internal and external customers.
• Prepares annual, thematic and other reports on areas of responsibility.
• Represents the Ministry and Council at meetings, conferences, and other events.

     Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Guides the design and ensures the implementation of programmes for the professional
  development of teachers in order to facilitate continuous improvement and encourage best teaching practice.
• Collaborates with teachers’ associations and other stakeholders to design a framework to help
  teachers map and plan their own development and career path in the profession. 
• Participates in the review of, and provides advice on, the conditions of service for teachers
  in order to attract and retain suitably qualified and competent individuals who are dedicated to 
  excellence in education
• Directs the development and implementation of a system of research and analysis on teacher
  demand, availability and training output to guide the Commission’s contribution to/advice on
  the supply and distribution of teachers. 
• Keeps abreast of national and international issues that may affect the local education system
  and the teaching profession in particular and advocates changes that will improve the status of
  the teaching profession.
• Leads the development and periodic review of professional standards and code of ethics for
  teachers in order to ensure best practice in teaching and enhance the quality of the teaching
  profession.
• Ensures that the Teachers’ Tribunal carries out its function within the framework of the Act
  and that justice, equity and fair play are consistently observed in the administration of the
  disciplinary code.
• Leads the design and ensures the effective implementation and monitoring of the national
  licensing and registration system.
• Oversees the design, implementation and maintenance of the national teachers register;
  ensures appropriate mechanisms are in place to facilitate easy registration/re-registration
  of teachers across the island.
• Oversees and ensures the effective administration of the accreditation of teacher certification.
  Establishes effective linkages with local and international accreditation agencies to facilitate
  the accreditation process.
• Ensures effective working relationship is established with the regional agencies, teachers’
  associations, other educational agencies and schools to facilitate an integrated and coordinated
  approach in the design and implementation of programmes.

       Human Resource Management Responsibilities

• Contributes to the personal and professional development of direct reports through effective communication, coaching, mentoring and delegating.
• Creates an environment which encourages staff to engage in continuous learning and
  cultivate a work ethic of high performance. 
• Conducts performance appraisals and provides timely constructive feedback.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of direct reports as well as staff for special functions.
• Ensures that the staff is aware of, and adheres to, the policies, procedures and regulations of the organisation.

      Other Responsibilities

• Keeps abreast of global trends in education development and the teaching profession
  and adapts elements where appropriate to enhance the work of the Agency and the
  education system in general
• Undertakes any other duties within the scope of the job that may be assigned by the
  Minister or Permanent Secretary.

     PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• The mission, vision and core values of the Council reflect its mandate and are ingrained in the daily operations of the Council.
• The strategic objectives and targets of the Council are consistently achieved.
• The budget and other resources are effectively managed.
• The Council’s operating policies and procedures are comprehensive, current, in keeping
  with best practices and effectively communicated.
• Core systems such as the Teachers’ Register, the Professional Standards and Code of Ethics and the Licensing and Registration system are kept up-to-date and maintain relevance to the needs of its constituents.
• The Council’s mandate is consistently executed in a manner that is responsive to the
  changing needs of the education system.
• The Council is managed in a manner that earns the respect of its employees, clients and
  the general public and is regarded as an institution of high repute within the education system.
• Employees are motivated and productive.
• Advice, provided is sound, balanced, well researched and in the best interest of the national education system.

Professionalism is consistently maintained in conducting the affairs of the Council.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•  Post-graduate degree in Education Administration or Business Management or equivalent discipline.
• At least five (5) years experience in an executive capacity in a medium to large scale organisation preferably in an education/learning institution.

 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

To effectively carry out the functions of this position, the Chief Executive Officer is expected to demonstrate the following personal and professional competencies:-

• Strategic Thinking / Visioning
• Leadership
• Organisation Management
• Effective Communication Skills
• Technical Credibility
• Understanding of the Operations of Government
• Professionalism, Integrity and Ethics
• Analytical Thinking
  
  SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Occasionally required to travel island wide and overseas
• Typical office environment

    AUTHORITY  
                                                                                                                
The level of authority as established and/or delegated by the appropriate Legislation and the Ministry of Education and Youth.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA & ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE JAMAICA TEACHING COUNCIL

   Strategic Thinking/Visioning

• Demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate and implement a clear vision of the Council and
  influences others to translate the vision into action
• Inspires a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to the Council’s vision and objectives.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the strategic planning process and how it relates to the budget 
  formulation process
• Examines policy issues and strategic planning with an understanding of the linkages between
  operational and administrative objectives and the needs of the Council.
• Takes a long-term view and acts as a catalyst for organisational change

    Leadership

• Reflects the core values of the Council in your own behaviour on an everyday basis and applies a disciplined approach with a high level of attention to detail.
• Makes self accessible and available to direct reports and be supportive and helpful to them.
• Involves direct reports and others as appropriate in generating ideas, suggestions and
  alternatives to problems.
• Defines specific performance standards expected from employees, inspires them to achieve
  high levels of performance and commitment to excellence and quality work.
• Recognises employees for good performance.
• Approaches and manages organisational change in a positive constructive manner, quickly and
  effectively adjusts to new situations or changing requirements
• Demonstrates ability to take reasonable risks in order to achieve better business results and
  shows personal commitment to achieving goals.
• Exhibit tough-mindedness and the ability to make difficult business decisions.
• Approaches decisions and problems in a thoughtful, systematic manner and shows resourcefulness
  and judgment in developing solutions. Makes clear-cut decisions when they are needed.
• Builds rapport with individuals through information contacts
• Builds long-term alliances with others inside and outside the organisation to enhance the work
  of the Council

   Organisation Management

• Applies sound business practices, ensuring the most effective processes and resources possible
  are used to achieve established objectives and targets of the Inspectorate.
• Is able to manage and allocate scarce resources in accordance with strategic priorities and uses
  efficient and cost-effective approaches as well as cost-benefit thinking to achieve the objectives
  of the Inspectorate.
• Develops and implement appropriate management control systems including quality assurance
  and performance measurement to protect the integrity of the Inspectorate.
• Develops Plans that reflect the organisational priorities of the Inspectorate and effectively manages
  internal and external resources to achieve goals.
• Creates and sustains an organisational culture which encourages others to be accountable and
  provides quality service essential to high performance.

      Communication

• Composes concise documents for a diverse range of audiences.
• Is able to make presentations to a variety of small or large audiences presenting ideas and
  information clearly, openly and persuasively and captures the attention of the audience.
• Practices active listening to gain a clear understanding of the message(s) given and responds
  constructively.

      Technical Credibility

• Is knowledgeable about the various aspects of the operations of the Council and shows
  competence in his/her technical/operational roles.
• Is regarded as subject matter expert among peers and within the education system.
• Keeps up-to-date with trends, issues, policies, standards, and technology in area of specialization.
    
  Analytical Thinking

• Uses creative reasoning to apply or describe complex information/concepts and identifies the
  logical, factual outcomes.
• Uses analytical techniques to draw logical and objective conclusions
• Analyzes pros and cons and potential impact  of  a situation to arrive at sound
  recommendations/decisions.
   
   Understanding of the Operations of Government
  
  
• Demonstrates understanding of the economic, political and social context of education. 
• Is knowledgeable of formal and informal government processes, including public sector financing.
• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable legislative, administrative and regulatory requirements and the impact of those requirements on the Council’s operations.
• Is aware of broad government directions, trends in education policy and their possible operational implications to the Council. Conducts environmental scanning to anticipate issues and options for future program development initiated by the Council.
  
    Professionalism, Integrity and Ethics

• Demonstrates the ability to interact effectively with people in a wide variety of situations.
• Earns the respect of others by exhibiting exemplary behaviour.
• Shares recognition, accepts responsibility and consequences for one’s actions.
• Trusts others, demonstrates objectivity, courage and fairness across all situations and carries
  through all valid decisions in good faith.
• Confronts conflict situations in an honest and direct manner.
• Adheres to a professional code of conduct.

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