Job Reference:

Primary Location

Antrim-Belfast-Belfast Office

Other Locations

Down-Dundonald-Dundonald Office, Armagh-Armagh-Armagh Office, Antrim-Ballymena-Ballee Centre, Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh Office

Contract Type : Fixed-Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)

Duration of Contract/Contract End Date : 30 September 2028

Status : Full-Time

Hours per Week : 36

Working Pattern : Monday-Friday

Grade/Scale : Senior Principal Officer (2) | NJC pts 49 - 52 |£60,886 - £64,147 per annum

Additional Allowance(s) : Not Applicable

Anticipated Interview Date(s) : TBC

Additional Information: Base location to be determined on appointment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Specialism Lead (EnAble Programme)

Post 1 – Finance Specialism Lead

REPORTS TO: EnAble Business Transformation Workstream Lead

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Leading the provision of specialist service input to the EnAble Programme and ensuring the alignment and integration of the programme’s implementation with existing EA services and processes.

The role will work collaboratively with both the Business Transformation and Technical Workstream Leads to support joined-up delivery across the programme.

ENABLE PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

The EnAble Programme has been established to replace EA One, the Education Authority (EA)’s current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and aims to deliver an integrated, efficient, scalable and data-driven platform to support the effective delivery of services to the NI Education Sector.

EA One currently supports key services across finance, procurement, HR and payroll for approximately 44,000 non-teaching staff and 22,000 teaching staff. It also supports significant monthly transaction volumes, including payroll, invoices, procurement activity, leave, absence and expenses.

The current platform is based on Oracle E-Business Suite, which is approaching end-of-life, with existing support and contractual arrangements reaching key expiry milestones over the coming years. The EnAble Programme has therefore been mobilised to deliver a replacement solution by March 2032.

The EnAble Programme is a major strategic priority for the EA and will provide opportunities to modernise systems and processes, improve user experience, strengthen data and reporting, and increase resilience across core corporate services.

JOB PURPOSE

The EnAble Programme will involve specialist contractors working collaboratively with an ‘internal’ EnAble Programme team (EA Team). Different parts of the EA Team will focus on different functional areas of EA One and the replacement system spanning HR, payroll, finance and procurement.

Specialism Leads within the EnAble Programme will act as the bridge between the EA Team, the specialist contractors and the EA’s relevant ‘business as usual’ (BAU) services. They will play a critical role in defining the replacement system’s end-to-end business processes and configuration, ensuring that it meets operational and statutory needs. Each Lead will therefore be required to have deep knowledge and understanding of EA’s relevant services and processes within a particular specialist area – HR, payroll, finance or procurement.

Specialism Leads will:

• Lead on the development of a robust baseline picture of current EA service operating models within a specialist area (HR, payroll, finance or procurement);
• Lead on ensuring that the new ERP system is fully cognisant of and aligned with wider EA services, stakeholder requirements and all relevant statutory obligations;
• Work closely with the wider EnAble Programme team ensure that system requirement definitions optimise the quality of service provided to internal and external service users;
• Assist the EnAble Programme Director as required in the operational leadership and management of the EnAble Programme to develop a high quality target operating model aligned with stakeholder requirements.
• Establish, manage, review and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the EnAble Programme;
• Support the EnAble Programme Director in ensuring that service delivery is focussed on meeting the needs of children, young people and their education settings through provision of equal access to excellent services.
• Have delegated responsibility under the direction of the Workstream Leads both for operational aspects of the programme budget as appropriate and for management of a cohort of staff;
• Through the management and promotion of the NOVA framework of the EnAble Programme, assure quality across the Authority;
• Assist the Workstream Leads in ensuring compliance with all aspects of DE guidance as they apply to this service area;
• Assist the Workstream Leads in ensuring that the EnAble Programme is compliant, where appropriate, with the Duty to Co-operate under the Children’s Services’ Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 and SEND Act (NI) 2016;
• Be required to engage with other professionals and agencies as well as work co-jointly with other managers across all relevant EA Directorates so that consistent and cohesive service delivery is sustained;
• Report directly to the Business Transformation Workstream Lead or other senior nominated Officers as required.
• Manage and be responsible for the overall administrative arrangements for the programme within their specialist area, ensuring the co-ordination of administrative arrangements across Directorates through collaborative working;
• Promote efficiency and effectiveness throughout the EnAble programme; lead and manage the activities of the programme through the programme team and non-managerial support.

The post holder will be expected to make an important contribution to the development and implementation of service specific targets relating to Business Plans at Service, Directorate and ultimately corporate level;

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC PLANNING & POLICY INFLUENCE

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Have dedicated responsibility for the management of a team;
• Work with senior colleagues across the EnAble Programme to ensure the consistent and strategic implementation of EA and DE policies in relation to the replacement of EA One;
• Lead the development and implementation of a service transformation plan for their specialist area, translating corporate and strategic objectives into time bound targets and intended outcomes within an Outcomes Based Accountability framework;
• Ensure that agreed corporate priorities are appropriately reflected in the direction of the work and that this is understood and communicated to the relevant Programme staff;
• Under the direction and guidance of the Workstream Leads, assist in devising and implementing effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments which may impact on and influence priorities and needs;
• Provide reports as required to inform strategic direction using formative and summative information which will guide programme implementation;
• Monitor and ensure delivery of a high quality target operating model for their specialist area in line with the requirements of DE policy;
• Facilitate regular meetings to report to and update the Business Transformation Workstream Lead.

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Ensure the delivery and operational management of the EnAble Programme, including the line management of staff;

• Liaise with the Workstream Leads as required to advise the EnAble Programme Director or their nominated senior officer with responsibility for the EnAble Programme on all matters relating to the strategic planning, implementation, and on-going monitoring of the programme;

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory frameworks;

• Establish, maintain, manage and review effective regional data systems to enable the robust analysis of processes;

• Co-ordinate, deliver, or contribute to training and support with regards to specific service areas as required;

• Facilitate the induction of new staff and ongoing professional development of relevant staff in relation to the core objectives, expected outputs and outcomes in relation to the project;

• Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required;

• Ensure dissemination of the corporate culture, values and processes which underpin organisational development to all staff

• Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities, the needs of the EA and EnAble programme specific priorities.

• Provide the Workstream Leads with required information in order to facilitate accurate and timely responses to queries, correspondence, complaints and other EA requirements.

• Assist the Workstream Leads with the requirements of addressing stakeholder challenges in relation to programme delivery as required, including responding to complaints, appeals and other relevant processes.

• Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development.

SERVICE DEVELOPMENT & QUALITY ASSURANCE

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Assist the EA in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives;
• Lead on development of a clear regional framework for the EnAble Programme within their specialist area in terms of advice, support and professional learning programmes for staff implementing proposed service models;
• Provide advice, guidance, training and support to EA officers, schools, parents and other stakeholders in relation to the programme;
• Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards;
• Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with local/specialist teams;
• Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures;
• Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in the effective use of technology, in particular presentation software, and in relation to negotiating and collaborating with a range of stakeholders and professionals;
• Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the Authority to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training and services in relation to enterprise resource planning;
• Manage relevant staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required;

MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Assist the EA in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives;
• Lead on development of a clear NOVA framework for the EnAble Programme within their specialist area in terms of advice, support and professional learning programmes for staff implementing proposed service models;
• Provide advice, guidance, training and support to EA officers, schools, parents and other stakeholders in relation to the EnAble programme;
• Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards;
• Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with specialist teams;
• Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures;
• Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in the effective use of technology, in particular in relation to negotiating and collaborating with a range of stakeholders and professionals;
• Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the Authority to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training and services in relation to enterprise resource planning;
• Manage relevant staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Enhance the development of the EnAble Programme by building on effective partnerships;
• Develop links across the Authority’s Directorates as necessary in relation to the co-ordination of work related to the EnAble Programme;
• Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with service users, both internally and externally;
• Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, service targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with EA and DE requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong linkages between existing EA service staff teams and the EnAble Programme Team, ensuring that existing service expertise is built upon in the development of the new target operating model, that existing service teams are a fundamental part of the research and development process, that existing staff networks with relevant stakeholders are built upon and expanded through the project’s implementation and that existing service teams are supportive of the target operating model ultimately brought forward through the EnAble programme.

OTHER DUTIES

• Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

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.

FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentExperience

Hold a bachelor’s degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and three years’ demonstrable experience of providing specialist advice and support to managers within finance;

OR

Have five years’ demonstrable experience of providing specialist advice and support to managers within finance.

Demonstrable experience of leading on and directly supporting Senior Managers with significant change management projects and associated delivery within finance.

Demonstrable experience of achieving successful outcomes in relation to service improvement within finance.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Skills/
Abilities

Demonstrable evidence of excellent communication and negotiation skills in relation to effective engagement and consultation with key stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes in relation to change management issues.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge

Knowledge of EA’s current Enterprise Resource Planning system and its alignment with service operating models.

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

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.

FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentKnowledge

Knowledge of current and anticipated challenges within the education sector.

Interview/Presentation

Skills/
Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:

Demonstrate good analytical skills and innovative problem solving in relation to people/workforce issues.

Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and personal responsibility for achieving measurable improvements in service delivery and organisational outcomes.

Demonstrable ability to communicate concisely and effectively and inspire confidence and influence at all levels in the organisation.

Ability to provide advice and guidance which is appropriate and fully consistent with legal requirements, and reflective of best practice.

Ability to be agile and resilient in successfully managing a challenging and varied workload and conflicting priorities to deliver outcomes.

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/Presentation

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.

FactorDesirable CriteriaMethod of AssessmentExperience

Demonstrable experience of contributing to successful service transformation within a formal project or programme environment.

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](https://www.eani.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-01/Applicant Guidance Notes - Final.pdf).

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.