Permanent Secretary – Education

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Permanent Secretary – Education, within the Montserrat Public Service.

JOB PURPOSE

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader, who is passionate about education and wants to ensure the very best opportunities for learners in Montserrat.

Education in Montserrat begins at Nursery level through to college, with one secondary school.  

The PS Education is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a sound measurable education for all children, from syllabus to teaching appointments, from safeguarding to support for further education and adult education including in prison. As PS you follow the policy direction of the elected Government, giving solid, evidence based policy advice to the minister and cabinet, enacting policy decisions and leading the public service to ensure Educational delivery at a high standard.

The Permanent Secretary has overall administrative responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Ministry of Education and for ensuring that service and other delivery targets are met.   He/she is the principal adviser to the Minister on the formulation of policies, plans and programmes.  As a member of the Core Management Team, the Permanent Secretary shares the collective responsibility for the management of the Public Service and will be expected to implement cross-ministerial policies and programmes, participate in special task forces, projects and assignments relative to the overall management of the Public Service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As Accounting Officer, ensuring that the Ministry’s budgets and strategic plans are prepared and managed in accordance with Financial Regulations and best practice
• Providing robust and objective advice to the Minister on the formulation of policy relevant to the Ministry’s operations and keeping the Minster informed on the status of projects and other activities within the MinistryEnsuring that policy proposals, Cabinet papers and draft legislation are prepared and submitted to enable the Ministry to achieve its objectives
• Ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of the Ministry’s policies, plans and programmes through consultation with Department Heads and relevant stakeholders so that all relevant opinions and concerns are taken into account.
• Implementing Cabinet policy decisions in respect of the Ministry, without undue delay.
• Ensuring that effective management systems, procedures and financial control systems are in place to make the most efficient and effective use of allocated resources.
• Providing leadership at Ministry level in designing and implementing changes, which will enhance and improve overall productivity and performance
• As a member of the Core Management Team, contributing to and championing changes geared towards improving Public Sector service delivery and performance.
• Serve as an Ex-Officio member on Statutory Boards under the Ministry’s portfolio
• Perform any other duties as required by the Minister or Deputy Governor in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Ministry.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

In addition to at least a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised tertiary institution with emphasis on Public Administration, Finance, Management or an Education Management  related area and at least five (5)  years’ experience at management level, the successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential Criteria:-

• Political acuity and the ability to work at senior level, collaborating with Ministers and supporting them in their role.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets, coordinating the development of strategic and operational plans and monitoring outcomes.
• Strong leadership and management skills and the ability to create a strong and motivated team.
• Ability to conceptualize complex business changes and structures and the ability to plan, articulate and implement the resulting organisational change.
• The ability to work right and fast with a strong bias for action and the demonstrated ability to drive assignments to closure within stated deadlines.
• Good negotiation, mediation and networking skills.
• Good understanding of the structure of Government and the roles and responsibilities, and management accountabilities within that structure;
• Excellent organisational, analytical and decision-making skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage personal resilience
• Demonstrated ability to conform to the highest tenets of leadership.

Desirable Criteria:-

• Professional certification in Education management or leadership 
• Experience in Education development and change leadership 

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be made on a contractual basis for a period of 3 years.  On successful completion of contract, a gratuity at the rate of 12.5% of basic salary will be paid.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

If you are shortlisted, you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process.  The final selection panel interview may be held in person.  You will be advised of the format in advance.

Shortlisting will commence the week of September 4th, 2023 

Assessment/Interviews will be during the week commencing September 18th and 25th 2023

Commencement date is 1st November 2023 but open to negotiation with the successful candidate 

Feedback will be provided on request only to applicants who progress to interview stage.