Call for Applications 

Post of Principal Subject Area Officer (Vocational and Applied Subjects)

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS 

SUPPORT UNIT

Applications are invited for the post of Principal Subject Area Officer (Vocational and Applied Subjects). The appointment will be made on a definite contract basis for a period of four years with a probationary period of twelve months. 

This is a full time post in the administrative support structure of the University of Malta at an Assistant Senior Executive level or Senior Executive level depending on qualifications and experience. 

For the duration of the period of this appointment, the appointee will be expected to work on the schedule of administrative staff at such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University Authorities. 

Eligibility

For the equivalent of Assistant Senior Executive: 

Applicants are expected to have started their master degree in level in one or more of the following subjects or related fields: Agribusiness, Engineering Technology, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Information Technology, Retail, Fashion and Textiles, Hairdressing and Beauty and Media Literacy.

For the equivalent of Senior Executive:

Applicants are expected to have studied a post-graduate qualification at Masters level in one or more of the following subjects or related fields: Agribusiness, Engineering Technology, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Information Technology, Retail, Fashion and Textiles, Hairdressing and Beauty and Media Literacy.

• Relevant teaching experience, preferably at the level of SEC and/or Matriculation Level is expected. Candidates with qualifications and experience in assessment will be preferred.
• Experience in management and administration in an educational setting, especially in relation to educational programmes, syllabi and examinations, is considered as an asset.
• Applicants are expected to be fluent in spoken and written English and Maltese.

The Principal Subject Area Officer is also required to demonstrate: 

• leadership skills; 
• organisational skills; 
• communication skills; and
• ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Application Procedures

Candidates are required to upload their curriculum vitae, certificates (certificates should be submitted in preferably in English) and three names and emails of referees through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-general

Applications should be received by Friday, 27 May 2022.

Late applications will not be considered. 

Further Information 

Teamwork is an essential feature of the MATSEC Support Unit. In particular the appointee will be expected to become conversant with all aspects of the work of the Unit. The appointee will report directly to the Director of the MATSEC Support Unit

The primary duties attached to the post of Principal Subject Area Officer will be to manage and direct syllabus panels in the subjects listed hereunder at Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and to co-ordinate the academic content of the examination process in the subjects falling under his/her competence. S/he will also be involved in purely administrative aspects of the examination process.

 

In the execution of the duties outlined above, the tasks of the appointee may, amongst others, include: 

• Directing the Subject Committees for each subject on all matters concerning syllabi, examinations and related matters; 
• Convening and coordinating meetings of the Subject committees, as appropriate; 
• Liaising with teachers and personnel of the Directorates of Education, Secretariat for Catholic Education and Independent Schools, including the organisation of seminars and short programmes; 
• Collating and analysing information regarding curriculum development in the subjects under his/her supervision;
• Ensuring that examination papers and key documentation are produced efficiently, in line with MATSEC procedures, on time and to the highest standards of quality and accuracy;
• Manage the appointment and performance of examination and syllabus panels;
• Contribute to research developments and improvement projects with respect to quality and assessment.

The selected candidate shall be expected to keep abreast with current developments in educational assessment. This may include training, attending courses or conferences both locally and overseas.

The appointee is expected to work: 

• On a full-time basis, and will not be allowed to engage in any other gainful employment without the permission of the Council; 
• At such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University Authorities;
• Work outside normal office hours, especially during peak periods.

Selection Board Procedures

• The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application).
• Short-listing of candidates.
• An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview.

Selection Process

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Administrative, Technical and Industrial Staff” (https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/policiesprocedures). 

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant Academic / Work experience
• Aptitude and suitability
• Performance in interview

The appointment will be subject to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

Although this is not an academic post, the nature and duties of the post may attract full-time academics currently employed by the University to apply. 

If a full-time academic at the University of Malta is appointed, he/she will revert to his/her substantive academic post on the completion of the four year term. Furthermore, the appointee will retain his/her right to apply for promotion and if successful this will become effective following the end of the contract. The appointee may also retain a teaching and research commitment for up to four hours per week. 

Office of the University, 

Msida, 9 May 2022

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