Personal Assistant to Director of Digital Technology Services

Responsible for the provision of diverse, confidential administrative support to the Director.

The post-holder will also be required to work flexibly and collaboratively with other administrative staff within the office, for example in order to provide cover for periods of annual leave or to support the effective management of peaks and troughs in workload., * Providing a high quality, confidential administrative support service across a diverse range of areas.

• Diary management including organising and prioritising diary commitments.
• Organising meetings, including collating papers, briefing delegates, greeting and escorting visitors and making cost-effective travel arrangements.
• Minute taking as required.
• Answering and vetting all incoming calls, whenever possible responding to callers directly by providing information or redirecting to an appropriate member of staff.
• Logging, prioritising and tracking all correspondence from arrival - drafting responses where appropriate, redirecting to and following up on responses from other members of staff, updating the Director and bringing important issues and target dates to his/her attention.
• Typing, compiling and issuing emails, letters, acknowledgements, minutes, memos and reports. Circulating documents on the Director’s behalf. Collating inputs from various sources into a co-ordinated response.
• Using sources such as the intranet/internet, Hansard or press articles to research information.
• Maintaining records, ensuring that information is recorded, stored, managed and disposed of appropriately and in line with relevant guidance.
• Supporting the Director in managing his/her relationships with education and business partners at a senior level.
• Any other duties, related to the role, which may arise from time to time.

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 at all times., 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. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment, 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. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge Knowledge of the functions of the Education Authority

Knowledge of EA policies and procedures Interview, Interview Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. Interview 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. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment, 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.

Hold a HNC/HND or above examination qualification and have three years’ demonstrable experience providing administrative support which must include the following:

• Using Microsoft Word for compiling letters and reports

• Drafting correspondence

• Diary management

• Preparation and dissemination of papers for meetings

• Maintaining records

OR

have a minimum of five years’ experience providing administrative support which must include the following:

• Using Microsoft Word for compiling letters and reports

• Drafting correspondence

• Diary management

• Preparation and dissemination of papers for meetings

• Maintaining records, Good organisational skills and ability to organise a busy workload to deliver effective results on time

Flexible and adaptable approach to work

Ability to communicate and work effectively with others as part of a team

Ability to use own initiative to solve problems and respond to others

Ability to work to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Excellent ICT skills, Demonstrable experience in a paid capacity of minute taking at meetings