Position of College Principal within the Ministry for Education and Employment

MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

(as per Ministry’s HR Plan for the year 2016)

In accordance with clause 3.1(l) of the current Collective Agreement, nomenclatures importing the male gender include also the female gender.

1.0 General

1.1 The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Education and Employment, invites applications for the position of College Principal. 

1.2 The qualities being sought for in this position are those of a capable, experienced educational leader with a strong vision and sound knowledge of the Maltese educational system and current developments within the context of the Education Strategy (2014/2024), the Respect For All Framework and the National Curriculum Framework. The College Principal shall: 

(a) have the ability to lead a team of educators and work closely with the Council of Heads to create a network of schools in accordance with the functions of a College; 

(b) have experience in management/administrative roles, with a proven track record, and shall be capable of ensuring appropriate and timely support for all stakeholders in the College; 

(c) be able to engage in effective communication with the schools in the College, and to ensure the provision of quality education for all students, while being capable of developing programmes and projects with the College community; 

(d) be able to empower schools by giving them the freedom to develop their particular ethos, and works towards educational excellence, effectiveness and growth; 

(e) be able to facilitate discussion and analysis of common school administration and management issues and challenges in order to manage change effectively; 

(f) have the drive to offer opportunities to Heads of School, administrators and educators in the various schools to pool and share ideas, experiences and good practice and to work together on common educational programmes, projects, activities and other initiatives; 

(g) develop collegially, a holistic community vision for the College and be able to facilitate the organisation of common activities in such fields as physical education and sports, culture (drama, music, art and craft), environment, creativity and entrepreneurship; 

(h) be able to deputise for the Director General, Educational Services in the day to day provision, management and administration of Educational Services.

2.0 Duration of Assignment and Conditions

2.1 If on the closing date of this call for applications, a selected candidate is:

(a) a Public Officer holding a substantive grade in Scale 5 or above, he/she will retain the said grade;

(b) a Public Officer holding a substantive grade below Scale 5, he/she will be substantively appointed Officer in Grade 5;

(c) a Public Officer holding indefinite status (but not a substantive grade) as Officer in an applicable scale or a position on a definite contract in the Public Service, he/she will be appointed Officer in Grade 5;

(d) not a Public Officer, he/she will be substantively appointed Officer in Grade 5.

2.2 The selected candidate will be detailed by the Prime Minister, for duty as a College Principal with a College on the basis of a three (3) year performance agreement. Officers who wish to serve for a further term must re-apply through a fresh call for applications. The appointment of the selected candidate as Officer in Grade 5 in terms of paragraph 2.1(b), (c) or (d) will be subject to a probationary period of 3 years and confirmation in that grade will be subject to satisfactory performance in the position of College Principal.

2.3 If the appointment is not confirmed or if it is terminated due to unsatisfactory performance during the three year-period from the onset of his/her appointment, the selected candidate will be required to relinquish the substantive appointment obtained as per paragraph 2.1 above. In the case of a selected candidate who was a Public Officer holding a substantive grade/indefinite status in the Public Service before his/her appointment as per paragraph 2.1 above and subsequent detailing as College Principal, he/she will revert to the previous substantive grade/indefinite status. If the selected candidate did not hold a substantive grade/indefinite status in the Public Service before his/her appointment as per paragraph 2.1 above and subsequent detailing as College Principal, his/her employment with the College as well as with the Maltese Government will be, ipso facto, discontinued. 

2.4 On successful completion of two terms of three years each as College Principal, the selected officer will be appointed substantively ‘Officer in Grade 4’ in the Malta Public Service.

2.5 On termination of his/her performance agreement as College Principal detailed with a College, the selected officer, provided he/she has been confirmed in his/her substantive appointment indicated in paragraph 2.1 and as per paragraph 2.4 above, will retain his/her applicable substantive grade and will be assigned duties which will be, as far as possible, commensurate with his/her substantive grade.

2.6 The selected candidate may be posted in any State College as directed by the Director General (DES) within the Ministry for Education and Employment. During the period of his/her detailing as College Principal with a College he/she will also be bound by the terms and conditions of service applicable to public officers in the Malta Public Service. The position of College Principal is regulated by Regulation 7(4)(b) (i) of Subsidiary Legislation 452.81 entitled “Contracts of Service for a Fixed Term Regulations”, this being a top management position in terms of the same Subsidiary Legislation.

2.7 The selected candidate may also be required to perform duties in Gozo.

3.0 Salary pegged to the Position

3.1 The salary pegged to the position of College Principal is equivalent to Salary Scale 4 which in 2016 is €33,057.00 per annum.

3.2 The selected candidate is entitled to a Performance Bonus of up to 15% of the basic salary and this entitlement will be subject to the established performance review procedure. In addition, the selected person will be entitled to a telephone allowance of €698.81 per annum, and €3,494.06 per annum for the use of a car.

3.3 The appointee will not be entitled to other perquisites pertaining to an appointment to a Headship position. If a selected person is a Public Officer pensionable under the Pensions Ordinance (Cap. 93), his/her Treasury Pension/Gratuity shall be calculated on his/her substantive grade and salary scale.

4.0 Duties and Responsibilities

4.1 A College Principal shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the College and shall be accountable to the Directors General as regards the performance of his/her functions and of the College. Consequently, a College Principal is expected to:

ensure that students entrusted to the schools within the College receive their educational entitlement according to their potential in a full, continuous and smooth process of education from an early age to the end of compulsory education in the perspective of lifelong learning and inspired by the highest human values;

ensure the responsibility and the accountability of whosoever is involved in the schools in the educational process of the students;

develop the character and identify thereof and ensure the improvement of the quality of the educational provision in schools by promoting, achieving and maintaining high results and standards by all College members and students;

promote dialogue and a team culture among the Heads and school staff through cooperation, especially with regard to initiatives and problems relating to the College as a whole;

ensure that the National Curriculum Framework is translated into an appropriate curriculum for College students and that this is implemented in all its schools with the best methodologies, including an extensive use of the information and communication technology as a pedagogical tool;

ensure the promotion and dissemination of a culture of evaluation within the schools of the College, including the implementation of a process of internal educational auditing and of a full participation in the external quality assurance processes;

ensure a professional development process for teachers and monitor the operation, administration and general conduct of the schools within the College;

ensure the supply of resources, services and facilities needed by those who are involved in teaching and learning, including libraries and specialised centres of resources, while facilitating, wherever it is deemed to be opportune, the common use of these resources, services and facilities;

ensure that whosoever works in the schools of the College functions effectively in such manner to ensure a healthy culture of good conduct and of discipline and also a secure and safe environment; 

in conjunction with the Education Directorates, ensure the timely recruiting of human resources which schools require, the organisation of induction courses for new employees and of continuous professional development programmes for all school staff, including teachers, administrators, professional persons entrusted with psychosocial and support services; 

ensure a policy and strategy for the development of schools within it as centres of lifelong learning and culture for the communities of the children and students attending the schools of the College;

promote the implementation of the national partnership policy of parents in school development and in the educational experience of their children and create an effective home-school partnership;

organise an effective customer care service, implement an effective communication programme, and treat the complaints of students, parents and teachers according to the guidelines and policies issued by the Directorates;

promote and facilitate the organisation of common activities in such sectors like sports and physical education, culture, drama, music and arts, and crafts, the environment, healthy lifestyles, creativity and entrepreneurship;

ensure the coordination of research activity, including action research, both between the College schools and between the Colleges;

promote contact with child care centres to facilitate the smooth transition between early childhood and the entry into kindergarten centres and schools;

promote and encourage culture and a wholesome mentality in favour of creativity, entrepreneurship, proactivity and a positive attitude towards change;

create opportunities so that the Heads, teachers and other staff in schools may contribute to and exchange ideas, experiences and good practice and collaborate on common educational programmes, projects, activities and initiatives; 

prepare a business plan for three years as well as the annual estimates of the College and its schools and apportion the funds allocated by the Directorate for Educational Services according to the needs of the schools within the college as indicated in the estimates;

administer the College’s budget and allocating funds according to the needs of each school;

be the mentor of the Heads of Schools both when required to act in such manner and when it is so required of him/her;

oversee the management of all personnel within the College;

collaborate with the officers of the Directorates and with local and foreign higher education institutions, in the initial training and continuous professional development of teachers and staff of the school;

regularly present reports on the activity of the College and provide the necessary data to the College Board;

preside over the Council meetings of Heads of School and in the drawing up of the Council agenda s/he should give due consideration to the proposals of the Heads of School which the Principal may deem to be opportune to include in the agenda;

ensure that the College policies are followed and implemented;

perform any other duties as requested by the Permanent Secretary, MEDE and/or the Directors General MEDE.

perform any other duties according to the exigencies of the Public Service as directed by the Principal Permanent Secretary.

5.0 Eligibility Requirements

5.1 By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be:

 (i) (a) citizens of Malta; or

(b) citizens of other Member States of the European Union who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters of employment by virtue of EU legislation and treaty provisions dealing with the free movement of workers; or

(c) citizens of any other country who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters related to employment by virtue of the application to that country of EU legislation and treaty provisions dealing with the free movement of workers; or

 (d) any other persons who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters related to employment in terms of the law or the above-mentioned EU legislation and treaty provisions, on account of their family relationship with persons mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c); or

(e) third country nationals who have been granted long-term resident status in Malta under regulation 4 of the “Status of Long-Term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations, 2006” or who have been granted a residence permit under regulation 18(3) thereof, together with family members of such third country nationals who have been granted a residence permit under the “Family Reunification Regulations, 2007”.

The advice of the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs within the Identity Malta Agency should be sought as necessary in the interpretation of the above provisions. 

The appointment of candidates referred to at (b), (c), (d) and (e) above would necessitate the issue of an employment license in so far as this is required by the Immigration Act and subsidiary legislation. Jobsplus should be consulted as necessary on this issue.

(ii) proficient in the Maltese and English languages;

(iii) in possession of a Teacher’s Warrant;

(iv) (a) in possession of a recognised Teaching qualification at MQF level 6 (subject to a minimum of 240 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, including 16 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, in Teaching Practice, and 8 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, in school experience, with regard to programmes commencing as from October 2003); or

(b) in possession of a recognised qualification at MQF Level 6 (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, with regard to programmes commencing as from October 2003) together with a recognised Teaching qualification at MQF level 6 (subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, including 8 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, in Teaching Practice and 6 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, in school experience with regard to programmes commencing as from October 2008);

(v) (a) be in possession of a recognised qualification at MQF level 7 in Educational Leadership or Educational Administration and Management (subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent, with regard to programmes commencing as from October 2008) or

(b) have served for at least three (3) years as College Principal within MEDE;

(vi) have ten (10) years teaching experience of which two (2) years must be in a management position;

Qualifications at a level higher than that specified above will be accepted for eligibility purposes, provided they meet any specified subject requirements.

Moreover, candidates who have not yet formally obtained any of the above-mentioned qualifications will still be considered, provided that they submit evidence that they have been approved for the award of the qualifications in question by the closing time and date of the call for applications;

(vii) of conduct which is appropriate to the post/position applied for (applicants who are already in the Malta Public Service must produce a Service and Leave Record Form (GP 47); those applying from outside the Service must produce a Certificate of Conduct issued by the Police or other competent authority not earlier than one (1) month from the date of application and state whether they have ever been in Government Service, giving details. 

(viii) Furthermore, candidates shall be expected to demonstrate: 

(a) managerial and leadership skills for the networking and effective coordination of schools falling within the College;

(b) a sound knowledge and a complete understanding of how the National Curriculum, the educational programmes and services contribute to better outcomes for all students;

(c) a sound knowledge and understanding of the challenges that the knowledge society and economy are presenting to educational systems;

(d) strong interpersonal, public speaking, and ICT skills.

5.1 Due consideration will be given to applicants who, besides the requisites indicated in paragraph 5.1 above, have proven relevant work experience in educational management/administration in educational establishments and report-writing skills.

5.2 Prospective applicants should note the requirement to produce MQRIC recognition statements in respect of their qualifications from MQRIC, or other designated authorities, as applicable, as per provisions applicable to this call for applications (see link below in paragraph 9.1).

6.0 Submission of Supporting Documentation 

6.1 Applicants should nominate three (3) independent persons to act as referees. Applicants should ask the referees to write under confidential cover directly to the Chairperson, Selection Board, Position of College Principal, c/o Directorate for Educational Services, Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Floriana. Members of Parliament, Public Service employees, politically appointed officers and relatives of the applicants are not suitable to act as referees.

6.2 Qualifications and/or experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials, copies of which should be attached to the application. Diploma/Degree/Post-Graduate certificates or comparable qualifications must be accompanied by a transcript in English (Diploma/Certificate supplement), showing the Degree obtained and the final classification. Scanned copies sent electronically are acceptable.

6.3 Original certificates and/or testimonials are to be invariably produced for verification at the interview.

6.4 Copies of Performance Management Programme (PMP) reports of candidates who already hold a post/position in the Malta Public Service will be available to the selection board. In the case of candidates in respect of whom PMP reports are not available, assessment reports from previous employers counter-signed by the officer concerned may be accepted as testimonials.

7.0 Selection Procedure

7.1 Eligible applicants will be required to sit for a psychometric test which will assist the Selection Board during the selection process. 

7.2 Subsequently, and as a course of the interview, candidates will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in the areas mentioned in paragraphs 5.1(viii) supplemented by a 7 minute digital presentation on a related aspect, to determine their suitability for the position. The maximum mark for this selection process is 300 and the pass mark is 200.

7.3 The merit list will be sent by e-mail to all eligible applicants by the Recruitment Office of MEDE.

8.0 Submission of Applications

8.1 Applications, together with an updated Service and Leave Record Form (GP 47 see para. 5.1 (vii) in the case of Public Officers, and a summary of qualifications and experience in the European Curriculum Vitae Format are to be submitted through the Online Education Recruitment Portal ONLY at the following address: (https://edurecruitment.gov.mt) by not later than (Central European Time) noon of Friday, 12th August, 2016. An automatic receipt will be sent to your e-mail informing you that your application was submitted successfully. 

8.2 Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to submit their applications since heavy internet traffic or a fault with the internet connection could lead to difficulties in submission. MEDE cannot be held responsible for any delay due to such difficulties.

8.3 MEDE employees only, excluding entities, are to apply for GP 47 by sending an email to (records.mede@gov.mt), indicating clearly the applicant’s full name & surname, I.D. nos, Grade, tel. Nos. and residential address together with the reference of the said call applied for. A copy of the GP 47 will be sent to the applicant by email while the original will be sent to the selection board and the applicant.

8.4 Further details concerning the submission of applications are contained in the general provisions referred to below. 

9.0 General Provisions

9.1 General provisions concerning this call for applications, with particular reference to:

other applicable conditions;

reasonable accommodation for registered persons with disability;

the submission of recognition statements in respect of qualifications;

the publication of the result;

the process for the submission of petitions concerning the result;

medical examination;

access to application forms and related details;