PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person specification describes the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, experience and
qualifications that the English Institute of Sport deems as necessary for successful
performance in the job role.
1. QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
 A qualification at post graduate degree level (or equivalent) specialising in sports
coaching, sports science or sports medicine, or the support and preparation of elite
athletes.

Or a high performance coaching qualification (e.g. NGB level 4)
Desirable
 A PhD (or equivalent) in related area of sports science, sports medicine, sport
engineering or sports performance / coaching.
2. EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Experience as part of a coaching and/or multi-disciplinary team contributing to Olympic
or Paralympic medal winning performances (or Professional sport equivalent
experience)

Demonstrated ability to analyse sports in relation to their performance needs, linking
performance to training science, competition science, technology and sports medicine

Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and scientifically evaluate training
programmes for athletes

Extensive experience of working with coaches and leading MDTs in a high performance
environment

Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas, integrating scientific
research into applied practice

Experience of dealing with national performance programmes within national governing
bodies of sport

Experience of directing and supervising applied performance research projects and/or
PhD supervision

Experience travelling with a team to major international competition at senior or junior
level (e.g. Olympic or Paralympic Games, World or European Championships or
Commonwealth Games)
Desirable

Direct line management experience

A track record of leading and publishing sports science, sport medicine or coaching
scientific research

Experience of managing partnerships and collaborations with external agencies, such
as funding bodies, universities or private organisations

Experience of coaching elite athletes

Lecturing, presenting, or workshop leading experience.
3. KNOWLEDGE

Nationally recognised technical expertise (e.g. coaching, science, medicine, technology
and engineering) in sports performance and performance planning

In-depth knowledge and understanding of the high performance sport environment,
including the needs of elite athletes and coaches

A thorough understanding of sports science, medicine and technology relating to sports
performance and/or a broad knowledge of the bio-psycho-medical sciences that relate
human performance

Excellent applied knowledge of diagnostics, monitoring and assessments protocols and
performance monitoring systems
4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The ability to review, question and problem-solve all aspects of elite sports
performance

The ability to identify monitor and review key performance and technical goals, that
enhance sports performance and athlete preparation

Highly-developed leadership and influencing skills to build and manage teams

Strong inter-personal and relationship building skills, specifically, in fostering
productive relationships with high performance staff within national governing bodies
of sport

Ability to design, analyse and write up applied research projects that can be used by
coaches and practitioners.

Ability to supervise applied diagnostic and assessment protocols, including the trialling
of equipment

Ability to scientifically validate and interpret the methodology of test protocols and
data and other scientific data

Ability to collate and analyse data, and present information in a manner
understandable to athletes, coaches and practitioners.

Ability to communicate to groups of coaches and practitioners and effective
presentation skills.

Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athlete and coach support
programmes

Ability to modify physical, mental or technical preparation programmes according to
the results of assessment data, in conjunction with coaches and other support staff

Ability to prioritise own workload and that of colleagues, ability to balance conflicting
demands and tight deadlines, ability to work under pressure

Excellent problem solving and decision making skills

Ability to communicate fluently, in English

Excellent presentation and communication skills that can motivate behavioural change
to have a positive impact on performance

Ability to work effectively with colleagues both within the EIS and from other
organisations

Ability to undertake performance management of staff to ensure their effective
operation job satisfaction and personal development including; work allocation,
training, performance review and discipline
5. PERSONAL DISPOSITION

A positive attitude to Information Technology in carrying out the responsibilities of the
post

Personal commitment to continuous personal professional development

Team player

Open minded with a view to adopting new practices

Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport

Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others.
6. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport

An understanding of individual responsibility in complying with the Health and Safety
policies and arrangements of the EIS and all relevant partners

Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required involving work outside normal
office hours, at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays

Ability to travel throughout England, including occasional overnight stays

Ability to travel abroad with teams if required

An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national and international
anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations,
Olympic Associations and other relevant organisations.