Appointment of the
Director of Assessment
1
Contents
About Cambridge Assessment
3
About Cambridge International Examinations
4
Job Description
9
Person Specification
11
Timetable
12
Recruitment Process
12
How to apply
12
2
About Cambridge Assessment
Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
which was formed in 1858. Cambridge Assessment is a department of the University of Cambridge and a
not-for-profit organisation.
The Cambridge Assessment Group incorporates three major exam boards: Cambridge International
Examinations (CIE), Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) and Cambridge English Language
Assessment. In the UK, OCR is the only public examination board that is affiliated to a university. The exam
boards comprising the Cambridge Assessment Group deliver tests, qualifications and associated educational
services in over 160 countries around the world.
Cambridge Assessment also has a large research capability with over 60 researchers pioneering the latest
techniques and evaluating current assessments. The validity of the Group’s assessments stems from an
evidence-based and research-led approach to all its products, services and developments. Cambridge
Assessment employs over 1,900 people, both in the UK and internationally. In addition, each year approximately
30,000 examiners and assessors provide marking and other services to Cambridge Assessment.
About
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About Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes
and qualifications for 5-19 year olds. Formally established in 1998, we provide high-quality, leading-edge
qualifications around the world. We offer a broad range of internationally recognised qualifications.
Of particular importance are CambridgeI GCSE, Cambridge Pre-U and Cambridge International A Levels.
We have experienced a profile of strong growth (approximately 15% year on year for the last 5 years).
Our activities have expanded into more countries and our relationships with schools have extended into a
wider range of service provision. We are committed to continuing this rate of growth.
In addition to our work with schools we also have longstanding partnerships with ministries of education
and a rapidly growing portfolio of new education reform projects, working in partnership with ministries of
education and other NDPBs and national organisations, covering more than 20 countries.
Goals
To be the world’s most respected provider and authority in international qualifications and curricula
for 5-19 year olds.
Our programmes and qualifications
Who we are
Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit
organisation and part of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s top universities and trusted for
excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the world’s universities and employers.
We invest constantly in research and development to improve our programmes and qualifications.
What we do
We offer international education programmes and qualifications for 5-19 year olds. Our programmes lead
seamlessly from primary through secondary and pre-university years. At the end of both the Cambridge
Secondary 2 and Cambridge Advanced stages, learners can obtain globally recognised qualifications
like Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level, which give learners access to universities
worldwide and opens doors to employment opportunities.
4
Our programmes and qualifications
Learner-centred approach
We work with schools to support them in developing learners.
Our syllabuses provide a foundation to achieve high levels of
academic and personal learning in an engaging way.
Together with schools, we aim to develop learners who are:
•
•
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learners are...
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By working closely with schools, we help develop
successful learners.
Progressive and flexible programmes
Our programmes and qualifications have four stages:
Cambridge programmes and qualifications
Cambridge Primary
5 to 11 years old*
Cambridge Secondary 1
11 to 14 years old*
Cambridge Secondary 2
14 to 16 years old*
Cambridge Advanced
16 to 19 years old*
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge Primary
Checkpoint
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge International
AS and A Level
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge ICE
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge AICE
Curriculum
Classroom
Qualifications
Community
*Age ranges are
for guidance only
Cambridge Primary
Schools can offer all stages of our international education programmes and qualifications, or choose just
one or two stages for specific groups of learners. Each stage builds on the learners’ development in the
previous stage.
Our programmes and qualifications are flexible so that schools can adapt to meet the needs of different
learners. They are fully compatible with other curricula, enabling schools to build a curriculum that reflects
their own values.
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Internationally recognised qualifications
As the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5-19 year
olds, Cambridge provides a valuable international benchmark of learner performance. It gives learners a
strong base on which to specialise, and acts as an international passport to progression and success in
the future.
Universities and employers worldwide value Cambridge qualifications. They tell us that Cambridge
qualifications develop key skills in investigation, evaluation and problem solving which are so important
for university study and beyond. As a result, tens of thousands of learners successfully use Cambridge
qualifications to gain entry to universities around the world, including some of the most prestigious in the
UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
Our markets
We deliver exams in over 160 countries – our largest markets are Singapore, Pakistan, the USA, China and
India. Around half of our schools work directly with us. The other half work with us through governments.
We partner with almost 40 ministries of education worldwide, often developing bespoke qualifications and
training to suit their specific needs.
We have over 30 members of staff based across 9 regions around the world, as shown below.
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Our structure
We have over 300 members of staff based in Cambridge, and over 30 in overseas offices around the world.
The organisation is structured as shown below:
Corporate Affairs Unit
Michael O’Sullivan is Chief Executive of Cambridge International Examinations.
He leads the director team and is responsible for pushing forward on our
strategic direction and achievement of our long-term goals. He is also a member
of Cambridge Assessment’s Corporate Board. As such, he has a role in
contributing to the ongoing success of the Cambridge Assessment Group and
ensuring synergy between our activities, the activities of the Group’s two other
business streams (OCR and Cambridge English Language Assessment),
and the Group’s financial, infrastructure and research activities.
The Corporate Affairs Unit is responsible for business planning, quality
management and legal affairs. This includes coordinating the budget-setting
process and developing the Business Plan. Administrative functions, such
as finance and HR, are managed at Group level by Cambridge Assessment
Corporate Services.
Assessment division
Di Palmer is our current Assessment Director who will be retiring in 2014.
The Assessment division is responsible for ensuring that our qualification
services meet standards of best practice. The team ensures that every
aspect of our assessment process is delivered to agreed schedules and that
quality standards are fully met. They also carry out research to assist with the
development of our qualifications, and provide assessment advice to education
and development projects.
Product managers are responsible for the professional management of our
qualifications. Their activities range from syllabus development through to
question paper design and examiner recruitment.
Development division
Helen Eccles is our Development Director. The Development division drives
forward the strategic development of our curricula, qualifications and educational
services. The division aims to develop educationally excellent products and
servicesreflectingourcorevalues,enhanceourproductsandservicesthrough
innovations in the use of technology, and develop bespoke solutions for our
customers where appropriate.
Their activities include developing and marketing new qualifications and
syllabuses and teacher support for these, liaising with publishers on endorsed
textbooks, and developing methods for delivering computer-based assessments.
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Education division
Tristian Stobie is our Education Director. The Education division is responsible
for taking forward our commitment to a wider education purpose and identity.
The division’s mission is to develop our position as the leader of international
standards in education and support the delivery of high-quality curricula,
assessments and services.
The Education division manages the delivery of our project support to overseas
organisations, helping to improve and enhance education at a national level
or within groups of schools. The division also looks after a range of important
strategic relationships with ministry-level partners across sub-Saharan Africa,
the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia, for the delivery of qualifications and
assessments at national level.
International Network division
Janet Morris is our International Network Director. The division is responsible
for managing our relationships with schools and Cambridge Associates, and
shaping the way that we interact with them. The division’s aim is to build longterm customer relationships and loyalty and to position Cambridge International
Examinations as a market leader in international education. Over 10 000 schools
worldwide are registered with us.
The activities of the division include data analysis to support decision-making,
market research, marketing and communications activity, and customer support.
Our overseas Schools Development team is part of this division, with over 30
members of staff based in nine regions around the world.
Operations division
David Cogger is our Operations Director. The Operations division is responsible
for delivering our products to customers in over 160 countries. We deal with high
volumes: we process well over six million exam component entries every year.
Our service standard is 100 per cent accuracy, and we continually review and
improve our processes to minimise the risk of error.
The division administers and manages a wide range of processes from the
production, printing and despatch of question papers through to the recruitment
of examiners. The Compliance Unit is responsible for our regulations for the
conduct of exams, and investigates concerns related to the security and integrity
of our exams.
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Job Description
Title:
Director of Assessment
Reports to:
Michael O’Sullivan, Chief Executive
Job Purpose:
To lead a large team in the professional delivery of CIE’s qualifications, ensuring they are compliant with
CIE’s and other relevant quality standards. Work strategically as a member of the Director team in the
development and delivery of CIE strategy. The Director of Assessment has a significant external role for
CIE representing the organisation and Group in discussions and contract negotiations with national and
international organisations at a very senior level including with ministers of education.
The Assessment Division
The division has about 100 staff with the Director having four direct reports:
Director
Assessment
(reports to CIE CEO)
Divisional
Coordinator
Deputy Director
Standards
Deputy Director
Qualifications
Standards and
Projects Manager
The Deputy Director, Standards has seven direct reports and looks after standards, quality, research,
technical data, awarding procedures and codes of practice.
The Deputy Director, Qualifications is responsible to the Director for ensuring the assessment cycle of CIE
qualifications is maintained in a manner that ensures continuing fitness for purpose. She leads six groups of
Product Managers.
The Standards and Projects Manager is responsible to the Director for ensuring that CIE qualifications meet
the highest quality standards and can be shown to do so. He leads a team of Staff Chairs of Examiners and
senior researchers.
The Manager of Assessment Partnerships is responsible for setting and monitoring budgets for CIE’s
accreditation contracts, and for project managing assessment developments within these contracts.
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Principal Accountabilities
Play a full and active role as a strategic director of the organisation, including at a group level, ensuring
continued success and growth across all markets.
Divisional Leadership
Leadership of all staff with academic subject and assessment expertise engaged in implementation
and evaluation of CIE’s qualifications and assessments in each of its main examination sessions.
Leadership of the above staff engaged in the implementation and validation of bespoke assessment
instruments and qualifications developed for CIE’s government contracts (e.g. Singapore, Kazakhstan).
Direct and lead team, including recruitment and retention of staff and the provision of training and
development opportunities to broaden and deepen professional expertise.
Assessment
Communicate both proactively and reactively with opposite numbers in Singapore Assessment and
Examinations Board and with others at Director, Permanent Secretary or Ministerial level in the Ministry
of Education, to maintain and develop close working relationships. This applies to other longstanding
Ministry relationships. Direct development of question papers (approx 3,500 per annum) and of marking
and moderation of each of these, including recruitment, training and evaluation of marking personnel and
management of awarding processes.
Design and direction of assessment processes involved in operation across time zones, and equating
standards across different qualifications.
Direct research and validation activities to ensure that CIE assessments meet the highest standards of
assessment design as well as remaining cost effective. Contribute to the review and development of
provision to meet the requirements of those who use CIE’s qualifications.
Provision of Expert Guidance to International Stakeholders
Engage Ministers of Education, regulatory bodies and assessment experts, both in the UK and
internationally, to explain and disseminate CIE’s principles and practice of operation. This includes
media representation.
Provide professional input into the design and delivery of Skills Transfer and Assessment/Education reform
projects for CIE government customers.
Direct assessment input into the design and delivery of skills transfer and assessment/education reform
projects for CIE government customers.
Direct accreditation of third party qualifications (e.g. national school leaving qualifications in Botswana,
Namibia, Bahamas) so that CIE fulfils its assurance role with respect to these systems.
Accountability for CIE’s Qualification Standards
Establish and maintain the CIE Assessment Code of Practice, secure compliance with its standards and with
those required by our customers and by the UK regulator. Report on delivery against service standards and
direct effective continuous improvement.
Lead research and monitoring activities to evaluate continuing fitness for purpose of CIE’s assessments and
ensure effective implementation of quality improvements.
Financial Management
Maintain budgetary responsibility for the Assessment Division.
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Person Specification
The Person
Qualifications:
• First degree and postgraduate qualification.
Experience:
•
•
•
•
•
professional and world-class authority gained through senior experience in the context of
education assessment or research
substantial leadership and management experience of relevant education and assessment experts
detailed knowledge of assessment practice, ideally in a global context
a detailed understanding of operating across international cultures
understanding of the requirements of regulatory bodies such as Ofqual.
Skills:
• cultural sensitivity to enable effective work with other national groups or cultures
• strategic thinking and creative problem solving
• highly developed change management skills
• track record in management of continuous improvement/zero defects operation
• ability to negotiate to ensure that partnership projects meet customer needs and also
deliver appropriate margins
• highly attuned relationship building and communication skills with customers at distance
and face to face
• ability to engage in discussion or presentation of complex concepts with non-expert audiences
including senior government representatives and media as well as to other
assessment professionals
• commitment to the values of CIE as a non profit organisation
• be respected as an education expert
• excellent planning skills
• strong interpersonal and people skills.
Behaviours
•
•
•
•
strong degree of confidence when presenting on education and assessment topics
have stamina to deal with a demanding role which includes keeping ‘business as usual’
going in the Assessment Division during the Exam series
a flexible management style including consultative and directional, when required
tactful but with strong influencing and negotiating skills.
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Timetable
Closing date: Monday 27th January 2014
Preliminary interviews at Veredus: week of 3rd February 2014
Interviews at CIE in Cambridge: 5th March 2014
Recruitment process
Should you apply Veredus will confirm receipt of your application. You will hear from Veredus immediately
after the longlisting meeting if you are being called forward for preliminary interview. Those candidates not
longlisted will be advised by email.
Queries
Should you have any queries with regards to the role or process please call Ed Pritchard or Nicky Pateman
of Veredus on 020 7932 4284. All approaches will be held in the highest confidence.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit a comprehensive CV and supporting statement, quoting reference 15987.
Please ensure that your supporting statement fully states how your skills and experience match the criteria
of the person specification for this role; your CV should cover your full career history and provide details of
associated responsibilities and key achievements.
You should also provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details (email and telephone) of at
least two referees in support of your overall application, one of whom should ideally be your current/most
recent employer. No referees will be contacted without your prior approval. Finally, please ensure that you
have included your most contactable telephone number, a personal email address, as well as any dates
when you will not be available or where you might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.
The closing date for applications is: Monday 27th January 2014
Applications should be emailed to: lucy.king@veredus.co.uk
Equal opportunities monitoring
You are invited and encouraged to complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form which can be found
at http://jotformpro.com/form/32674095029963. Veredus is accredited by the Investors in Diversity and
the information collected is important to us as a means to ensuring continued best practice in the
promotion of diversity. The information on this form is important and will be treated as confidential and
used for statistical purposes only. This form will not be treated as part of your application, and will not be
seen by anyone involved in the selection process.
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