Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need
to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
Job title:
Evaluation Officer (NNCO)
Reports to:
Head of External Development
Salary:
£31,342 - £37,394
Terms and conditions:
Academic Related
Grade:
7
Duration of post:
Fixed Term ending July 31st 2016
Working hours:
Full-time
Location:
Walton Hall
Closing date:
15th January 2015
Type of application form accepted:
Long Application Form
Please use the items listed in the Person Specification as subtitles within the relevant section of the
application form. Examine carefully the description of the role and analyse how your skills, knowledge and
experience match with the requirements set out in the person specification. Please pick out specific
examples from your experience which clearly demonstrate that you have the particular knowledge and
capabilities required.
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Caroline McCrohan
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
The main purpose of this role is to support the Head of External Development in delivering the
University’s HEFCE funded National Network for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO). The OU NNCO will
enhance the existing work of the Social Partnership Network through three strands of activity –
management of the development of an online portal, management of the development of tailored learning
guides and evaluation and tracking. The Evaluation Officer (NNCO) will take the lead on the tracking and
evaluation strand. The role will make particular use of the national Higher Education Access Tracker
(HEAT) service, to provide insight into the impact of the Social Partnership Network.
Core Duties
1. Managing identified tracking, monitoring and evaluation projects using agreed OU project
methodology, taking responsibility for stakeholder consultation, business requirements analysis and
implementation within time and budget constraints
2. Ensuring the project progresses according to agreed milestones and methodology, including the
delivery of project documentation, definition of success criteria and the development of an evaluation
plan
3. Develop systems to enable the institution to track, monitor and evaluate the impact of activities to
understand the student journey, identify gaps in provision and help stakeholders deliver more
coordinated, coherent and sustained engagement programmes
4. Identify appropriate channels to promote the outputs of projects and disseminate information and
updates to internal and external interested parties (including CICP’s Senior Management Team, other
university groups and external bodies)
5. Contribute to the formal reporting process (e.g. unit and university level and to HEFCE)
6. Manage and undertake internal and externally funded evaluation and/or research projects and ensure
that this activity is undertaken from a range of different perspectives, including those of the University,
partner and external organisations and students
7. To build networks with relevant staff within CICP, the broader University and external organisations to
support the delivery of identified projects and be the first point of contact for the evaluation strand of
the NNCO project
8. Work with other staff within the unit to ensure synergies with other research and evaluation work are
identified
9. Be lead liaison with the external organisations e.g. HEAT Tracker initiative to manage the University’s
subscription and develop a broader understanding of the learning progressions of adults engaging in a
wide range of learning opportunities
10. Work collaboratively with internal and external contacts to develop robust tracking systems for
learners who have been outside formal education ensuring mechanisms are in place to undertake
evaluation in order to measure impact
11. To work with other relevant CICP staff e.g. the Project Officer (External Development) and the Project
Manager (NNCO) to ensure activity aligns within the broader work of the social partnership network
12. Act as an ambassador for CICP and the University at external meetings, dealing with queries from
senior members of staff from a range of organisations with tact and diplomacy
13. Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and grade as and when required by the Head of
External Development
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January 2010
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2. Person specification
Criteria
Education /
qualifications
Knowledge,
work and
other relevant
work
experience
Skills and
competencies
Requirement
Essential/Desira
ble
A first degree or equivalent professional qualification or work experience
at a comparable level
E
Experience of writing clear and concise evidence based reports.
E
Significant experience of quantitative and qualitative data and of
undertaking action research.
E
Knowledge and understanding of policy and principles underpinning
HE.
E
Ability to evaluate initiatives from a range of different perspectives (e.g
student, institution, partner)
E
Ability to build relationships with a wide range of people from diverse
backgrounds, both internally and externally.
E
Proven ability to communicate effectively in both formal and informal
situations, with people across a range of areas and levels and from
external organisations
E
Excellent research, analytical, organisational and planning skills with the
ability to assimilate and explain complex information from multiple
sources and stakeholders
Proven ability to take personal responsibility and to use initiative
Ability to work collaboratively and as an effective member of a team
Proven ability to approaching challenges positively, and solving
problems
Excellent IT skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
and Project and Powerpoint with the ability to learn and work with
new IT systems.
E
E
E
Experience of developing new tracking/evaluation processes/systems
A commitment to and understanding of principles and practice in
Equal Opportunities.
Additional
requirements
E
E
Willingness to travel within the UK, as required.
E
Working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data analysis
packages eg SPSS, NVIVO
D
Previous experience of gathering evaluation for activity associated with
working in partnership with external organisations
D
A commitment to own professional development
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January 2010
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4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
Willingness to travel on occasion (see Job Description)
5. About the unit/department
The Unit
The Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships (CICP) brings together a number of activities
relating to access, social inclusion and working in partnership, including responsibility for:
The OU’s Access curriculum

Co-ordinating the OU’s Widening Access and Success Strategy

Validation partnerships

Partnerships with national external organisations such as charities, other education providers,
voluntary and third sector organisations, unions and policy and awarding bodies,

Developing access through the recognition of prior learning and alternative routes to higher
education

research and scholarship
CICP has strong links with the Equality, Diversity and Information Rights Office to ensure inclusivity
across the full range of the University’s provision.
External Development
The External Development Team is led by the Head of External Development to whom this post will
report. The External Development team’s main areas of responsibility are:
Supporting collaborations with external organisations including Unison, UnionLearn, WEA,
other educational providers and policy and awarding bodies

Management of the Social Partnership Network

Developing models of working with external organisations supporting and developing
alternative routes to higher education

Managing adhoc projects relating to access and social inclusion which involve collaboration
with external bodies

Developing and managing Marketing and Communications strategies for the unit in liaison
with other areas of the University
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss this role before making an application please contact Julie Gowen on 01908
654035 or email julie.gowen@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Caroline McCrohan on 01908
332858 or email CICP-Recruitment@open.ac.uk.
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January 2010
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7. The application process and where to send completed applications
How to apply
Please ensure that you send a fully completed application form and covering letter indicating why you are
interested in this post and how you believe your knowledge, experience and skills meet the Person
Specification.
Please ensure the essential and desirable items listed in the person specification appear as
subtitles within your letter. In writing your letter, examine carefully the description of the role and
analyse how your skills, knowledge and experience match with the requirements set out in the
person specification.
Where possible please pick out specific examples from your experience which clearly demonstrate
that you have the particular knowledge and capabilities required in the person specification.
Decisions about short listing will be based solely on the information you provide in your covering
letter and application form.
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: Midday on the 15th January 2015
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Caroline McCrohan – Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships
Address:
First Floor, Wilson B Block
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: CICP-recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Julie Gowen, Head of External Development, CICP. The other
members of the interview panel will be Phil Berry, Deputy Director (Planning and Resources) CICP with
the third panel member to be confirmed.
The interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 26th January 2015
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for
interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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