Project Officer for Digital Content (fixed term to 31 August 2016)
Professional Development Service for Teachers (Technology in Education)
Job Description and General Notes
1. Overview
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) which includes the Technology in
Education Team, is a cross-sectoral support service under the remit of the Teacher Education
Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) which offers professional
development support to primary and post-primary teachers and school leaders. The work of the
PDST contributes to school improvement by providing high quality Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) on curricular and educational issues, fostering reflective practice and ongoing
development among teachers and school leaders.
PDST Technology in Education is part of PDST and it promotes and supports the integration of ICT
in teaching, learning and assessment in first and second level schools. The functions of the PDST
Technology in Education were previously the responsibility of the National Centre for Technology in
Education (NCTE). The NCTE was integrated into the PDST in June 2012. The PDST is managed
by the Dublin West
The main functions of PDST Technology in Education fall into two categories:
1. Providing a range of ICT-related support services to schools
2. Policy development, strategic and administrative functions
The offices are based in the Dublin City University campus in Glasnevin.
One of the priorities for the Department of Education and Skills for the coming years is the
implementation of actions set out in a new Digital Strategy for Schools – published on the 7th
October 2015.
The duties of the Project Officer for Digital Content will be primarily concerned with the
deliverables associated with the Digital Strategy for Schools. In this regard the Project Officer will be
working reporting directly to the National Coordinator for Digital Content and work closely with
national coordinators on the PDST Technology in Education Team with responsibility for CPD design
and delivery and technology integration. S/he will also work closely with all other PDST team
leaders in order to remain current with developments in all PDST priority areas which will in turn
inform work in relation to the digital content and ICT generally ,ensuring that key areas of emphases
are supported by Scoilnet and associated sites.
The postholder is responsible for sourcing and management of quality digital content for Scoilnet,
the official portal for primary and post-primary schools at www.scoilnet.ie, along with a number of
sub-sites. As part of the digital content team, the postholder will manage multiple teachers, acting
as subject editors, who will also be sourcing appropriate digital content aligned with
curriculum/syllabus needs for primary and post-primary levels. As part of the Scoilnet team, he/she
will play a role in developing the vision of and implementation plans for Scoilnet and associated
sites generally, with particular reference to the use of digital content in schools in line with the
Digital Strategy for Schools launched on the 7th of October 2015.
2. Duties
●
Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of Scoilnet content as an official
portal site for the provision of learning and teaching content at both primary and post-primary
levels. The role includes coordinating the work of temporary contractors when the need
arises to support different sections of the site and collaborations with other agencies and
organisations to generate curriculum and other material for the Scoilnet and associated
digital content websites.
●
Monitor the use of content procured through the Digital Reference Content framework and
securing the provision of new digital content required by schools
●
Promote the use of Scoilnet and associated websites, and the use of the internet for
education generally through regular communications to schools, projects, media and
conferences.
●
Collaborate on the delivery of Scoilnet- associated projects to demonstrate the use of digital
content in schools for teaching and learning
●
Representation of Scoilnet/PDST Technology in Education on external committees, including
national and European networks as the need arises
●
Contribute to PDST TIE strategic work plans in line with the Digital Strategy for Schools
●
Manage and account for budgets associated with the initiative and take responsibility for
tendering for products and services in accordance with government and EU guidelines.
●
Any other duties as may be defined in consultation with the postholder.
●
Willingness to travel for work related events and work outside of core hours on occasion.
3. Range of Knowledge, Experience and Skills required
Applicants called to interview and the person appointed should have all or most of the following
attributes ➢
Experience
Essential
● Experience of working on large scale digital content projects especially digital content projects for education
● Experience in the development of learning and teaching digital
content relevant for primary or post-primary levels
● Experience in the development of online educational resources
● Appropriate project management experience
● Proven record of managerial, financial, administrative and
organisational experience
● Proven capacity to lead, influence and motivate others in the
achievement of objectives
Desirable
● Teaching or other relevant educational work experience will be
an advantage
➢ Education /
Training /
Specialist
Knowledge
Essential
● A relevant third level qualification - at least a bachelor degree
● Demonstrable understanding of the Irish educational system
● Thorough knowledge of ICT and how it can be embedded in
teaching, learning and assessment in primary or post primary
schools
➢ Project
Management
Skills/
competencies
Essential
● Team Player
● Self-starter
● Capable of working to and creating prioritised deadlines in the
pursuit of the project objectives
● Financial management skills, including budgeting
● Public procurement
● Editing skills
● Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
● Innovative and creative thinking
● Ability to foster collaborative working relationships with all
stakeholders and the ability to undertake an innovative and
challenging role
.
4. Location
● Successful candidates will be employed by Dublin West Education Centre and will report to
the National Coordinator for Digital Content and will be based in the PDST Technology in
Education offices in the Invent Building, DCU.
● Successful candidates will be required to have their own means of transport and to possess
and retain a full driving licence. Public sector travel and subsistence rates will apply.
5. Competition
● Any offer of appointment will only be made where it is considered that a suitable candidate
for the post exists.
● The appointment is subject to the sanction of the Minister for Education and Skills. No
definitive offer of appointment can be made before sanction is given.
● The successful candidate will be appointed as soon as possible.
● The contract will provide for on-going performance review.
● Health, sick leave and general work record must be satisfactory.
6. Salary and annual leave
In line with Project Officer salary and terms and conditions (pro rata for duration of contract).
7. Selection Procedure
● Applications should be made by submission of a completed application form. This should be
submitted in electronic format to recruitment@pdst.ie by 5pm on Thursday January 28th.
● Interviews will take place during the weeks commencing 8th February and 15th February
● Late applications will not be considered.
● A selection committee will be established to carry out all aspects of the selection process.
● Shortlisting may apply.
● It is the responsibility of the candidates to make themselves available for interview, if invited
to attend. Candidates should note that it may not be possible to provide an alternative date.
● Those called for interview will be asked to make a 5 minute presentation to the interview
panel focusing on the applicant’s vision for the position and the contribution they could
make to the development of PDST TIE and the broader PDST.
● This interview will be competency based in line with the skills outlined in the job
description/Application Form including part 3 above.
● A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
● Canvassing directly or indirectly will disqualify applications.
Tenure
This appointment will be made on a fixed term contract to 31st of August 2016.