OFFA Policy Adviser (pay band 7) / Likely assessment methods and main sources of evidence
All criteria are essential unless in italics, and these are desirable. / Short listing / Interview / Test / Reference
Qualifications
A degree or other similar qualification (e.g. an HND or Foundation Degree) plus relevant experience / ü / ü
GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths / ü / ü
We will consider applicants without these formal qualifications who can demonstrate they meet the criteria below fully.
Experience
Experience of planning, managing and evaluating projects / ü / ü
Experience of and ability to use Microsoft Excel to record and analyse data / ü
Experience of qualitative data analysis using computer-assisted software / ü / ü
Experience of policy development / ü / ü
Experience of working with universities and colleges and/or the wider education sector / ü
Knowledge and Learning
Strong analytical skills. Ability to evaluate and interpret data to form preliminary judgements and make appropriate recommendations / ü / ü
Knowledge of/interest in higher education, widening participation and fair access / ü / ü
An understanding of qualitative analysis methods / ü
Knowledge of evaluation methods or experience of evaluating programmes of work / ü
Planning
Ability to manage own workload, resolve competing demands, and cope with changing priorities in a flexible and proactive way / ü / ü
Proven ability to work in teams, leading projects, managing others, and delegating tasks / ü / ü
A knowledge of project management tools / ü
Communications
Ability to appropriately tailor verbal and written communications in style and content according to audience / ü / ü
Ability to write clear and accurate reports, correspondence, and papers appropriately tailored to audience / ü / ü
Ability to represent OFFA’s views to external stakeholders / ü
Relationships
Ability to build positive relationships, both internally within your own organisation and externally with other organisations / ü / ü
A confident, assertive and co-operative style with an ability to deal effectively with people at all levels / ü
Ability to develop staff management skills and provide support and coaching to others / ü / ü
Other
Flexibility to travel to meetings, including sometimes working outside of office hours and staying away overnight / ü