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Assessment director Ref 129

Closing date 16 February 2007

Reporting to the director general, the role is to lead and manage the overall responsibility for the conduct of each Diploma Programme examination session (approximately 80,000 candidates yearly, growing by 10% each year, involving 1,000 separate sets of examination papers), as well as the formal assessment policy and practice for each of the three IB programmes. The integrity of the organization’s assessment policy and practice is critical for allowing the organization to fulfill its educational mission and maintain its reputation as the leading organization in international education. The role is therefore the leading assessment post within the IB, and its importance is reflected in its membership on the directors leadership team. The position is based at the International Baccalaureate curriculum and assessment centre (IBCA) in Cardiff, Wales (UK), which is responsible for the development and quality control of each of the IB’s academic programmes.

The assessment director is responsible for all aspects of the IB’s public examining system for the Diploma Programme, and must ensure that the academic, administrative and technological aspects of the system mesh efficiently to produce candidate results that are accurate, complete and on time for the twice-yearly examination cycle. Responsibility also includes the assessment policy and practice for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), including the organization of twice-yearly moderation of school internal assessment, and the Primary Years Programme (PYP). For assessment development, there must additionally be close liaison with programme staff, heads of programmes, research staff and the academic director. Additionally, the role drives the strategic planning for assessment, which currently includes implementation of several electronic assessment developments and the establishment of a second assessment centre by 2010.

The assessment director works closely with the finance department in setting appropriate examiner fee structures, with ICT staff defining requirements for ICT programming systems/support, and with regional directors with regard to assessment issues specific to each region. As well as contacts with IB staff, a considerable amount of direct communication with senior examiners and schools, together with conference presentations on assessment, are also expected.

Key accountabilities

The assessment director must ensure that:

• Diploma Programme, MYP, and PYP assessment structures and systems are fit for purpose, and appropriately maintained
• each Diploma Programme examination session and MYP moderation cycle is conducted successfully
• all assessment staff and examiners are prepared and able to carry out their duties, especially under times of considerable pressure
• the responsibility for the effectiveness of the IB’s relationship with the Diploma Programme’s Examining Board, including the appointment of the chief and senior examiners, is properly managed
• effective risk management of the IB’s public assessment activity is maintained
• public and school confidence in Diploma Programme and MYP results remains strong
• assessment development that reflects good practice and technological innovation is promoted
• all assessment activities are conducted in a cost-effective manner
• the professional development of direct reports is managed to ensure they fully meet objectives
• the business planning process of the assessment directorate is managed according to the needs of the IB strategic plan and articulates the strategic plan for assessment
• the budgets for the assessment directorate are established yearly; ensuring that staffing needs are met within the allocated budget
• information relevant to, and the appropriate involvement of, the various academic committees and the education committee of the Council of Foundation is provided as needed so that the IB identifies and delivers the appropriate assessment programmes and services to fulfill its mission
• the IB is represented with stakeholders to keep them abreast of developments and provide reassurance regarding its ability to maintain quality assurance standards.

Key competencies of the ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• a university degree and a teaching qualification
• significant educational assessment experience, preferably within an IB or international context
• teaching experience, also preferably within an international or IB context
• a sound understanding of statistics, with proven analytical skills
• ability to manage own time and set priorities, and ability to respond to changes in work priorities and resolve conflict situations
• senior management or leadership experience in a multicultural environment
• a strong command of the English language, both orally and in writing coupled with the ability to speak publicly with authority and confidence
• language proficiency in French and/or Spanish desirable.
• personal competencies will include an ability to:
• remain poised, be decisive under pressure, and take responsibility for the consequences of decisions
• build enduring partnerships and teamwork, across organizations and geographies
• focus, align, and build high performance teams
• think beyond own area of responsibility to create new, long-term visions for the organization
• achieve organizational goals and overcome obstacles and resistance
• demonstrate drive for improvement through people and transform the organization in new ways (managing change).

Location

The position will be located in Cardiff, Wales (United Kingdom). There is some travel associated with the role (approximately 15–20% per year).

Compensation