Academic Development Manager Jobs in Manchester

Salary range: Assessors will be paid £380 for each full day of completed assessments (4 applications) or a pro-rated amount for each assessment (quarter day).

Job type: Fixed term post

Hours: 16-20 hours per week

Location: Must be living in the UK or British Overseas Territories

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is prospectively recruiting a small number of Mobility Programme Grant Assessors to join an existing assessment team for a flagship outward education and training mobility programme which enables learners in schools, colleges and universities to access international study and work opportunities and delivers transformative opportunities for individuals and communities across the UK.

The ACU works with a network of external assessors to assess applications and appeals from institutions in the Schools, Further Education/Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education sectors in the UK and British Overseas Territories. This is a unique opportunity to make a major contribution to a leading global mobility programme. We are awaiting confirmation that the programme will operate in Academic Year 2025/26 and are recruiting in order to be ready should the programme go ahead. Should the programme be withdrawn, no assessors will be needed.

We are currently seeking assessors for the Schools and Further Education/Vocational Education and Training sectors only.

Assessors will be responsible for evaluating applications against the programme criteria and will work within a sector team supported by a Senior Assessor. We are keen to welcome applicants from all four UK countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - to reflect the diverse and devolved nature of UK education and training.

Assessors must possess sector-specific knowledge of one or more of the sectors being recruited, and a solid track record of conducting high-quality, independent assessments for local, national or international agencies. You will also have substantial experience at a middle or senior management level in the UK Schools or FE/VET sectors, and the ability to produce concise, effective written feedback. We are also keen to hear from applicants with experience in both sectors.

Comprehensive, compulsory training will be provided to all successful applicants in March 2025, should the programme be confirmed for this year. Appointed assessors who complete the training will be paid a maximum of one day’s assessment rate as a contribution to their time spent undertaking the training. 

Assessors will each be required to commit to the equivalent of approximately 2 - 2.5 days’ assessment work (16-20 hours) per week throughout the 6-week assessment window, which we anticipate will take place in April and May 2025 (subject to confirmation). This equates to 4 applications in one day (i.e. 8 applications over 2 days, 10 applications over 2.5 days). Assessors will be paid £380 for each full day of completed assessments (4 applications) or a pro-rated amount for each assessment (quarter day). This rate is inclusive of feedback consolidation and of any supplementary review or reassessment that may be needed as the result of a quality check or moderation. 

Additional assessment days within the assessment window may be offered to those with capacity to do more, depending on the number of funding applications received. We also reserve the right to appoint reserve assessors in case of substantially increased demand. Being appointed is no guarantee of any paid work. 

We are recruiting:

• Sixteen  Assessors

Eligibility

In order to be an assessor, applicants should:

• Not be currently employed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities

• Not have been employed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities since 2020 

• Hold a UK bank account registered in their own name or business name. Nominated bank accounts will not be accepted and payment will be in sterling.

• Be living in the UK and have the right to work in the UK

• Have satisfactory references. 

Role Information

Key Tasks

• Understanding and applying the assessment criteria: assessors will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the programme’s objectives, and assessment criteria, applying these consistently, fairly and transparently to all applications ensuring that these are consistently applied and adhered to.

• Assessment of applications: completing the specified number of assessments to the programme’s quality standards and within the agreed timeframe, and responding to any follow-up from the relevant Senior Assessor in a timely manner. 

• Scoring and feedback: completing the reporting template and feedback on applications, scoring each question against the evidence provided and constructing and consolidating meaningful feedback; revisiting and, where necessary, re-assessing applications or specific questions under the guidance of the relevant Senior Assessor.

• Advice and insight: providing advice and insight on the quality of applications and the management of the process with recommendations for improvement.

Skills and experience: Essential

• Sector-specific expertise: demonstrable sector-specific knowledge and expertise of one or more of the sectors being recruited to (Schools or Further Education/Vocational Education and Training), and substantial experience at middle or senior management level in one or more of these sectors in the UK, and experience of working in education and training in one or more of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are also keen to hear from applicants with experience in both sectors. 

• Assessment or evaluation experience: extensive experience of conducting high-quality, high-stakes independent assessments and/or evaluations for local, national or international agencies in an education and training context.

• Delivery: a clear track record of managing multiple priorities whilst meeting tight deadlines and exacting quality standards in order to get the job done. This also includes the ability to analyse written and numerical information and produce concise, impactful written feedback.

Skills and experience: Desirable

• Experience of working in international education and training mobility programmes. 

• Involvement in regular community-based activity, e.g. voluntary work, community engagement, charity work, etc. 

How to apply:

Click on the apply button to visit our Recruitment Portal on our website. At that stage, you need to email an up-to-date CV and a cover letter of 1000 words maximum detailing how you meet the skills and experience of the role, along with your motivation for applying (please do not submit an application form via our website). 

If you have questions about this job, or would like further information, please click the apply button – contact details on our website.

The closing date is 29 January 2025 @ 12:00PM GMT.

Senior Policy Advisor - Children in Care.

Salary:c£45,000 per annum.

Location: Remote with frequent travel to London.

Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract covering Maternity Leave, 35 hours per week.

Benefits:  

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailer's discounts.

Why Action for Children?

Action for Children protects and supports children, young people, and families. Our vision is that every child and young person has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

In 2023/24 we helped 687,755 children, young people, and their families across the UK. We provide practical and emotional support through 426 services in local communities across the UK, in schools and online. This includes 68 children's centres and family hubs, 61 family support services, 14 homes for disabled children, 11 residential children's homes, 15 foster and adoption services, six services for young people at risk of criminal exploitation and one residential school. We are one of the largest voluntary sector providers of residential care in England and, outside local authorities, the biggest provider of disability services for children and young people.

We also campaign passionately and work closely with policy makers to make sure the voices of young people are heard, to influence policy decisions and bring lasting improvements to the lives of children and their families.

A bit about the role 

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Research, you will design and deliver high quality research and policy outputs in support of Action for Children's work to influence and change UK Government policy around children in care and deliver lasting change in children's lives.

You'll work closely with our Influencing and Media teams and Services colleagues to ensure Action for Children is at the forefront of the policy debate and has maximum impact with key national and local stakeholders.

You'll develop and apply research and policy strategies that incorporate the views of children, parents, and our services staff to ensure that their voices are at the heart of Action of Children's policy and research. This is an exciting time to join Action for Children as it works to influence a range of policy agendas.

How you'll help to create brighter futures by

• Function as Action for Children's policy expert on Children in Care.
• Manage a diverse and challenging workload progressing policy and research projects from design to delivery, including commissioned work through external researchers, networks, and academic institutions.
• Undertake research activities using a range of approaches, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Provide expert advice on key policy priorities across Action for Children, ensuring that the Chief Executive and senior colleagues are informed and resourced with the relevant information.
• Establish collaborative working with colleagues to develop effective evidence gathering, research and policy activity that has the child at the centre.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with senior civil servants, politicians, academics, and opinion formers, working proactively.
• Collaborate proactively with colleagues in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to share policy and research expertise.

Let's talk about you 

• Experience in designing and delivering quantitative and qualitative research projects and/or developing policy recommendations.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex information and data, including from Action for Children's Services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within a team, across departments and with other organisations, and the ability to work with all kinds of people, including people affected by the issues we influence to change.
• Good organisation skills to respond quickly to the demands of the fast moving and complex policy and media agendas.
• Good influencing skills and the ability to identify and develop relationships with policy stakeholders who can drive change.
• Excellent research and intelligence gathering skills and ability to understand and apply information to specific audiences.

Please see the Job Description for the full list of accountabilities and requirements. 

Good to know

Application Process

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Want to know more about Action for Children?

Find us on , ,  or  to get to know us better.

Closing Date: Tuesday 28^th January 2025.

Interviews will be week commencing 3^rd February 2025.

See below for further information about working with us:

Hours: Full-time

Pay: £29000 - £31,500 GBP annual gross (dependent on role & experience)

Duration: 18 months (with possible extension dependent on funding)

Location: UK-based with international deployment

Are you looking to kickstart your career in the humanitarian sector? Is your ambition to develop towards leadership roles in humanitarian work? And are you willing to work hard, learn by doing, and contribute to humanitarian work by doing everything it takes to deliver lifesaving health emergency responses?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

We are excited to launch our Humanitarian Trainee Scheme, offering three distinct trainee roles in the areas of Health, Operations, or Logistics. The Humanitarian Trainee Scheme presents an unparalleled learning opportunity for early career professionals who are committed to a career in humanitarian work. It is an opportunity to catapult your career forward towards humanitarian leadership roles within Health, Operations and Logistics. The Humanitarian Trainee Scheme consists of an 18-month pathway designed to provide in-depth exposure to humanitarian health programming through a structured professional development plan where you will embed in a team and contribute actively to the daily work and priorities in the team and wider organisation both in Headquarters and in the field whilst engaging in formal and informal professional development opportunities through training, mentoring, on-the-job learning, etc.

As a trainee, you will:

• Embed in a team in UK-Med headquarters where you will contribute to our broad preparedness and activities within Health, Operations or Logistics.
• Deploy internationally to assist in delivering humanitarian health responses.
• Participate in tailored training, mentoring, and shadowing to build your skills and experience.

We are looking for three motivated individuals, each focused on one of the key areas:

1. Health Trainee
2. Operations Trainee
3. Logistics Trainee

You will have relevant qualifications (e.g., a degree or postgraduate qualification depending on the role) and a keen interest in the humanitarian sector. Some professional and international experience is essential, along with a strong drive to develop your career in one of these critical fields.

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact in global health emergencies.

We are proud to offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, with the opportunity to contribute to life-saving humanitarian responses.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack – Humanitarian Trainees - January 2025 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 27th January 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which includes interviews and in-person assessments to evaluate their skills and suitability for the role.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be deployable without the need for additional visa applications to Schengen countries. This requirement is essential for operational reasons to ensure swift and efficient deployment in humanitarian settings, enabling timely and effective responses to crises.

Applications for work in the UK can only be accepted from people with an existing right to work in the UK.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.