CRAC:: vacancyone

Job Title: Head of Vocational Learning, Lifelong Learning

Reports to: Head of Lifelong Learning
Job Purpose: To develop and ensure delivery of CRAC’s strategic objectives in vocational learning
Issue Date: April 2008

1 Innovation

Play a key role in the development of CRAC's strategic plan in the area of vocational learning.
Co-ordinate and be accountable for researching, validating and developing new ideas, activities, products and services.
To investigate and develop funding streams and raise project-related financing in support of activities in the sector.
Plan for the future: imagine, envision, project and/or predict the impacts of government policy within the relevant segments of the market.
Take a lead role in the implementation of change, encouraging and challenging others to find new ways of developing CRAC's products and services.

2 Informed and Informative

To be one of CRAC's leading knowledge sources and a key spokesperson on vocational learning.
To disseminate knowledge and ideas within other areas of activity within CRAC.
Lead and support Lifelong Learning Team members to ensure that objectives are met.
Network with CRAC's customers to inspire confidence in the organisation and in CRAC's products and services.

3 Collaboration

To develop and manage CRAC's strategic relationships with key stakeholders in vocational learning. Building successful partnerships and relationships both internal and external.
To play a significant role in the CRAC senior management team and take on broader responsibilities as needed.
Support cross-team working within CRAC.
Liaise and negotiate with project partners and contract holders, developing creative partnerships.
Work with colleagues to create a climate of support and accountability.

4 Investment

Understanding the importance and operating with an awareness of short-term cash flow and long-term market position.
Build on existing products and/or services so that they meet current and future market needs.
Develop and manage the strategic plan for CRAC's interactions with all stakeholders in the sector, ensuring delivery against it.
Take responsibility for self-development and demonstrate a commitment to supporting the development of others. Develop and reinforce a knowledge and learning culture.

5 Quality

To be accountable for performance of the vocational learning unit, ensuring that activities are staffed and delivered to requisite standards.
Position self as the 'sector champion', both internally and externally.
Ensure that the projects are delivered on time, to budget and to the required standard.
Make the best use of time, people and resources and hold people to account for what they have agreed to deliver.
Communicate with clarity and consideration, verbally and in writing.
Use enquiry and questioning techniques together with effective listening skills to get to the root of a problem and/or to understand customer needs.

6 Person Specification and Experience

Knowledge and Experience

E	Background and substantial experience within the sector, together with current and thorough knowlege of policy and developments in the sector
E	Proven track record in developing and managing influential networks
E	Financial/budgeting experience
E	Experience in management of resources and priorities (people, time, finances)
E	ICT literate
D	Knowledge and/or awareness of training methods and models
D	Knowledge and experience of career-related learning policy and practice

Attributes

E	Initiative, self-confidence, resilience and willingness to take responsibility for own actions
E	Achievement orientated
E	Understanding of the need for flexibility in appropriate contexts
E	Willingness to travel and work outside standard office hours

Skills

E	Creative and strategic approach to the generation of new ideas
E	Ability to seek and use information to support the generation of ideas and to understand CRAC's market and political positions
E	Ability to develop and manage strategic alliances
E	Ability to think conceptually
E	Business awareness and customer focus
E	Ability to negotiate, influence and make an impact
E	Ability to use analytical thinking to solve problems and make decisions
E	Ability to lead and work as part of a team, working effectively and productively with others
E	Agility at both leading and adapting to change
E	Excellent communication skills
E	Project management skills

E=Essential
D=Desirable