Regional Specialist

Hours: 37 hours

Tenure: Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027 (possible extension subject to funding)

Salary: NJC Scale, Point 29-32, £37,336 - £40,221 per annum

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

In support of the DE vision "“Every child and young person is happy, learning and succeeding” the OBA Specialist will be responsible for the delivery, co-ordination and quality assurance of using evidence to improve outcomes for children, young people, families and communities.

The role will require leading on the implementation of high quality and appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes within The Pathway Fund.

To engage with the Early Years sector and Pathway Fund projects to identify their support needs.

To contribute to the delivery of existing services and developments within the Early Years portfolio, with a clear focus on monitoring, evaluation and outcomes reporting.

We're looking for people who:

Essential criteria

At the closing date applicants, must have:

• A degree level qualification or equivalent in an area of study related to or incorporating Early Childhood Studies or Community Development or Business Development.
• Two years’ experience in the field of Community Development in an Early Years or Community Education or Social Care or Health setting.
• Two years previous experience of programme monitoring and evaluation with reporting responsibility to both internal and external stakeholders to include the OBA approach.
• A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in Northern Ireland/ROI and have the use of vehicle for official purpose OR have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Desirable criteria

• Post graduate qualification.

As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the criteria as outlined above and, on the personnel specification, and provide a copy of your CV.

Shortlisting will be completed based on the information contained with the application form, therefore it is important to clearly outline how you meet the criteria.

Please note that your CV will only be used to support your application in assessing employment history. Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.

An information pack containing the job description and personnel specification is available by clicking here.

Please note, the information pack will not be available after the job posting closes therefore you may want to download it.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 3 January 2025.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 24 January 2025.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.

Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods:

Email: monitoringofficer@early-years.org

Phone: 028 9038 7905

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.