MANAGER- RESEARCH – Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)

Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tertiary Education Research Science and Technology. It draws its mandate from the BQA Act No.24 of 2013. Its main objectives are to provide for and maintain the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) and to coordinate the Education, Training and Skills Development Quality Assurance System. BQA invites applications from qualified candidates to fill the following position:

MANAGER- RESEARCH

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To manage the research and data collection function of the BQA; and supervise the maintenance of a database with a view to provide the Authority and other stakeholders with reliable and up-to-date data on the Education and Training sector in Botswana.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. Divisional Strategies, Policies and Leadership
2. Management of Research projects
3. Research
4. Statistical Analysis
5. Knowledge Management
6. People Management
7. Reporting

DIVISIONAL STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND LEADERSHIP

1. Participates in formulating, defining, reviewing and updating the strategic directions of the BQA

Business Development Division.

1. Provides inputs to the preparations of department’s strategic/operating plans and budgets.
2. Develops and coordinates the implementation of relevant processes and procedures for the conduct of the division’s mandate.
3. Aligns the divisional objectives and operations with the overall departmental objectives and operating plans.
4. Develops, reviews and implements cost effective and value driven systems, standards, procedures, guidelines and instruments that are relevant for the conduct of the unit’s work.
5. Plans the division’s activities and maintains direct oversight on its operations.
6. Provides professional inputs and makes technical recommendations on all matters relating to the functions of the division.

MANAGEMENT OF RESEARCH PROJECTS

1. Determines the need for research to obtain baseline data for purposes of policy development, strategic planning or in response to requests for research from other departments or external stakeholders.
2. Decides whether to outsource research or carry it out using internal resources, depending on the scope, magnitude and complexity of the research, and gets necessary approval from Director – Business Development.
3. Manages the execution of outsourced research by:
4. Sourcing funds, developing needs paper and draws up invitation to tender documents (ITT) specifying scope and terms of reference (ToRs) expected deliverables and timeframes, etc., in accordance with BQA tender procedures.
5. Developing criteria for selection and award of tender and submits to the competent authority for approval.

• Undertaking detailed technical evaluation of bids and recommending selection of the best bidder based on the technical content of the proposal and capability and capacity of the bidder to the competent authority.

1. Establishing up appropriate research project management structures and processes, in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders.
2. Supervises the research as it progresses, verifying that ToR are complied with, deliverables meet quality standards and set timeframes are complies with, and taking necessary remedial action where necessary.

RESEARCH

1. Identifies needs for in-house research in particular areas or in response to external requests, or to address emerging issues.
2. Plans the research determining scope and ToRs, assign roles to Research Officers an supervises the development of and approves research instruments, and the employment of Research Assistants.
3. Manages the implementation of the research, monitoring its progress and reviewing all deliverables to ensure they meet set BQA standards.
4. Identifies internal and external sources of information, applying professional skills and using knowledge of the local and external Education and Training environment.

STATISTICS

1. Manages the BQA information / data requirements for policy and programming development, and to meet various stakeholder needs such as the MoESD and ETPs.
2. Produces regular reports of analysed educational data from various sources and institutions, for general stakeholder public consumption.
3. Disseminates data through official BQA newsletters and other Publications.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

1. Develops and maintains a Business Intelligence Model (BIM) for the BQA, deciding on the type, form or structure of the data, working hand in hand with internal and external stakeholders, and the Manager IT, in the design of same.
2. Develop budgets for the Information Resource Centre (IRC) operational requirements and submits to Manager Business Development for approval.
3. Procures materials, equipment and other supplies for the (IRC), following BQA procurement procedures.
4. Supervises the running of the BQA Information Resource Centre, ensuring it is properly resourced and run professionally.
5. Manages the IRC budget, approving expenditure and maintaining accurate records of expenditure.

REPORTING

1. Prepares detailed monthly, quarterly and annual operational reports, detailing achievements in relation to against set targets, and challenges, and submits to the Director – NCQF Services, with appropriate recommendations.
2. Prepares and publishes periodic statistical reports for general stakeholder information.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

1. Participates in the recruitment and on-boarding of the staff of the division.
2. Manages and ensures that team members have performance contracts, and that performance assessment are done in accordance with BQA PMS system and agreed schedules.
3. Monitors the performance of the division and ensures that all team members meet or exceed their performance contracts.
4. Resolves disciplinary and grievance issues in accordance with Botswana labour legislation and BQA disciplinary codes and best practice.
5. Demonstrates commitment to the transformation of BQA into a high performing organization by ensuring the division’s contribution to cross functional work teams as and when required, and reflecting the Authority’s vision, mission and values in daily work and interactions.

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY (SHEQ)

1. Develops and ensures the alignment of all divisional policies, processes, procedures and functions with SHE legislation and protocols, and BQA quality management systems for approval by the Director.
2. Enforces and manages the maintenance of quality standards by all divisional staff at all times.
3. Adheres to safe work procedures to ensure safety of self and others.
4. Undertakes and enforces timely corrective and preventative action on deviations arising from SHEQ audits and risk assessments.

AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Financial: Approves expenditure within delegated limits of Authority.

Assets: Accountable for information Resource Centre and divisional assets.

Human: Evaluates staff performance and recommends performance-based rewards Disciplines staff in accordance with BQA disciplinary policy and procedures.

Undertakes any other related activities required to meet the objectives of the Authority.

11. POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• Master’s Degree in Research Methods or related field from a recognised University.
• PhD an added advantage.

Experience in knowledge of Education, and Training Systems

• A minimum of 8 years in the field of Education and training including a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory position.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

1. Knowledge of NCQF and Training and Education Sector
2. Research Methods and Statistical Analysis Tools
3. Knowledge of Quality Assurance
4. Monitoring and Evaluation skills
5. Project Management
6. Computer literate, and knowledge of systems and applications in the specific area of work
7. Analytical skills
8. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
9. OTHER COMPETENCIES
10. Attention to detail
11. Team building, leadership and motivation
12. People management and interpersonal skills
13. Planning, organizing, budgeting and resource management
14. Analytical thinking
15. Service oriented and Customer Orientation
16. Results oriented and performance driven
17. Decisiveness and Assertiveness
18. Communication, influence, impact and relationship building
19. Emotional Intelligence

Terms of employment

Fixed term contract of 1-5 years for Management positions and Permanent and Pensionable for officer level positions and below.