Job title

Professional Development Consultant

Grade

Senior Executive Officer

Job reference

IRC64045

Business area

DWP

Location

Quarry House, Leeds

Hours

37hours per week, Mon-Fri, Flexible

Salary

£30,480–£36,500 a year

Closing date

11/11/2009

Term of contract

Permanent

Description

DWP’s Communications Directorate plans, commissions and delivers communication activity across all parts of the Department and its Delivery Agencies. We are proactive, positive strategic partners who are energised, opinionated, expert and fun to work with; our structure is non-hierarchical and we value creativity and contributions from all our people.

Key responsibilities for this post are

Design, deliver and market learning opportunities to raise professional capability for DWP Comms Directorate and Comms Network.

Scope and implement development projects to contribute to Professional Development.

Source, commission and where needed, design and facilitate learning and development for professions within the directorate.

Lead the evaluation of Learning and Development interventions in Comms Directorate (incorporating Investors in People and Comms network survey / Staff Survey feedback).

Work in partnership with the Government Communication Network (GCN) on behalf of the Head of Profession and with Organisational People Development (OPD) team through the HR Business Partner (HRBP) team.

Key outputs and activities

• Identify learning and development needs and raise the capability of managers to address these needs.
• Form strong consultative relationships with key stakeholders in Comms network.
• Oversee the recommended professional Communications programme of internal and external formal courses and ensure these opportunities are communicated and accessible to DWP Communications Network staff and managers – to include induction, general professional development, specialist skills development and change management.
• Work with DWP Communications Network staff and managers to create professional development pathways.
• Monitor the planning and budgeting for training and development costs for the development of all employees within the Comms Directorate. 
• Design and/or contract out design of bespoke DWP Communications Network learning and development.   Facilitate and/or contract out facilitation of bespoke DWP Communications Network learning and development.
• Facilitate action learning sets for Comms managers and/or graduate trainees in Comms
• Contribute to ‘Delivering the Comms Vision’ linking many of the above to the Directorate’s initiatives to facilitate Cultural change.
• Work with HRBP team and OPD on behalf of Comms Directorate to design and maximize opportunities and places on Leadership and Management development programmes. 

Any other duties commensurate with the level of this post

Qualifications

Skills required

Essential

• Learning and Development management
• Learning and Development delivery and facilitation
• Facilitation of Learning and Development
• Competent to use Microsoft software products in particular:
• Word,  Powerpoint and Microsoft office.
• Knowledge, understanding and experience in blended learning and development activities including development of a blended learning programme, development mapping and career pathways
• Influencing and relationship building skills
• Communications – interpersonal,  to large and small groups
• Ability to work well with managers at all levels
• Ability to communicate complex concepts simply and effectively
• Proven ability to provide a customer focused service that exceeds customer expectations.

Desirable

• It is desirable (but not essential) for candidates to have CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Membership or be working toward such accreditation or equivalent
• Psychometric tools for assessment of development and potential
• Solid understanding of Communications/Marketing strategies and processes

Understanding of learning management systems

How to apply

To apply for this position please send:

• A full CV with your education and professional qualifications, full employment history and contact details for two referees.
• A covering letter, of no more than two sides of A4 in 12pt font, summarising your suitability for the role – including examples which illustrate your relevant experience and skills

Also include

• the job title or reference
• an address, email address and telephone number for communications and
• whether you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme
• Nationality

Closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 11 November 2009.   Late applications will not be accepted.

Due to business demands, first interviews will take place on 20 November with final assessment on 27 November 2009. Candidates must take this into account if you intend to apply.

Please include reference IRC64045 and your name in the subject box. We cannot accept applications without the job reference number in the subject line of the email.

Before you apply, please save your fully completed application form under your full name, (Surname first, followed by your forename) before you attach it to the e-mail.

This email address is for application forms only, we will not reply to any other correspondence sent to this email address.

Further information can be obtained from Steve Bruzzese on 07825 932738

Applications to be sent by email to
comms.vacancies@dwp.gsi.gov.uk