Purpose of Role: Support AONTAS’ community education members through a range of areas including the Community Education Network (CEN), community education research, capacity building, and the Quality Assurance Community of Practice.
Key Responsibilities:
The Community Education Officer will report directly with the Head of Advocacy and work with the Senior Community Education Officer to support the delivery of AONTAS’ community education initiatives and assist the organisation in building a thriving community education sector.
Community Education Initiatives
- Develop and organise capacity building initiatives for AONTAS CEN members in partnership with the Project Officer for Capacity Building.
- Contribute to and engage with the staff community education working group and communicate all community education related initiatives within AONTAS staff team.
- Work closely with the Senior Community Education Officer and Head of Advocacy to ensure community education initiatives are in-line with the goals of the Strategic Plan and progressing effectively.
AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN)
CEN Meetings
- Support the implementation of the Community Education Network by organising meetings, and assist in the delivery of CEN reports with the Senior Community Education Officer.
- Support the CEN Steering Group and develop meeting minutes.
- Organise communication with CEN members, including the CEN e-bulletin.
CEN Community of Practice and Quality Assurance Support
- With the Senior Community Education Officer identify the quality assurance needs of AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN) members and support the development of materials and resources to support members.
- With the Senior Community Education Officer, organise AONTAS’ quality assurance Community of Practice group and support all associated actions and administration.
Resources and Research
- Produce CEN materials (reports, blogs and publications) to the highest standard with the Communications Team.
- Support the AONTAS community education research with the Research Team.
- Identify member advocacy issues and communicate to the Senior Community Education Officer and the Head of Advocacy.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Engage with QQI and AONTAS members to identify and respond to issues affecting members.
- Promote and advance AONTAS’ community education initiatives.
- Identify new community education members and support the implementation of the membership strategy, including active membership promotion at events and meetings with the Senior Community Education Officer.
- Represent AONTAS at external meetings and events promoting the organisation’s work, including the CEN, as requested.
- Build relationships with and support community education network members.
Contribute to AONTAS
At all times, operate to the highest professional, ethical and performance standards. This includes adapting effortlessly to changing circumstances in AONTAS and undertaking, surrendering or realigning any responsibility, within reason, the CEO requires. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time, to provide for change.
Measures of Success
- Effective delivery of the Quality Assurance Community of Practice.
- Strong relationships with AONTAS community education network members.
- Successful implementation of capacity building opportunities for community education members.
- Clear communication of all community education initiatives and engagement with the AONTAS staff team.
- Positive representation of the organisation internally and externally.
Requirements
Core Requirements
- Clear understanding of the needs and experiences of the community education sector.
- Experience working in the area of programme delivery.
- A high level of report writing and administration experience.
- Capacity to deliver technical requirements for meetings and events online using zoom and other platforms.
Required Experience
- Level 8 in the field of humanities or social science (preferably in the area of education).
- A minimum of 3 years working in the non-profit or adult learning sector.
- A strong knowledge and experience in the adult and community education in Ireland.
- Experience organising and facilitating meetings and working groups.
Personal Characteristics
- High level of professional responsibility and integrity.