JOB DESCRIPTION 

POST TITLE :   International Liaison Officer (China, Far East & Asia)

SALARY SCALE  :  Points 25 to 29 on the College Pay Scales

DATE  :  January 2012

GENERIC PURPOSE OF POST

The collaborative partnership in support of international business development launched in 2007 between City College Coventry and Stratford-upon-Avon College, trading under the name of Heart of England International Academy (HEIA), has exceeded expectations. 

The HEIA also works closely in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (‘the Partners’) in developing new markets and institutional partnerships in China and the Far East.

To support existing and anticipated growth, it is necessary to extend and consolidate the staffing infrastructure and the post of International Liaison Officer (China & Far East) is of key importance to the continued success of the partner institutions

The postholder is required to work flexibly and whilst s/he will be based in Stratford-upon-Avon s/he will be required to work from any premises within the UK or overseas from which the Partners operate. As such the postholder will be expected and required to undertake extensive overseas travel in support of international education, training and business expansion plans.

All staff are expected to support the College’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

JOB ROLE PURPOSE OF POST

The focus of this post will be to develop and foster relationships, resulting in positive institutional partnerships leading to increased international student numbers. The postholder will also be responsible for developing market intelligence and working with international contacts to look at innovative ways to expand our international business.

COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the generic responsibilities referred to above, all colleagues employed directly in support of assisting with the provision of the teaching and learning experiences of students at Stratford upon Avon College are expected to undertake the following College related responsibilities.

1. Flexibility

To work flexibly as part of a team with cross College responsibilities.

2. Marketing

To assist, either directly or indirectly, with the recruitment, admission and enrolment of students and the marketing of courses in particular, and the College, in general.

3. Quality Assurance

To participate in undertaking all appropriate aspects of the College’s Quality Assurance systems.

4. Equal Opportunities

To adhere to and to promote the College’s policy on equal opportunities, entitlement and inclusiveness.

5. Staff and Continuous Professional Development

As identified, to participate fully in all appropriate activities designed to improve the quality of individual, team and College performance.

6. Health & Safety

Implement College Health and Safety systems and procedures.

7. Other Duties

Undertake other commensurate duties as may be required from time to time.

JOB ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

 Professional/Technical/Procedural Knowledge

The job requires advanced theoretical, practical and procedural knowledge across the specialist area of international business development.

 Complexity of Task(s)

The job involves carrying out a wide variety of complex tasks or duties, a limited number of which may have cross-College implications.

 Decision Making

The job involves working within broad practice guidelines and occasionally making low level autonomous decisions using discretion and initiative sometimes without recourse to a line manager. The role is subject to moderate managerial direction.

 Line Management Responsibility

The job involves direct responsibility for the supervision, direction and co-ordination of other employees. The job involves the allocation of work to a small group or team, the checking of work and the day to day direction of staff. The work involves advising, and instructing team members as necessary and assisting with the overall training and development of designated staff. 

 Responsibility for Physical/Financial Resources

The job involves direct responsibility for a wide number of physical and/or financial resources clearly defined and limited by range, value or number together with the responsibility for the basic equipment and tools associated with the job. The job also involves indirect responsibility for the basic equipment and tools used by team members.

 Mental Effort/Level of Concentration and/or Emotional Demands

The job requires high level general awareness and involves prolonged periods of intense concentration, involving maximum sensory/mental attention over a range of different activities. The job involves frequent periods of high level work-related pressures e.g. working to deadlines, interruptions, and conflicting demands. The job requires the ability to directly manage and/or otherwise deal with staff, their emotions and demands in a sensitive, supportive and constructive manner taking a collegiate approach.

 Working Environment

The job involves minimal exposure to disagreeable, unpleasant or hazardous environmental working conditions.

HOURS OF WORK

The postholder will work flexibly with a minimum of 37 hours per week over 52 weeks per annum, less entitlement to annual leave or Bank and/or Public Holidays normally observed in England and Wales, such hours of work to be determined by the demands of the specific task in hand and the job in general. As international travel and antisocial hours will be an integral part of the role, the normal working week will be from Monday to Sunday and may include Bank and/or Public Holidays. The postholder will be entitlted to accrue time off in lieu for those days/hours worked in excess of the normal working week, subject to the prior approval of the line manager.

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU

From time to time the postholder may be required to undertake duties that involve unrestricted contact with children or vulnerable adults, therefore the offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory Standard/Enhanced Disclosure statement from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). A copy of the CRB’s Code of Practice is available on request.

IMMIGRATION CHECKS

All appointments are subject to receipt of documents evidencing proof of permission to work in the UK.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

The College is fully committed to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, following safe recruitment in line with Government procedures.

JOB ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES (GENERAL)

Reporting to the Assistant Principal – International & Higher Education and working positively with the cross-partner International Business Development Team, the Postholder will:

1. Initiate new partnerships with International Recruitment Consultants ensuring compliance with HEIA procedures supporting UKBA guidelines on the use of international recruitment consultants. Monitor consultant activity and productivity and provide ongoing statistical evidence of quality and compliance with UKBA immigration requirements and HEIA policy and procedure;

2. Liaise with the cross-partner International Business Development Team in the planning, prioritising and aligning of sales activity with planned strategies and marketing activity to new/existing target countries as required;

3. Ensure positive, proactive and timely communications with international partners ensuring that International Recruitment Consultants are nurtured to deliver the maximum number of students;

4.  Establish and develop commercial relationships with both overseas educational, business and Government organisations to build a platform for international business development activities and associated learning delivery both in the UK and internationally in-country;

5. Respond to and follow up sales enquiries using appropriate methods, including the creation of relevant costed business proposals as required in support of business development activities;

6. Track the market trends, understand the relevant market forces and respond to changes in global situations to mitigate potential problems and facilitate entry to new markets;

7. Bring forward ideas on new product potential as a result of overseas visits and/or market research, assessing their viability with senior managers;

8. As required undertake responsibility for UKBA requirements as they relate to the HEIA partner Colleges’ status as a Highly Trusted Sponsor(s);

9.  Administer such systems as may from time to time be designated to record, analyse and report on international contact activity thus maintaining consistency of communications and quality of outputs;

10. Work closely with all international teams within the partner institutions to ensure that the international students’ route onto courses and programmes effective and efficient;

11. Provide full translation and interpretation services as required and facilitate and/or present at such meetings, seminars, conferences or forums as deemed necessary;

12.      Proactively seek out project and externally funded opportunities and effectively manage the same to positive outcomes and conclusion;

13. Attend training to develop relevant knowledge, techniques and skills;

14. Be familiar with and adhere to all partner institution policies and procedures as may from time to time be in force;

15. Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested.

JOB ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES (SUMMER / WINTER SCHOOL)

• Reporting to the Assistant Principal – International & Higher Education and working positively with the cross-partner International Business Development Team, the Postholder will:
•  Undertake responsibility for the further development of Summer / Winter School contracts in line with challenging financial and recruitment targets ensuring the effective involvement of colleagues within the partner institutions, international recruitment consultants, residential accommodation partners etc.
•  Work effectively with service providers to ensure that all partner institutions’ residential accommodation blocks are fully utilised during the Summer period and that the provision of quality services and value for money is maintained at a high level.
•  Be responsible for Summer School budget management including financial income and expenditure