The Role
Aberystwyth University wishes to appoint an officer to lead a project to map and build the language skills of students in academic contexts from 1st September 2024.
The project will identify and develop opportunities to foster Welsh language skills whilst studying, in pre-existing modules, modules under development and in other provision that might not carry credits. A framework will be created to recognise, document, and celebrate achievement in relation to these opportunities. Promoting the opportunities themselves will form a fundamental part of the project work.
The qualified person will have excellent communication skills through the medium of English and Welsh and be experienced in leading discussions and projects that require positive collaboration between various stakeholders. They will have a firm grasp of the basics of Higher Education in terms of the student experience as well as the person providing the teaching. They will be familiar with how students' academic portfolio is designed and delivered through modules and single and joint degree schemes and will have some understanding of the administrative processes involved in providing such modules and schemes.
To make an informal enquiry please contact Professor Anwen Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with responsibility for the Welsh language, aej@aber.ac.uk.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
What you’ll do
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
As a project leader, you will coordinate all aspects of the project's work and collaborate effectively with members of the University staff, both in the academic Registry and within the academic departments. You will plan the various stages of the project through consultation with the Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for the Welsh language and implement the clauses, reporting consistently on progress.
You will respond to the specific brief which is to:
* map the language levels of the different types of Welsh medium and bilingual provision across the University by using CEFR Framework with a view to providing language level measures across modules and other non-credit bearing experiences
* identify opportunities to include and/or increase experiences that develop language skills in pre-existing modules and modules in development and to discuss these with relevant staff with a view to integrating such opportunities into academic and academic-related provision
* ensure that the experience and the language level is noted as part of the module descriptor under headings such as ‘Learning outcomes’ or module skills
* work with students to promote opportunities to develop their language skills by following Welsh medium and bilingual modules and through engagement with other non-credit bearing learning
* formulate a plan that will map the language attainments of individual students as they complete their learning including opportunities to celebrate successes.
In collaboration with others, the postholder is expected to:
* Lead the project effectively and reach the relevant goals within the specified deadline
* Show imagination while taking advantage of additional opportunities throughout the project
* Understand the brief, plan the various stages of the project, and provide the relevant measures of success
* Foster a positive attitude towards collaboration with academics, University administrative staff and Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol staff where appropriate
* Interact effectively with students to gather their views and input into the project
* Undertake effective outreach work on behalf of the project both within and outside the University
* Place the project in a relatively broader context while learning from others where possible
* To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
* To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
* To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
* Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
1. Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in any subject or field
2. Evidence of project leadership and management experience
3. Evidence of the ability to collaborate within and across different teams
4. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C2.
5. Understanding of the Higher Education sector from the perspective of student experience
6. Willingness to understand the role of academic and administrative staff in the design and delivery of undergraduate and/or postgraduate schemes in Higher Education
7. Ability to plan a programme of work which has specific objectives and within a timeframe
8. An understanding of bilingual contexts in general
9. Excellent written and oral skills in both Welsh and English.
10. Ability to work independently, to take responsibility for a project, and take advantage of additional opportunities
11. Ability to identify challenges and respond flexibly and positively to them
Desirable
1. Experience of working/studying within a bilingual context.
2. Experience and/or understanding of language planning.
3. Familiarity with CEFR and/or Learn Welsh levels
How to apply
To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.
Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
* Flexible working policy
* 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
* Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
* Commitment to Professional Development
* Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
* Staff recognition and reward schemes
* Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
* Staff relocation bursary
* Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
* Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
Please keep reading
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.
We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Employment Visa
Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.
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