Principal Evaluator

**Two, Ongoing Full-Time**:

- **Ongoing, flexible work arrangements**:

- **Location: Parramatta / Remote (hybrid role)**:

- **Opportunity to make a difference at the Department of Education**:

- **$134,411 to $153,445 per annum (10.5% superannuation)**:

- **35 hour week**

**About the Department of Education**

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education.

**About the Centre of Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE)**

The Centre of Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) is responsible for vital education research that supports schools in improving the outcomes of their students. Across the centre, more than a hundred researchers, data and policy analysts, and evaluators work together to conduct meaningful work in reshaping the future of education. CESE undertakes in-depth analysis of education programs and outcomes across early childhood, primary and secondary schooling, and training to inform whole-of-government, evidence-based decision making. Put simply, CESE seeks to find out what works best.

**About the role**

The role will lead a team within the Evaluation and Effectiveness Unit.

As Principal Evaluator you will deliver concurrent evaluations of priority Education Cluster initiatives that seek to improve student outcomes, by working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure evaluations provide valuable evidence at critical time points, and that evaluation findings are used. The role will also promote the importance of evaluation and support evaluation capacity building across the cluster.

Working in CESE is a highly rewarding experience. There will be many opportunities to develop and grow through undertaking stimulating and impactful evaluations while working within a supportive team.

You will have opportunities to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels and contribute to the strategic direction of Evaluation and Effectiveness.

If this role sounds interesting, we look forward to hearing from you

**What our team offers**:

- Flexible working conditions, such as working from home, compressed hours, flextime
- a collaborative, professional, respectful and generous environment. We are made up of diverse people, skills and backgrounds.
- a good reputation for quality and rigorous work
- access to learning and development opportunities
- varied and interesting work
- modern office located in Parramatta with great facilities and views overlooking the Parramatta River.

**What we are looking for**:
You will:

- have a passion for education and evaluation,
- want to work in a job that makes a positive social impact,
- appreciate being well-resourced to do your work, and
- enjoy critical thinking and stimulating discussions

**Essential requirements of the role**

Valid Working with Children Check for paid employment

**Key knowledge and experience**
- Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Demonstrated experience in evaluation, research, or education.
- Strong working knowledge of evaluation theory, practice and use, particularly as it relates to data analysis and decision making preferably in public sector organisation
- Strong communication skills and the ability educate stakeholders about evaluation
- Experience in leading and managing a team
- Honours degree or higher in applied social sciences, education with an emphasis on measurement, psychology or a similar discipline, or relevant professional experience in evaluation
- One or more of the following:

- Demonstrated extensive experience using statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, R, SPSS).
- Demonstrated extensive experience in qualitative data collection and analysis using relevant software (e.g. NVivo)

**How to apply**

Attach a resume (maximum 2 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role. You will also be required to provide answers to the 2 pre-screening questions below:
Targeted Question 1: Describe a situation where you had to deliver draw on a range of different information sources to produce evidence-based analysis or advice. What was the greatest challenge? How did you address it? (300 word limit)

Targeted Question 2: Think of a time when you led a research project involving many stakeholders and processes. How did you work with people in your team/organisation, manage your stakeholders, and communicate and/or consult on you work over that period? (300 word limit)

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. You will be