Academic Quality Officer

Heriot Watt University

The Academic Quality Officer will be responsible for undertaking key quality assurance activities as part of the Academic Quality team based at the Dubai campus, with a particular focus on:

• Accreditation, review and audit events for the approval and re-approval of the University s licence and programmes; and

• Regulatory data returns to the CAA, MoHESR and KHDA.

The postholder will be responsible for supporting an integrated, coherent approach across all modes and locations and to maintaining and assuring the quality and academic standards of the University s provision.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with other Academic Quality Officers to gather university data for regulatory data returns to CAA, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the KHDA.

• Collate and draft accreditation documentation for submission to regulatory bodies on behalf of academic colleagues for review by the Academic Quality Manager ready for submission.

• Co-ordinate accreditation, licensure and audit events (and produce reports where required from such events) for the approval and re-approval of the University s licence and programmes. This includes both those required by the University s internal processes and those required by UK and non-UK government Authorities / external agencies, including KHDA, CAA and MoHESR in the UAE.

• Represent the Dubai campus, and maintain strong working relationships, with local regulatory authorities under the direction of the Academic Quality Manager.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including other Professional Service teams and academic colleagues.

• Provide advice and guidance on standard enquiries regarding Academic Quality policies and procedures and local regulatory and accreditation requirements.

• Provide support as needed for approval, review and renewal of the University s external partnership agreements, including Partner Annual Monitoring and Review, and collaborate with International Development colleagues in associated policy and procedure developments.

• Co-ordinate the reporting of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations in Dubai to both the University and to external government organisations, and provide support to Schools as required in PSRB accreditation events.

• Progress any other tasks associated with the work of the Academic Quality team, and this is likely to include campus-specific tasks, eg co-ordinating Academic Reviews at the Dubai campus, including organisation of Enhancement Workshops, and contributing to the organisation of Academic-Related Reviews and Internal Audits at the Edinburgh Campus.

• Progress any other tasks associated with the work of the wider Registry and Academic Support Directorate, eg assisting at student enrolment and at graduation ceremonies.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

• Educated to at least Bachelor s degree level, or equivalent practical experience in the workplace

• Experience of working within a similar environment, preferably in international higher education

• Proven experience collating and drafting large-scale reports

• Proven relevant experience in clerking committees, which will have been acquired over a number of years

• Analytical problem-solving skills

• Well-developed interpersonal skills

• Demonstrable excellent customer service

• Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment

• Demonstrable professional and proactive approach

• Competent in the use of relevant IT packages

Desirable

• Experience working in Higher Education quality assurance

• Experience working with KHDA, CAA and/or MoHESR requirements and processes