Pharmacist (Assistant Manager) for Distance Learning

To assist in the development, delivery and promotion of the School’s postgraduate distance learning programme.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• To provide educational and specialist/professional advice in relation to the development and delivery of innovative and relevant postgraduate professional practice programmes that meet the needs of the pharmacy profession both locally and internationally.
• Adopt a proactive approach to the identification of opportunities for developing new programmes and service enhancements to meet the needs of the School’s taught postgraduate students.
• Contribute to the development of the Centre’s education policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of distance learning team strategies and plans. Maintain an awareness of relevant University strategies and plans.
• Prepare and maintain information and documentation effectively, e.g. student documentation, teaching support materials, web pages, etc.
• Provide advice, information and assistance to service users, e.g. students, tutors and local mentors to resolve problems and to maximise uptake and quality of services and programmes.
• Collect, analyse and present reports, statistics and results to inform decision making within relevant areas.
• To evaluate students’ learning experience via the University’s quality assurance procedures with the purpose of informing future programme development.
• Adopt a proactive approach to the identification and resolution of potential problem areas, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the service provided. Management of administrative processes relating to the Centre’s examinations including preparation of exam papers, liaison with external examiners, organising external examination venues and invigilation of examinations.
• Management of administrative aspects of the distance learning programme to ensure efficient working within specified time-scales and financial budgets. Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be reasonably requested by senior management.

Planning and Organising:

• Contribute to short or medium term developments to support the achievement of project objectives in the School’s Distance
• Learning Centre.
• Contribute to planning and organising support for the day-to-day delivery of taught postgraduate courses.
• Organise efficient administrative working practices.
• Organise financial procedures for payments to external tutors, local mentors, etc.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Assist in the utilisation of resources within the area of responsibility to ensure that they are effectively managed and monitored.
• To contribute to the development of a costed Business Plan for the Distance Learning Centre and manage the delivery of the programme in relation to the costed plan. To review spend and advise the Manager on cost-efficiency measures in relation to the distance learning programme. Assume delegated responsibilities as appropriate.

Internal and External Relationships:

• The post-holder will be an active part of the Centre’s management team and lead/manage and provide guidance as appropriate whilst being an effective team player.
• Liaise with colleagues in relevant University Directorates, including Finance, Personnel, Information Services, and Academic and Students Affairs.
• Provide support to distance learning students.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, for example, employers, tutors, mentors and professional bodies, as required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A degree in pharmacy.
• Member or eligible for membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
• Commitment to personal continuing professional development.
• Minimum of three years employment as a pharmacist in primary or secondary healthcare.
• Experience of planning and progressing work activities within organisational plans and policies.
• Ability to produce and analyse information to inform complex management decisions.
• Experience of using a range of electronic systems and software for the use of creating and maintaining records, including
• spreadsheets, and reporting for management purposes.
• Evidence of successful completion of complex tasks or projects.
• Ability to work effectively with staff and students within the University, and a wide range of external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse and solve problems.
• Good presentation skills.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Self-motivated.
• Able to adopt a team approach to working.
• Able to motivate and lead others.
• Committed to high professional standards.
• Willingness to work irregular hours on an occasional basis.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• A relevant postgraduate degree.
• Experience in development and/or delivery of pharmacy education programmes.
• Experience of university administration.
• Knowledge of quality assurance issues and practices in Higher Education.
• Experience of supervising or line managing staff.
• Experience in project management.