Section Head – Integrated Continuing Education

Job Description

Company overview:

Since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, education has received significant attention from the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow Founding Fathers, based on their firm belief that education is the cornerstone of building an empowered society capable of keeping pace with progress and development.

Over the past decades, the UAE’s wise leadership has continued to place strong emphasis on building an advanced education system comparable to leading education systems worldwide, by mobilizing the necessary capabilities and resources to achieve the national agenda and the country’s future vision, while adopting leading practices and systems that contribute to high-quality educational outcomes.

Recognizing the importance of investing in human capital, the UAE, since the establishment of the Ministry of Education, has been committed to creating a leading educational environment aligned with the highest standards and supported by advanced technologies and modern educational practices. This contributes to preparing generations capable of confidently pursuing higher education and responding effectively to future labour market requirements.

The Ministry has also developed a smart learning ecosystem and advanced digital platforms, alongside the continuous development of curricula based on national learning standards, assessment policies focused on assessment for learning, and diverse educational pathways that support students’ capabilities and skills. These efforts contribute to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, developing future and 21st-century skills, and enabling students to think creatively, contribute to sustainable solutions to future challenges, and enhance the country’s competitiveness.

Department overview:

The Applied and Continuing Education Department is responsible for developing and implementing educational policies, programs, and initiatives that connect learning with practical and applied skills, while promoting continuing learning and development in line with the needs of target groups, society, and labour market requirements.

The Department also works to develop integrated and applied educational pathways and programs, strengthen the acquisition of future skills, and provide flexible and effective learning environments and experiences. In addition, it builds partnerships and coordinates with relevant stakeholders to enhance future readiness, improve learning outcomes, and promote the concept of lifelong learning.

Main job duties and responsibilities:

• Develop policies, standards, frameworks, and operational guidelines for integrated continuing education.
• Lead the design and development of integrated curricula and educational programs.
• Develop registration regulations and academic assessment frameworks.
• Contribute to the development of the National Learning Standards Framework.
• Ensure the availability of appropriate educational and technological resources.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Enhance the quality and effectiveness of educational programs.
• Improve learning outcomes and strengthen the capabilities of target groups.

Skills Description

Skills and Experience :

• Develop the Section’s operational plan and align it with approved strategic objectives and directions, define performance indicators, monitor implementation, and submit periodic reports on achievement levels, challenges, and corrective actions.
• Manage the Section’s team, including assigning roles and responsibilities, monitoring progress and employee performance, and completing annual performance evaluations in accordance with approved policies.
• Lead the development of policies, standards, operational guidelines, and frameworks for Integrated Continuing Education in line with the approved vision, strategic directions, and targets, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, and oversee their implementation.
• Oversee the development and review of the National Learning Standards Framework to support improved learning outcomes, and establish the overall framework for assessing student learning in line with approved strategic directions and targets, in coordination with relevant sectors and departments.
• Oversee the provision and continuous updating of approved study plans and educational pathways for Integrated Continuing Education in coordination with the Curriculum Development Department.
• Lead the development and approval of registration and academic assessment regulations, including the definition of assessment standards and periods across all educational pathways within Integrated Continuing Education, ensuring alignment with emerging developments and promoting fairness and efficiency.
• Lead periodic evaluations and benchmarking exercises in the field of continuing education, review relevant best practices, assess their applicability, and oversee their implementation.
• Lead the design and development of integrated curricula and educational programs for Integrated Continuing Education in coordination with the Curriculum Development Department.
• Oversee the provision of required educational and technological resources in coordination with relevant sectors and departments.
• Perform any other duties related to the nature of the Section’s work or as assigned by the relevant Director.
• Advanced knowledge of policy development, standards, operational guidelines, and frameworks related to Integrated Continuing Education.
• Advanced knowledge of curriculum development mechanisms, educational resources, guidelines, and learning materials in accordance with approved national standards.
• Advanced understanding of study plans, educational pathways, registration regulations, and academic assessment frameworks related to Integrated Continuing Education.
• Advanced knowledge of methodologies for developing and reviewing the National Learning Standards Framework and establishing the overall framework for assessing student learning.
• Ability to conduct benchmarking studies, review leading practices, assess their relevance, and apply them effectively.
• Advanced skills in developing assessment and measurement tools and aligning them with the outcomes of the National Learning Standards Framework.
• Advanced skills in analyzing assessment data, academic performance indicators, and learners’ educational needs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders and partnerships and make effective decisions.
• Advanced skills in planning and managing educational projects and initiatives and coordinating with relevant sectors and departments.
• Ability to develop recommendations and support curriculum enhancement initiatives that contribute to the continuous improvement of learning outcomes.

Qualification :

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Continuing Education, or any related field. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is preferred.

• 10 years or more of experience in the education sector, including relevant experience in the development of policies, curricula, and educational resources for Integrated Continuing Education, as well as in developing learning standards frameworks and assessment tools.
• Experience in leading teams, managing educational projects and initiatives, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders and entities.
• Advanced knowledge of methodologies for developing educational policies, standards, and frameworks, as well as curricula, learning materials, assessment tools, and measurement methodologies.
• Experience in conducting benchmarking studies and periodic evaluations, reviewing leading practices, and applying them within the field of Integrated Continuing Education.
• Advanced skills in analyzing assessment data and academic performance indicators and using them to develop recommendations and support curriculum enhancement.