National Training Agency (NTA)
Chaguanas
Job Description
The Agency is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and results-driven professional with good organisational skills to plan and execute audits of training centres, programmes, Workforce Assessment Centres, and apprenticeship providers, and make informed recommendations for approval. This role also involves overseeing contracted technical experts who assist in conducting these audits. The officer continuously monitors approved centres through Surveillance Audits to assess ongoing compliance and provides essential guidance to clients as they navigate the NTA's quality assurance criteria and approval processes. 
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ol><li>Provides quality guidance and support to training providers and applicants as assigned by the Quality Assurance Coordinator, ensuring comprehensive assistance throughout the approval process.</li><li>Conducts detailed desktop reviews of Centre Approval, Programme Approval, Workforce Assessment Centre (WAC) Approval, and Apprenticeship Registration submissions to confirm that training providers meet the relevant Agency criteria.</li><li>Prepares an audit plan, organises and conducts thorough audits for Centre Approval, Programme Approval, WAC Approval, and Apprenticeship Registration of training providers, making recommendations for approval.</li><li>Executes audit plans and conducts Surveillance Audits on approved training providers as scheduled by the Quality Assurance Coordinator or designated official, ensuring ongoing compliance.</li><li>Conducts in-depth background research of the occupational area and training centre to be audited and identifies appropriate technical experts to support the audit process.</li><li>Facilitates orientation and training sessions for technical experts to familiarise them with their roles and responsibilities concerning Centre Approval, Programme Approval, WAC Approval, and Apprenticeship Registration audits.</li><li>Compiles and completes comprehensive audit reports related to Centre and Programme Approvals, WAC Approvals, and Apprenticeship Registrations, ensuring thorough documentation of findings and recommendations.</li><li>Reviews and verifies all reports submitted by external technical experts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and well-written, comprehensive reports.</li><li>Monitors the effectiveness of corrective actions implemented following audits, ensuring proper closure of non-conformances and adherence to corrective action timelines.</li><li>Completes and submits work schedules, monthly reports, and other required documents to ensure transparency and accountability in audit activities.</li><li>Captures and analyses data from customer feedback, sharing findings or addressing concerns to enhance quality assurance processes and client satisfaction.</li><li>Resolves stakeholder issues or concerns promptly, maintaining positive relationships and supporting seamless operations.</li><li>Contributes to the development of policies, plans, procedures, and guidelines to enhance and support the Agency's quality assurance function.</li><li>Participates in the review, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Agency's Quality Management System, aligning practices with best standards.</li><li>Executes any other related duties as assigned.</li></ol>
Key Competencies
<ol><li>Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.</li><li>Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).</li><li>Certification as a Quality Management System (QMS) Auditor or Lead Auditor.</li><li>Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate level in Microsoft Word).</li><li>Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a Quality Assurance role.</li><li>Proven experience working in a quality management environment, specifically within ISO 9000 standards.</li><li>Strong background in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) would be an asset.</li><li>Knowledge of: TVET industry standards and practices, quality management principles, ISO 9000 standards, auditing procedures, report writing, data analysis, quality assurance best practices, regulatory compliance, CBET frameworks, risk assessment, document control, stakeholder management, continuous improvement strategies.</li><li>Customer Service: The ability to understand and anticipate the needs of customers and stakeholders, delivering quality service, and ensuring satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.</li><li>Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: The ability to analyse technical issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions by applying logical reasoning and sound judgment.</li><li>Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with others toward a common goal, contributing positively, and supporting team dynamics and success.</li><li>Planning and Organising: The skill of setting priorities, managing time and resources efficiently, and structuring tasks in a way that ensures timely and effective completion of objectives.</li><li>Business Acumen: A deep understanding of industry trends, financial principles, and operational strategies that enables informed decision-making and contributes to business growth.</li><li>Relationship Management: The ability to build, maintain, and nurture productive and positive relationships with stakeholders, customers, and colleagues to achieve mutual goals.</li><li>Communication (Oral &amp; Written): The capacity to clearly and effectively convey information, ideas, and instructions both verbally and in writing, ensuring the message is understood by the audience.</li><li>Technical and Professional Skills: Auditing, report writing, data analysis, compliance monitoring, risk assessment, quality management systems (QMS), document control, stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement.</li></ol>