Principal Consultant Measurement - English (Naplan)

Description:

This is a 6-month fixed term, full-time position commencing with possible extension and/or permanency
The School Curriculum and Standards Division supports the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) by providing administrative and secretariat services and implementing its decisions. The Authority ensures quality curriculum, assessment, and standards to empower all Western Australian students to become confident, creative learners and active, informed citizens who contribute positively to society. Within this framework, the Examinations, Certification, and Testing (ECT) Directorate plays a vital role in delivering essential educational services and initiatives.
The Examinations, Certification and Testing (ECT) Directorate is responsible for implementing the logistics for the delivery of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course examinations and Externally Set Tasks (EST). It develops and maintains strategies to acknowledge student performance, including the development of online exam structures, and designs, implements, and evaluates educational measurement activities in Years 11 and 12, such as the moderation of external assessment activities.
The Directorate also manages the logistics for the delivery of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) across Western Australia and oversees the design, development, and analysis of tests for the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA), ensuring the integrity of literacy and numeracy assessments. Additionally, it ensures that data is collected, assured, analysed, and reported within required timelines, facilitates a strong interface between schools and the Authority for data transfer, and manages all reporting requirements while assuring the efficacy of data reported to stakeholders.
The Role
The Principal Consultant Measurement – English is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of literacy assessment instruments and support materials for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).
This role involves close collaboration with internal consultants, external contractors and national education authorities, including the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), to ensure high-quality, curriculum-aligned assessments.
Key responsibilities include managing the development of OLNA Writing tasks and marking rubrics, overseeing the marking operations for NAPLAN and OLNA literacy assessments, and recruiting and training specialist marking teams. The position also supports schools through the delivery of training and resources, and provides expert advice on curriculum, assessment and student performance data, particularly using Rasch measurement methodology.
This role requires strong analytical skills, curriculum expertise, and the ability to communicate complex assessment information to a variety of stakeholders, including school leaders, teachers, and policy makers. The Principal Consultant Measurement contributes to continuous improvement in literacy education by interpreting assessment outcomes and informing targeted strategies to support student achievement.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in Cannington and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
11.5% employer contributed superannuation, increasing to 12% by July 2025. Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements. Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave. Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance. Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments).
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jonathan Ainge, Manager K-10 Testing, Examinations Certification and Testing on (08) 9442 9464 or by emailing jonathan.ainge@scsa.wa.edu.au .
We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people ( Building Leadership Impact ).
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment. consent to a National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit. obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
A CV of up to (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; A (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF: Demonstrated ability to design and develop highly sophisticated assessment tools suitable for the online assessment of Reading and Writing. Highly developed project coordination skills, including demonstrated experience in planning, monitoring, reviewing, evaluating and reporting on complex projects. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual and analytical skills in student assessment, including the ability to analyse student achievement data using Rasch methodology. Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to work with professional organisations and peak bodies in a consultative and collaborative manner to secure program outcomes. Demonstrated highly developed written and verbal communication and presentation skills, and highly developed interpersonal skills. Demonstrated high level of understanding of contemporary issues in the assessment, measurement and reporting of student performance, particularly in relation to the English learning area.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE978519
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 9 July 2025