Invigilator

About us

The British Council provides access to English Language and other UK qualifications through its Examinations Services. The UK qualifications and assessments that we provide have the power to change people’s lives, enabling them to access life, study or work opportunities overseas or in their own countries. Qualifications and examinations are one of the most powerful drivers of improvements in teaching, learning and professional practice.

The British Council Examinations Services administers a wide range of UK exams on behalf of UK based Exam Boards and awarding bodies. These include English proficiency exams such as IELTS, Cambridge English and Aptis, school exams such as IGCSE, O and A levels for Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel International, a range of professional and university qualifications such as ACCA (accounting).

As an Invigilator, you will be part of a wider team of exams venue staff expected to support the delivery of a variety of tests in various locations. You will be required to work very closely with British Council Examinations Services staff, other venue staff and venue service providers to ensure the test days run smoothly.

Geopolitical/SBU/Function overview:

The British Council has been in Lebanon since 1946.  As the United Kingdom’s international organisation for education and cultural relations, we are building on the British Council’s respected and trusted brand by building on existing programmes and developing new opportunities with government and key stakeholders across the public, private and NGO sectors. We employ 47 staff, including nine regional and four Syria posts and our portfolio spans our main sectors of English, Education, Society and Arts.

The post holder must work with the exams team, programmes team and marketing colleagues to identify new clients, and continue to grow future business.

Main challenges for this role:

• Long working hours: You may be required to work for prolonged periods of time – more than 8 hours/day, especially when traveling to venues outside Beirut.
• Work on weekends: Some exams (such as IELTS) take place on Saturdays, which also involves early start times.

Main Accountabilities:

You will be accountable for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the British Council and the various examination boards by ensuring that tests are delivered to prescribed standards for customer service, security and administration. You will also be accountable for promoting a positive image of the British Council by providing a high standard of customer care on the test day.

Programme/service support

• Report promptly to test venue at agreed time. In case of any delays or if unable to get to the test venue, inform the appropriate test day or British Council Examinations Services staff in a timely manner.
• Follow all relevant standards & procedures, based on training and reference materials provided by the British Council Examinations Services and the relevant Exam Boards.
• Be familiar with the emergency procedures for the test day venue.
• Invigilate examinations to the standard required by the British Council Examinations Service and the relevant Exams Boards.
• Actively monitor candidates during tests to make sure that there is no violation of test conditions.
• Support the supervisor to ensure that candidates have a positive and consistent test day experience and a positive image of the British Council.
• Ensure all material is accounted for and handed over securely to the supervisor.
• Complete and maintain accurate records of exam assignments. Complete all reports, logs and claims accurately as required by British Council Examinations Services.
• Follow all relevant guidelines and policies in the areas of: Data Protection, Child Protection, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, and Anti-Fraud.
• Report any incidents, emergencies or breaches of security to the appropriate test day supervisor.
• Work with the test day supervisor to promote and ensure the wellbeing of candidates at all time. In case of emergencies, follow correct procedures.
• Additional duties in line with the role may be required.

Customer support

• Enable good customer flow by giving candidates clear direction and answering their enquiries.
• Ensure that candidates follow the agreed exam procedures regarding the location and security of their belongings.
• Conduct candidate entry, exit, identity checks and Test Day Photography procedures according to exam requirements.
• Ensure special arrangements are provided as required

Training and development

• Attend all briefing and training sessions as requested by the British Council Examinations Services Centre. This includes face to face and online trainings.

Other important features or requirements of the job

• Some invigilators may be required to travel, including overnight stays. The majority will not have this requirement. During the recruitment process you will be asked to indicate your willingness to travel.
• You are required to be very vigilant when observing candidates; to watch and hear what is going on in the exams room.
• Although there may not be a prescribed uniform for your role, while carrying out your duties, you must always be dressed in line with the cultural expectations of the country you are working in and your position in accordance with your role as representing the British Council.  However, it is recommended that you wear soft comfortable shoes.  Noisy shoes and distracting jewelry are not permitted.

Key Relationships:

Internal

British Council Examination and Customer Services Staff

External

Candidates, Stakeholders, Examiners and Venue Staff

Role Requirements:

• Passport requirements/ Right to work in country: Must be able to legally work in the country of appointment.
• Direct contact or managing staff working with children? Yes, police check required
• Notes:
  • You will be paid as per the terms and conditions of your contract.
  • You may be required to work weekends (Saturdays and /or Sundays), public holidays, extended hours in the early morning or late evening, as this is when many examinations take place. You must have the flexibility to work beyond the prior agreed work schedule
  • DBS checks or local equivalent required

Person Specification:

Language requirements:

Minimum / essential

• English language level of CEFR B1 (Listening, Reading, Writing skills) or equivalent (eg IELTS 5)
• English language level of CEFR B2 (Speaking skill), or equivalent (IELTS 6.5)

Assessment Stage

• National or international certification, or testing will be completed as part of the recruitment and selection process

Qualifications:

Minimum / essential

• University Degree or Equivalent

Assessment Stage

• Shortlisting

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience:

Minimum / essential

• Customer Service: experience of responding to children/ young adults and parents' needs (as customers) in a professional manner, to a high level of quality.

Desirable

• Awareness of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Assessment Stage

• Shortlisting AND Interview

Role Specific Skills (if any):

Computer Skills

• To understand and use the Council’s IT systems in an effective manner in compliance with IT security standards
• To understand and comply with BC security standards

Assessment Stage

• Shortlisting AND Interview

British Council Core Skills:

Using technology - Level 1

Operates as a basic user of information systems, digital and office technology. Able to use British Council systems and software, the internet, and manage documents or processes.

Planning and organizing - Level 1

Is methodical. Able to plan own work for routine or familiar tasks and processes. Has a good attention to detail. Is punctual and reliable.

Communications in Arabic and English - Level 1

Communicates clearly and effectively. Listens to others and expresses self clearly, with grammatical accuracy and awareness of a diverse audience in speaking and writing.

Assessment Stage

Shortlisting AND Interview

British Council Behaviours:

Being accountable - Essential

Giving constructive feedback to others in a way they can understand and accept.

 Working together - Essential

Works well with others, is approachable and flexible.

Assessment Stage

Interview