Role Description

Systems Officer, Processing

Cluster

Separate Agency

Agency

Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards

Division/Branch/Unit

Quality, Processing and Research

Location

117 Clarence Street, Sydney

Classification/Grade/Band

Clerk Grade 5/6

Kind of Employment

Temporary

Role Number

B278

ANZSCO Code

511112

PCAT Code

1116265

Date of Approval

15 May 2015

Agency Website

http://www.bostes.nsw.edu.au

Agency overview
The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards ('BOSTES') is a statutory authority responsible for
the curriculum, assessment, teacher accreditation and regulatory standards in NSW schools (Kindergarten to
Year 12). The BOSTES is also responsible for developing policies and initiatives for evaluating and improving
student learning performance across all schools and school sectors. The BOSTES was established on 1
January 2014 following the merger of the Board of Studies NSW and the NSW Institute of Teachers.
The principal objective of the BOSTES is to ensure that the school curriculum, forms of assessment and
teaching and regulatory standards under the NSW education and teaching legislation are developed, applied
and monitored in a way that improves student learning while maintaining flexibility across the entire school
education and teaching sector.
The BOSTES is chaired by the Board President who has responsibility for the development of its strategic
directions and for the oversight of its functions. The NSW Government agency responsible for the exercise of
the operational functions of the BOSTES is led by the President with the support of three Executive Directors
responsible for: Curriculum, Teaching and Assessment; Regulation and Governance; and Teaching Standards
and Strategic Policy.

Primary purpose of the role

The Systems Officer, Processing ensures the examination system correctly reflects BOSTES rules and
procedures associated with student enrolment and credentialing, runs processing functions and produces
output and ad hoc reports on schedule, ensures the integrity and security of relevant data held within the
examination system, and ensures that the system is working effectively to support business processes.

Key accountabilities

Write complex queries and produce tables using database systems and query tools, including Microsoft
Access, Structured Query Language (SQL), and iSeries/AS400.

Correctly sequence and run examination system jobs in accordance with business documentation and
the annual results processing schedule.
Ensure accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and security of data loaded onto the examination system.
Maintain examination system, including: setting system parameters through correct interpretation of
BOSTES rules and procedures, entering large volumes of data into the system, and system testing to
troubleshoot bugs.
Undertake processing activities associated with the Higher School Certificate (HSC) at onsite and
offsite locations, including: mark sheets, standard setting and the consultative committee.
Provide accurate information from the examination system in a timely fashion in response to internal
and external requests for data.
Review and evaluate processes and documentation and recommend improvements.

Key challenges

Consistently analyse the examination system for data and function anomalies, escalate errors promptly
and propose resolution strategies.
Evaluate the progress of multiple HSC programs relative to respective due dates and promptly adjust
timelines to accommodate emerging issues.

Key relationships
Who

Why

Internal
Unit Head

Escalate issues, keep informed, advise and receive instructions.

Work team

Provide status updates on assigned tasks, issues and priorities.

Collaborate on tasks and projects.

Provide information from the examination system as requested and

assist staff where appropriate.

Provide access to eBOSTES services as authorised.

Update BOSTES examination system data following notification.

Produce, review and deliver bulk files for printing.

BOSTES staff
External
School sector agencies
Print contractor

Role dimensions
Decision making
This role operates with some autonomy, determining day-to-day priorities within the context of the Directorate
and in relation to the results processing schedule. The Systems Officer, Processing escalates issues which
cannot be resolved independently and makes considered recommendations for system improvements or
changes to the Head, Measurement and Research Services Unit and team members.

Reporting line
The Systems Officer, Processing reports to the Head, Measurement and Research Services Unit.

Essential requirements

Role Description Systems Officer, Processing

Experience in writing complex queries using database systems and query tools, such as Microsoft Access,
iSeries/AS400, SQL, or MySQL.

Capabilities for the role

The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The Capability
Framework is available at www.psc.nsw.gov.au/capabilityframework

Capability summary
Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this role. The capabilities in bold are the focus
capabilities for this role. Refer to the next section for further information about the focus capabilities.
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
Capability Group

Capability Name

Level

Display Resilience and Courage

Intermediate

Act with Integrity

Intermediate

Manage Self

Intermediate

Value Diversity

Intermediate

Communicate Effectively

Intermediate

Commit to Customer Service

Intermediate

Work Collaboratively

Intermediate

Influence and Negotiate

Intermediate

Deliver Results

Intermediate

Plan and Prioritise

Intermediate

Think and Solve Problems

Adept

Demonstrate Accountability

Foundational

Finance

Foundational

Technology

Intermediate

Procurement and Contract Management

Foundational

Project Management

Foundational

Focus capabilities
The focus capabilities for the role are the capabilities in which occupants must demonstrate immediate
competence. The behavioural indicators provide examples of the types of behaviours that would be expected
at that level and should be reviewed in conjunction with the roles key accountabilities.
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
Group and Capability

Level

Personal Attributes

Intermediate

Manage Self

Role Description Systems Officer, Processing

Behavioural Indicators
Adapt existing skills to new situations
Show commitment to achieving work goals
Show awareness of own strengths and areas for growth
and develop and apply new skills

NSW Public Sector Capability Framework

Group and Capability

Level

Relationships

Intermediate

Work Collaboratively

Results

Intermediate

Plan and Prioritise

Results

Adept

Think and Solve Problems

Business Enablers

Intermediate

Technology

Role Description Systems Officer, Processing

Behavioural Indicators
Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders
Maintain own motivation when tasks become difficult
Build a supportive and co-operative team environment
Share information and learning across teams
Acknowledge outcomes which were achieved by effective
collaboration
Engage other teams/units to share information and solve
issues and problems jointly
Support others in challenging situations
Understand the team/unit objectives and align operational
activities accordingly
Initiate, and develop team goals and plans and use
feedback to inform future planning
Respond proactively to changing circumstances and adjust
plans and schedules when necessary
Consider the implications of immediate and longer term
organisational issues and how these might impact on the
achievement of team/unit goals
Accommodate and respond with initiative to changing
priorities and operating environments
Research and analyse information, identify
interrelationships and make recommendations based on
relevant evidence
Anticipate, identify and address issues and potential
problems and select the most effective solutions from a
range of option
Participate in and contribute to team/unit initiatives to
resolve common issues or barriers to effectiveness
Identify and share business process improvements to
enhance effectiveness
Apply computer applications that enable performance of
more complex tasks
Apply practical skills in the use of relevant technology
Make effective use of records, information and knowledge
management functions and systems
Understand and comply with information and
communications security and acceptable use policies
Support the implementation of systems improvement
initiatives and the introduction and roll-out of new
technologies