English Language Assessment Consultant

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. These connections lead to an understanding of each other's strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

The Opportunity

We are looking for Freelance Speaking and Writing IELTS Examiners to join British Council’s Global Hub and assess IELTS modules from home, for IELTS test-takers in various locations around the world.

Before completing the online application form, please note the following:

• You must complete all recruitment stages
• You must attend a technical screening session
• If your application passes the initial phase, you will attend various remotely delivered training sessions.
• The applicants will go through the New examiner training and certification session
• For the Speaking module, Examiners will be required to deliver a practice Video Call Speaking test after training, and will be assessed on their delivery.
• All Examiners will be required to abide by the IELTS Code of Practice
• All Examiners will be subject to security and reference checks
• All Examiners must meet the legal and contractual requirements for this location as set out below

Conditions of Work

As a Freelance IELTS Examiner, you should expect the following conditions of work.

• Work location: Working from home (India)
• Availability: Work window is 24/7, peaking on weekends. Availability will be required depending on the test-taker volume.
• Payment: Payments will be made monthly
• Allocation of work is dependent on overall test taker volumes.
• Requirement: Provide availability for minimum 2 days a week (Availability can be provided for up to 6 days a week).
• The testing window is 24/7 on all days and there will be opportunities to provide your availability throughout.
• Online support will be provided during the hours of assessment/interviews
• The British Council Global Hub will provide system familiarisation and guidance in the delivery of  tests online
• Support will be provided to IELTS Examiners in line with IELTS partnership standards so we can help you to assess and manage your home working space, including best practices in Health and Safety

 Important Information
 Below are the essential conditions for homeworking

• A dedicated office-style working space that allows secure and uninterrupted working - a private space where your work cannot be accessed or observed by others while you are assessing scripts and carrying out speaking tests
• A desktop computer or laptop with two screens or one large screen (minimum 26")
• A personal computer with Windows 7 and above and system type of 64-bit, x64-based processor. If using a Mac computer, this is not expected to be compatible with future VCS software and examiners are unlikely to be able to examine without purchasing a PC
• A clear, uncluttered background when on camera delivering tests
• A broadband internet connection with an average speed of 10mbps
• Adequate heating/cooling, ventilation and light to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment
• An appropriate Internet security/anti-virus package
• External headphones, Noise-cancelling headphones; including microphone; includes disposable headset cover
• Access to communication channels, including email and telephone
• External camera, resolution of 360P; Support H.264video encoding
• External standard full keyboard and other keyboards need to be approved for use. The silent keyboard is the best option.
• All applicants are required to adhere to the IELTS Code of Practice and Confidentiality Undertaking.

Skills and Experience

• Qualification –An undergraduate degree OR a Master's degree or equivalent

                        –An EFL Qualification (CELTA/TESOL/TEFL)  

                        –Minimum 3 years full time Teaching experience (or equivalent part time experience)

                      –Minimum 1 year of Teaching experience post EFL qualification if the EFL qualification is at Certificate level

• Applications from new potential Examiners (never examined before or haven't in the last 12 months) will be accepted.
• Applications will be accepted from inactive Examiners (examined in the last 12 months, but not in the previous three months)
• We also encourage applications from active IELTS Examiners (have carried out Writing and Speaking tests within the past three months)

You will need to have and provide the below:

• IELTS Examining experience
• IELTS Speaking and Writing certification and monitoring history
• The required qualifications and professional attributes for the role, including the necessary technical and online skills to conduct assessments remotely and successfully

Application Details

To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact us in the below email address:

IELTSSpeakingExaminers@britishcouncil.org

Please note the following before applying:

• The recruitment process can take up to 6-8 weeks, which includes vetting clearance
• You will not start examining until you complete all the recruitment stages
• System familiarisation and guidance activities are carried out remotely and must be completed before commencing work

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality Statement

The British Council is committed to a policy of equality and to valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aim to abide by and promote equality legislation by following both the letter and the spirit of it to avoid unjustified discrimination, recognising discrimination as a barrier to equality of opportunity, inclusion and human rights. All staff worldwide are required to ensure their behaviour is consistent with our policies. 
The British Council has Disability Confident Employer Status. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific requirements or adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

  If you have any problems with your application please email askhr@britishcouncil.org