Remuneration and benefits

The annual salary attached to this appointment for the year 2026 shall be €32,804 + €242.32 (COLA 2026) as per the current collective agreement. Remuneration will eventually be revised upon entry of the new collective agreement. The officer will also be entitled to applicable allowances.

General responsibilities

The Senior Manager Standards and Compliance will primarily support the Head of Standards and Compliance in the management and operation of the Unit and shall be responsible for ensuring that licensed providers operate in accordance with applicable legislation, licence conditions, accreditation decisions, quality assurance requirements, and any policies, standards, directives and communications issued by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).

Responsibilities

Reports to the Head of Standards and Compliance; however in the absence of the Head of Standards and Compliance, the postholder shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
The postholder shall lead and coordinate compliance monitoring, investigations, inspections, risk assessment and enforcement activities, whilst contributing towards safeguarding academic standards, protecting students and maintaining public confidence in Malta's further and higher education sector.
The Senior Manager shall also contribute towards the development and implementation of a risk-based regulatory framework in line with national priorities, European standards and international good practice.
Supports Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) on all processes related to Standards and Compliance (though not exclusively), as well as other areas as may be designated by the CEO from time to time. Also expected to perform any other functions and tasks that may be assigned by the CEO and Management, including:

Support the Head of Standards and Compliance in the management and operation of the Unit.

Plan, coordinate and oversee compliance monitoring, inspections, investigations and other regulatory activities undertaken by the Authority.
Lead investigations into alleged breaches of legislation, licence conditions, accreditation decisions and other regulatory requirements.
Monitor compliance with legislation, licence conditions, accreditation decisions, quality assurance requirements and any policies, standards, directives and communications issued by the Authority.
Coordinate and oversee announced and unannounced monitoring visits, inspections, spot checks and other compliance exercises.
Develop and implement risk-based approaches for the identification, assessment and monitoring of providers presenting higher regulatory risk.
Analyse complaints, intelligence, trends and other information to identify emerging risks within the sector and recommend appropriate actions.
Prepare reports, recommendations and evidence-based analyses for senior management, committees and the Board.
Recommend and coordinate appropriate regulatory and enforcement actions in cases of non-compliance, in collaboration with relevant internal units.
Liaise and collaborate with internal units, educational providers, public authorities, national and international bodies, and other stakeholders as required.
Contribute to the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and regulatory frameworks related to standards, compliance and quality assurance.
Supervise, mentor and support staff within the Unit and contribute towards their professional development.
Represent the Authority in meetings, working groups and other fora, as delegated.
Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Standards and Compliance or the Chief Executive Officer.
Collaborates and liaises with all internal and external stakeholders on issues in the related area of responsibility, and facilitates networking within MFHEA.
Compiles and draws reports for the CEO, the MFHEA board, the Unit Head or as may be required from time to time.
Sources, compiles and analyses the information required to support the above functions.

Ancillary

Participates in and contributes to initiatives related to the Authority.
Attends and participates in events both locally and abroad as may be directed by the Authority.
Undertakes any other assignments that may be related or conducive to the attainment of any of the above.
Supports the Authority and its objectives efficiently and effectively.
Ensures that all assigned tasks are retained in high confidence.
Assists in other functions as may be required.

Internal relations

Maintains a professional relationship with all MFHEA employees.
Works in close cooperation with Heads, Senior Managers and Managers responsible for the other units within MFHEA.
Provides the necessary assistance and contributes to the Authority’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.

External relations

Represents and works in the best interest of the organisation.

Tasks and duties of the job holder are not limited to the above listed and the employee may be assigned other duties.

Eligibility requirements and personal qualities

The qualifications, experience, skills, and other attributes required of the applicant.

Minimum qualifications and experience required

A Minimum of a Full and Recognised Level 7 Degree and three (3) years of relevant professional experience, including experience in management, compliance, quality assurance, investigations, regulation, auditing or related areas.

Skills required

Excellent supervisory and leadership skills
Excellent managerial skills
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
Assertive and with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organisational / administrative skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent time management skills and demonstrable ability to meet deadlines
Good computer skills

Required personality

Clean criminal record
Reliable nature and loyal disposition
A team player
Able to manage sensitive situations and information with confidentiality, tact and empathy, professionalism, and diplomacy
Discernment and discretion are essential
Analytical mindset and attention to detail

Documents required upon application

An expression of interest
Copy of the applicant’s Identity Card (Original to be presented at the interview)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Police Conduct Certificate (Must not have been issued more than 30 days before application date)
Copies of Qualifications (Originals to be presented on interview). Certificates issued by foreign institutions are to be covered by the pertinent MQRIC statement.
Any other documents deemed pertinent (Originals to be presented at the interview)

Applications are to be submitted by not later than 25 September 2026.

Receipt of applications will be confirmed within three working days.

Jobsplus Permit: 726/2026

Senior Standards & Compliance Manager

Job Description