Marker

Each session, the IFoA requires approximately 400 Markers to support the marking of exam submissions. Individuals applying should be suitably qualified in the subject matter and have strong field experience of their preferred exam/paper to mark. Please note students of the IFoA or any other actuarial association will not be considered.

We encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants in terms of, but not exclusive to, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, as well as reflecting the geographical spread and practice areas of our membership.

Vacancies: register your interest

We accept expressions of interest throughout the year and discuss opportunities when roles become available. Please complete the expression of interest form below, providing as much supportive information about your experience and suitability as possible to support your application.

Complete expression of interest form

Task specification

Background

The IFoA is the UK’s only chartered professional body dedicated to educating, developing and regulating actuaries based around the globe. We have a worldwide membership of over 32,000 of which over 51% are student members. 47% of our membership and 66% of our students are based outside the UK, reflecting the increasingly global nature of actuarial practice.

The IFoA Council sets the strategy, with Executive staff responsible for its execution. The Lifelong Learning Board is responsible for the oversight of delivery of specific aspects of this strategy related to the pre-qualification education of actuaries, and their continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

The IFoA qualifications comprise of a number of modules and related assessment subjects. The Lifelong Learning Board delegates the oversight and assessment of the qualification standards to the Board of Examiners with Markers appointed for each assessment subject to support the execution of this.

The Marker will be expected to:

• Carry out their responsibilities in a proper and impartial manner and in accordance with IFoA governance.
• Prepare thoroughly for the exam, ensuring that they are familiar with the current general exam structure and latest core reading, which will be made available.
• Ensure that the secrecy of the exam papers is maintained.
• Carry out script marking as required in line with IFoA regulations, policies and procedures, within agreed deadlines.
• Where required, support the preparation of the exam results and statistics.
• Foster a mutually respectful relationship with the Executive.
• For Markers who are interested in marking CS1B and CS2B you must have an understanding in the R or equivalent programme.

Reporting

The Marker will report to the Chief Examiner or Lead Examiner of the subject.

Tenure

The Marker will be appointed for a period of two years. Tenure can continue to be extended for a further two years by mutual agreement.

Time commitment

The role requires a sample of exam scripts to be marked, and marks submitted prior to attending a marking meeting. At the meeting, marks awarded are discussed and Markers develop a shared understanding of the marking criteria.

In addition to these meetings there will be follow up actions and communications with the examining team and executive staff.

Sample marking

A total of 5-10 hours is required to mark sample scripts both before and after the marking meeting. This time also includes annotating any suggested changes or questions on the marking schedule. Marking meetings will usually take place up to 2 weeks after the exam being sat, and a minimum of 3 hours should be allowed for this.

Exam marking

Marking times may vary depending on the experience of the Marker and level of familiarity with the exam, but Markers should initially plan their time commitments to allow 30-40 minutes per script.

You will be sent a marking deadline by the Assessment team; usually you will be given 4 weeks to complete your allocated marking.The main marking for the April session takes place April/May and for the September session usually October.

Remuneration

The appointment is a nominally paid self-employed contractor role. The fee (gross) is payable per annum, plus out of pocket expenses in accordance with the IFoA’s Volunteer Expenses Policy. The fee will be discussed with any candidates taken forward to interview.

Person specification

Essential

• Up to date knowledge of the subject area.
• Time management and experience of working to tight deadlines.
• Ability to review and comment on documentation.
• Familiarity with IT systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Qualified Actuary or suitably qualified academic.

Essential IT requirements

Markers will be expected to use the IFoA’s e-Marking platform ‘RM Assessor 3’ for examination script marking, therefore access to a PC, laptop or tablet is essential with the following requirements:

Recommended & supported devices

Below are devices and platforms that RM Assessor 3 can use used on:

* Browser support is for the current and the previous major version of each browser.
** Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) is also supported but is not recommended to achieve the best user experience.

Claiming CPD

Only attendance (by phone or in person) at Markers’ meetings may be counted towards your CPD requirement where the activity addresses a learning need. Time engaged in marking or attending exams cannot be counted towards your CPD requirements

This is a remunerated role and a fee will be paid

Mutually agreed services will be outlined in a ‘Schedule of services’ which will be provided to you on successful appointment. On successful completion of the services, you will be required to submit an invoice to the IFoA. The IFoA will provide you with a template invoice to use, and this invoice will be processed by a member of the IFoA’s Assessment team. If you wish to view the ‘Schedule of services’ and the applicable terms and conditions, prior to expressing interest in this role, please contact the Quality team. Please note that this role is classified as a ‘Self-Employed Contractor’.

Additional information

The IFoA delivery team is made up of IFoA Executive staff and our volunteer community. Every individual who supports the IFoA, is valued, and are recognised, as part of our volunteer community and works in partnership with the IFoA Executive staff to deliver our strategy and Royal Charter, in line with our values

At the IFoA the term “volunteer” includes volunteers (members and non-members: lay), Office Holders, and Self Employed Contractors (paid roles).

Volunteering provides you with a wide range of opportunities. With all rights and opportunities come responsibilities and we ask all our volunteers to comply with the terms of the IFoA’s Governance Manual and Volunteer Information Pack (VIP). Before offering to provide support, please read through ‘what you need to know’. The key elements will be highlighted to you as part of your contract for services with the IFoA.

Please note students of the IFoA or any other actuarial association will not be considered

We are unable to accept applications if you are employed or provide tutorial for other actuarial associations or actuarial tuition companies