Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate

Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE

39.1 Established by Act No. 4 of 1984, as a corporate body, the Mauritius Examinations
Syndicate (MES) operates under the aegis of the Vice-Prime Minister’s Office,
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology. Its objects are,
inter alia, to organise and conduct examinations; engage in relevant research and
other related activities to promote the development of a sound system of
examination; award certificates; and co-operate with other examining bodies, be it
national or international.

39.2 The Director, being the principal academic and administrative officer of the MES, is
responsible to the Board for maintaining and promoting the good order and
efficiency of the Syndicate. She is assisted by Deputy Directors as well as technical
and administrative staff.

39.3 In their submissions for this Report, both Management and the staff side have
requested for the creation of levels to further consolidate the organisation
structure; change in appellation of a few grades; and enhanced conditions and
benefits for officers of the Syndicate. Both parties were apprised on the philosophy
for the creation of grades and change in appellation. They were also informed that
conditions of service would be looked into holistically.

39.4 We have examined all proposals received, in line with the Syndicate’s aims and
objectives. For want of information, we could not proceed with some requests.
However, this does not preclude the MES to work out anew the submissions on an
adhoc basis. We are, thus, making recommendations as appropriate to proposals
deemed meritorious.

Research and Development Officer Cadre

39.5 During consultations, Management laid much emphasis on the role of the Research
and Development Officer Cadre and stressed on the need for an intermediate level
between the Principal Research and Development Officer and Research and
Development Officer. Incumbents in the new level would provide support to the
Principal Research and Development Officer, who is involved mostly in policy
matters/Research Analysis/Report writing. In view of the important role of this
cadre to provide prompt and well researched reports, we are reviewing its structure.

Recommendation 1
39.6 We recommend that the grade of Research and Development Officer which
exists as at the eve of the publication of this Report should be restyled Senior
Research and Development Officer.

39.7 We also recommend the creation of a grade of Research and Development

Officer. Appointment thereto should be made by selection from among
candidates possessing a Degree from a recognised institution in a relevant
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

subject together with a Master’s Degree in a relevant subject or a

postgraduate qualification in the educational field of at least one year.

39.8 Incumbent would, among others, be responsible to the Principal Research and
Development Officer and collaborate with the Senior Research and Development
Officer in the development of assessment materials; the preparation of project
documents, reports and confidential materials related to assessment and
evaluation; development and/or implementation of projects initiated by the
Syndicate/Ministry; supervision of all assessment activities such as marking
exercises; and carrying out research and other studies.

39.9 We further recommend that appointment to the grade of Senior Research and
Development Officer formerly Research and Development Officer should,
henceforth, be made by selection from among officers in the new grade of
Research and Development Officer reckoning at least four years’ service in a
substantive capacity in the grade.

39.10 Incumbent would, inter alia, be responsible to the Principal Research and
Development Officer in the : design and conduct of research projects related to
education and assessment; supervision of Research and Development Officers;
overviewing of statistical analyses of exam performance for different examinations
and at different levels; dissemination of findings of educational research projects;
setting question papers for national examinations and assessments; and
coordinating the Quality Assurance Process as well as the process of syllabus
development and review.

39.11 We additionally recommend that Senior Research and Development Officers

should be granted one additional increment on conversion at their respective
salary points reached only when incumbents would effectively perform
supervisory duties.

Principal Research and Development Officer

39.12 With the restyling of the grade of Research and Development Officer to the grade
of Senior Research and Development Officer, there is need to bring consequential
changes to the scheme of service of the grade of Principal Research and
Development Officer.

Recommendation 2
39.13 We recommend that, in future, the grade of Principal Research and
Development Officer should be filled by selection from among Senior
Research and Development Officers formerly Research and Development
Officers reckoning at least four years’ service in a substantive capacity in the
grade.

39.14 On the basis of fresh information received from the Job Description Questionnaire
of the grade of Principal Research and Development Officer, the Bureau carried out
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

a re-evaluation exercise. All these issues have been taken into consideration in
arriving at the recommended salary for the grade.

IT Manager (New Grade)

39.15 Representations have been received from Management to the fact that the
Syndicate deals with very sensitive inputs which are of highly confidential nature.
As such, its IT infrastructure is very complex due to the strict security policies,
procedures and measures. Hence, consolidating the IT infrastructure is essential.
In this respect, proposal has been made for the creation of a grade of IT Manager.
Given the functional need of this grade, we are endorsing the proposal.

Recommendation 3
39.16 We recommend the creation of a grade of IT Manager. Appointment
thereto should be made by selection from among candidates possessing a
Master’s Degree in Computer Science or related fields and reckoning at
least five years’ post qualification experience in Information Technology
and Management of projects.

39.17 Incumbent would, inter alia, be required to: head the IT Department and ensure
its day-to-day running; advise management on the overall IT aspects, strategy
and policy; be responsible for the preparation and appraisal of tenders for
hardware and software; establish software and data security procedures to
protect the IT Department and confidentiality of information of the Syndicate;
implement applications for data and information Management; and identify
emerging trends to ensure that IT Systems are responsive and meet the on-going
needs of the Education Sector.

Systems Analyst (New Grade)

39.18 As the Data Processing Section demands high technical skills, the staff side has
requested for the creation of a grade of Systems Analyst. Management is also
agreeable to this proposal as the IT infrastructure plays an important part in the
context of Reforms in the Education Sector. Against this backdrop, the Bureau
is providing for the grade of Systems Analyst to enable the MES to fulfil its
activities effectively.

Recommendation 4
39.19 We recommend the creation of a grade of Systems Analyst. Appointment
thereto should be made by selection from among serving officers
possessing a Degree in Information Technology or Computer Science or
Information Systems or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the
Syndicate and reckoning at least two years’ practical experience in system
development, system analysis, database design and operation of a multi-
user system. In the absence of qualified serving officers, appointment
should be made by selection from among candidates possessing the above
required qualifications and experience.
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39.20 Incumbent would, among others, be required to: design, develop, maintain and
update software/web applications; update and maintain the MES website; and
assist users with the day-to-day operational problems and coach them on the
use of IT System and office tools to enhance productivity and perform daily tasks
required to maintain the MES System in proper operating condition such as
database maintenance, backup and other related duties.

Human Resource Officer/Senior Human Resource Officer (New Grade)

39.21 In view of the expanded role of the MES coupled with growing issues pertaining
to human resources, request has been made for the creation of a grade of
Human Resource Officer/Senior Human Resource Officer to assist the Human
Resource Management Officer. We have analysed the proposal and are herewith
making the necessary recommendation.

Recommendation 5
39.22 We recommend the creation of a grade of Human Resource Officer/Senior
Human Resource Officer. Appointment to the grade, the duties to be
performed and provision for movement beyond top should be in line with
recommendations made in the Introductory Chapter of this Volume.

Internal Control Officer (New Grade)

39.23 Management has stressed on the fact that there is need for a proper control of
all check and balance and processes in the Syndicate and has made a proposal
for the creation of a grade of Internal Control Officer on its establishment.
Incumbent would work independently of all Departments and report to the
Director about any observations and remedial actions to be taken. We are,
hence, making necessary provision to this effect.

Recommendation 6
39.24 We recommend the creation of a grade of Internal Control Officer.
Appointment thereto, should be made by selection from among serving
officers who hold a substantive appointment and who have successfully
completed all papers of fundamentals (Knowledge) and Paper F4 of
Fundamentals (Skills) or have obtained the Certificate in Business
Accounting (Foundation level) of the CIMA Examination (New Syllabus) or
an equivalent qualification acceptable to the syndicate.

39.25 Incumbent would be required, among others, to audit the Finance and Stores of
the Syndicate; draft queries, memorandum or inspection reports arising out of
the examination of the accounts and ensure that the Director is informed
promptly of explanations; and supervise, undertake and examine annual
statements and draft reports thereon.
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

Assistant Procurement and Supply Officer

Recommendation 7
39.26 We recommend that appointment to the grade of Assistant Procurement
and Supply Officer should be made in line with provisions made in the
Introductory Chapter of this Volume.

Allowance to Confidential Secretary

Recommendation 8
39.27 We recommend that the Confidential Secretary attached to the office of the
Director, MES, who is called upon to work regularly over and above the
normal working hours, should exceptionally be paid a monthly ad hoc
allowance along the same lines as Confidential Secretaries posted with
Ministers, Parliamentary Private Secretaries, officers at the level of
Permanent Secretary and above and the Cabinet’s Office in the Civil Service.

Civil Engineer
39.28 Submission has been received from Management for the provision of a Civil
Engineer on a part-time basis so as to help in the realisation of the Syndicate’s
infrastructural projects as well as to guide and provide advice in the conduct of
examinations where building construction is a component. The Bureau has
studied this proposal and views that the MES may face difficulty in recruiting
and retaining a part-time Civil Engineer. Alternatively, the Bureau views that
the MES may either consider the advisability of recruiting a Civil Engineer
on contract basis or seek the services of officers of the said grade from its
parent Ministry to enable it to fulfil its mandate.

Handy Worker/Tradesman
39.29 Both Management and Union have represented that the MES is facing difficulty
in the recruitment of Handy Worker/Tradesman owing to the present scheme of
service. The Bureau has studied the request and is bringing corrective measures
to facilitate recruitment in this grade.

Recommendation 9
39.30 We recommend that the scheme of service of the grade of Handy
Worker/Tradesman be amended such that, in future, appointment thereto
should be made by selection from among candidates possessing a National
Trade Certificate Level 3 in Building Maintenance and who have proficiency
in at least three of the following trades: Electrical Installations; Plumbing
and Pipe Fitting; Carpentry/Joinery; Masonry and Floor Tiling; Painting;
Metal Work; Cabinet Making; Air Conditioning.
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE

SALARY SCHEDULE

MES 1 : Rs 21150
Safety and Health Officer (Part time)

MES 2 : Rs 10250 x 175 – 10775 x 200 – 11775 x 205 – 12595 x 230 – 13975 x
250 – 15225 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21150
General Worker

MES 3 : Rs 14475 x 250 – 15225 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x
325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425
Surveillant
formerly Security Guard

MES 4 : Rs 14725 x 250 – 15225 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x
325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 23950
Gardener

MES 5 : Rs 14725 x 250 – 15225 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x
325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 25000
Examinations Attendant

MES 6 : Rs 15485 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 25000
Senior Gardener

MES 7 : Rs 15485 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400
Driver

MES 8 : Rs 15745 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 28225
Binder
Handy Worker/Tradesman

MES 9 : Rs 15225 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 29875
Receptionist/Telephone Operator
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE (Contd)

MES 10 : Rs 18650 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x
400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 29875
Senior Examinations Attendant

MES 11 : Rs 16525 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 33175
Assistant Stores Officer (Personal)

MES 12 : Rs 16525 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 34000
Technical Assistant (Computer)
Technical Assistant (Electrical Installation and Maintenance)
Technical Assistant (Laboratories)
formerly Technical Assistant (Practical Examinations)
Technical Assistant (Printing)

MES 13 : Rs 16785 x 260 – 17825 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x
375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 34825
Clerk/Word Processing Operator
Examinations Clerk

MES 14 : Rs 18650 x 275 – 18925 x 300 – 19525 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x
400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 34825
Security Officer

MES 15 : Rs 20825 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x
675 – 27400 x 825 – 34825
Foreman

MES 16 : Rs 21150 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x
675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 36550
Assistant Head of Printing

MES 17 : Rs 19850 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x
675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450
Accounts Clerk
Assistant Procurement and Supply Officer
Data Processing Assistant
Examinations Assistant
Stores Officer (Personal)
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE (Contd)

MES 18 : Rs 24475 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x
950 – 40300
Senior Security Officer

MES 19 : Rs 19850 x 325 – 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x
675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 43500
Internal Control Officer (New Grade)

MES 20 : Rs 21475 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x
825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 43500
Confidential Secretary

MES 21 : Rs 24475 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x
950 – 42200 x 1300 – 43500
Financial Operations Officer
formerly Financial Officer
Procurement and Supply Officer
Senior Data Processing Assistant
Senior Examinations Assistant

MES 22 : Rs 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 43500
Senior Confidential Secretary (Personal)

MES 23 : Rs 21850 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x
825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
Human Resource Officer/Senior Human Resource Officer (New Grade)

MES 24 : Rs 21850 x 375 – 22225 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x
825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 –
47675
Computer Technician
Documentation Officer
Maintenance Officer

MES 25 : Rs 22625 x 400 – 23425 x 525 – 26050 x 675 – 27400 x 825 – 35650 x
900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 – 47675
Programmer
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE (Contd)

MES 26 : Rs 30700 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250
Senior Financial Operations Officer
formerly Senior Financial Officer
Senior Procurement and Supply Officer

MES 27 : Rs 29875 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 50900
Examinations Superintendent
Head of Printing

MES 28 : Rs 33175 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200
Research and Development Assistant
Senior Programmer

MES 29 : Rs 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 – 49250
x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 57600
Principal Financial Operations Officer
formerly Principal Financial Officer

MES 30 : Rs 27400 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 62700
Administrative Officer

MES 31 : Rs 28225 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 62700
IT Officer
Systems Administrator
Systems Analyst (New Grade)

MES 32 : Rs 30700 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 62700
Human Resource Management Officer

MES 33 : Rs 28225 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 64400 x 1800 – 69800
Administrative Officer (Personal to officers in post as at 30.06.08)
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE (Contd)

MES 34 : Rs 31525 x 825 – 35650 x 900 – 37450 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100
x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 64400 x 1800 – 69800
Examinations Officer (Administration)
Examinations Officer (Data Processing)
Research and Development Officer (New Grade)

MES 35 : Rs 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 –

64400 x 1800 – 69800
Manager (Procurement and Supply)

MES 36 : Rs 40300 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200
x 1700 – 64400 x 1800 – 69800 x 2000 – 75800 x 2150 – 77950
IT Manager (New Grade)

MES 37 : Rs 40300 x 950 – 42200 x 1300 – 46100 x 1575 – 49250 x 1650 – 54200
x 1700 – 64400 x 1800 – 69800 x 2000 – 75800 x 2150 – 82250
Senior Research and Development Officer
formerly Research and Development Officer

MES 38 : Rs 49250 x 1650 – 54200 x 1700 – 64400 x 1800 – 69800 x 2000 –

75800 x 2150 – 82250
Financial Manager
Senior Examinations Officer (Administration)
Senior Examinations Officer (Data Processing)

MES 39 : Rs 68000 x 1800 – 69800 x 2000 – 75800 x 2150 – 82250 x 3000 –

88250 x 3125 – 91375
Administrative/Deputy Secretary

MES 40 : Rs 68000 x 1800 – 69800 x 2000 – 75800 x 2150 – 82250 x 3000 –

88250 x 3125 – 94500
Principal Examinations Officer
Principal Research and Development Officer

MES 41 : Rs 71800 x 2000 – 75800 x 2150 – 82250 x 3000 – 88250 x 3125 –

94500
Secretary
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

39. MAURITIUS EXAMINATIONS SYNDICATE (Contd)

MES 42 : Rs 107000
Deputy Director

MES 43 : Rs 119500
Director


Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
Vice-Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Examinations Syndicate
Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology