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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support childcare projects, prepare documentation, and analyze data for Hertfordshire's childcare expansion.
- Company: Join a team dedicated to enhancing childcare capacity in Hertfordshire during a major government initiative.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking childcare expansion that directly benefits working parents and their children.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years childcare, project management, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Disability Confident employer; guaranteed interview for applicants disclosing a disability meeting criteria.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
The Service Improvement Team (SIT) is a core support function within Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS), Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).
The SIT has a working knowledge and background across a variety of areas within HFRS and seek to improve the service we deliver, internally and externally. The SIT has close working relationships with frontline staff and our strategic leaders, holding all to account to deliver best value.
This Project Officer role will play a key part in this function by coordinating, supporting and managing a multitude of projects simultaneously.
About the role
Project Management: To lead and manage elements of various large and complex projects identified by department and to lead and manage specific smaller projects when required. To prepare and monitor project documentation and project plans. To be responsible for risk management within the project, ensuring issues are regularlymonitored and resolved providing solutions to problems independently and confidently. Ensure key dates and milestones are achieved. Facilitate project groups as required
Research and reporting: To lead and undertake research including the writing of extensive briefs and reports, utilising technology and using project management tools relevant and appropriate to the project and department. Analyse and disseminate complex information and report identifying risks and threats to the project.
Monitor and review: Independently manage elements of large and complex projects including large cross service projects ensuring a consistent approach is applied. Maintain group involvement by collaborating and communicating with a variety of stakeholders to ensure key priorities are met for the council. Ensure the right measurements are in place, monitor, review and evaluate progress throughout the project.
Change management: Plan, prepare and deliver presentations to a wide variety of audiences and facilitate workshops. Drive and deliver support and assist with managing/leading on change aspects of projects. Identify learning and development needs and utilise learning and organisational development solutions to support cultural change.
Communication and building relationships: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. Confidently negotiate and challenge stakeholders in promoting aims and objectives of the project, lead on the resolution of or escalate issues in a timely manner.
About you
Essential:
- Experience of working within a UK Fire & Rescue Service at a middle manager or strategic leader level.
- Excellent knowledge of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This must include demonstratable evidence of working with HMICFRS within a Fire & Rescue Service to drive improvement following inspections.
- Evidence of having led a Fire & Rescue Service through an inspection by HMICFRS.
- Clear communication skills with an ability to interpret internal / external influences and drive improvement projects.
- Ability to work alone with remote supervision and as part of a close team, managing a varying and dynamic workload as required.
Desirable:
- Experience of working as a Service Liaison Lead within HMICFRS.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Project Officer employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest developments in the childcare sector, especially regarding the government's expansion of free childcare. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage more effectively with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the early years and childcare sector. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and partners, which can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in managing small projects and analyzing data. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly during the interview will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how you would explain the new entitlements to parents. Being able to convey complex information in an accessible way is crucial for this position, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is up to date and specifically highlights your experience in the childcare and early years sector. Include any relevant training or qualifications, and be sure to address any employment gaps.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, provide concrete examples of how you have met the requirements listed in the job description. This could include details about individual projects you've delivered, data analysis you've conducted, or partnerships you've developed.
Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph: Use the short covering paragraph to give us insight into your skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you a great fit for this role. Highlight your passion for early years and childcare expansion.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, double-check that all information is accurate and complete. Ensure that your CV and covering paragraph clearly reflect your suitability for the Project Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in the early years and childcare sector. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to improving childcare services and supporting families.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of small projects you have managed in the past. Be ready to discuss how you planned, executed, and monitored these projects, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Highlight Data Analysis Experience
Since the role involves analyzing information and producing reports, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis. Provide examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve project outcomes.
✨Effective Communication is Key
The ability to communicate with various audiences is crucial. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms and think of examples where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or presented information at workshops.
