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- Tasks: Support the Council's Strategic Plan by collaborating with the Voluntary & Community Sector.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets Council, dedicated to enhancing community life and partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a chance to make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team driving positive change and supporting local organisations.
- Qualifications: Experience in VCS, project management, and a knack for clear communication is essential.
- Other info: This is a 12-month role focused on building a thriving voluntary sector.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Corporate Strategy & Communities Service for a Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Development Officer for a 12 month opportunity to help deliver the Council’s Strategic Plan 2022-26 by working in partnership with the VCS. Tower Hamlets Council has a strong and long lasting relationship with the local VCS, which numbers 1,300 organisations in the borough. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to support the council to work with the VCS and a range of partners, especially policy makers and funders, to support and develop relationships with this sector.
The role will also support a range of work with the VCS, including capacity building, developing forums, networks and partnerships as required. The Council is currently in the process of developing a new VCS Strategy for 2025-2029. This strategy has a vision of the council working in partnership with the VCS and partners to build a thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector that improves the lives of residents. Key focuses of this post will be supporting the implementation of this Strategy and working with the VCS to support the delivery of the Mayor’s Community Grant Programme that started in November 2023.
As a practitioner, with knowledge and experience of the VCS, you will design and implement corporate priorities and help develop and implement Council strategy on the VCS. You will have:
- An understanding of policy and practice in relation to VCS commissioning and grants management and knowledge of the main sources of funding for VCS organisations.
- Experience of working with VCS organisations.
- Knowledge of national government policy and direction as it affects local government and the main priorities and issues for local authorities.
- Experience of programme or project management in a large organisation and of project monitoring and control systems.
- An ability to monitor, review and evaluate grants performance programmes, policies and strategies.
- Experience of report writing and the ability to present information in a clear and concise way.
Tower Hamlets vision for our borough is that: people are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities; we are a borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in; and we are a dynamic, outcomes-based council using digital innovation and partnership working to respond to the changing needs of our borough. We want people who aspire to our TOWER values: Together; Open; Willing; Excellent; Respect.
Tower Hamlets has a zero-tolerance approach to, and works to eradicate, all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, status as a civil partner, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and maternity and looks to employ a diverse workforce representative of these groups. We recognise that people can also be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome applicants interested in flexible working arrangements and also applicants who live in the borough.
Contact Detail:
Tower Hamlets Council Pension Fund Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Tower Hamlets Council's current VCS Strategy and the upcoming 2025-2029 strategy. Understanding their goals and how they align with your experience will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local VCS organisations and attend community events in Tower Hamlets. Building relationships with these groups can provide valuable insights into their needs and challenges, which you can leverage to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on national government policies affecting local authorities and the VCS. Being knowledgeable about these changes will allow you to engage in informed discussions and show that you are proactive in understanding the broader context of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your project management experience, particularly in relation to grants and funding for VCS organisations. Highlighting your successes in similar roles will help you stand out as a strong candidate who can deliver results.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in the Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) and how it aligns with the Council's strategic goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience working with VCS organisations, project management skills, and understanding of grants management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to support the implementation of strategies and programmes.
Showcase Your Values: Align your application with Tower Hamlets' TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, and Respect. Illustrate how you embody these values in your professional conduct and community engagement.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and concise, particularly when presenting information about your qualifications and experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Council Pension Fund
✨Understand the VCS Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the voluntary and community sector in Tower Hamlets. Research key organisations, their roles, and how they interact with the council. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting the VCS during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with VCS organisations. Discuss any projects you've managed, funding you've secured, or partnerships you've developed to illustrate your capability in this role.
✨Align with Council Values
Make sure to express how your personal values align with Tower Hamlets' TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, and Respect. Be ready to provide examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Policy Discussions
Brush up on current national government policies affecting local authorities and the VCS. Be prepared to discuss how these policies impact the work of the council and the VCS, showcasing your understanding of the broader context in which you'll be working.
