At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employability outcomes in Aberdeen by collaborating with local and national third sector providers.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing employment opportunities in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and networking within the non-profit sector.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming employability services and empowering local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in third sector employability and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Vacancy Details
- Hours: Full-Time 35 hours a week (open to flexible working requests)
- Salary: £34,000
- Duration: 20 Months – to December 2027
- Location: Aberdeen City
- Reports to: Chief Executive ACVO
The post is a joint commitment between Aberdeen’s Local Employability Partnership and ACVO Third Sector Interface and is intended to support strengthening employment outcomes for the people of Aberdeen through improving the capacity, scope and contribution of third sector employability provision.
By working collaboratively with the Local Employability Partnership and Aberdeen’s Employability Training Providers Forum, the postholder will engage actively with local and national third sector providers to understand their strengths and challenges, identify opportunities for and support partnership working across sectors. They will support third sector employability providers with organisational development as well as growing involvement from related community organisations to extend reach. They will advocate for the sector strategically on relevant partnership boards and working groups.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic support to the Local Employability Partnership (LEP).
- Provide strategic support to the Aberdeen Employability Training Providers Forum (ETPF).
- Work with the ETPF and the wider third sector to review, map and maintain a record of third sector employability activity, opportunities, challenges and priorities for the area.
- Establish effective working relationships with local and national third sector providers and represent all perspectives fairly.
- Build positive relationships with strategic partners involved in employability and related services in Aberdeen.
- Attend and advocate for the sector on the Aberdeen Local Employability Partnership (LEP) and any other relevant strategic groups as appropriate.
- Support and help inform Aberdeen’s Local Employability Partnership’s (LEP) strategy development including ensuring transparent and accessible commissioning of employability services.
- Work pro-actively with the Local Employability Partnership and the Employability Training Providers Forum to support the sector to explore and develop opportunities for working in partnership including, but not restricted to, Consortium models.
- Work with the LEP and the ETPF to provide input into design and delivery of participation and engagement methods that support those with lived experience to develop a collective voice and co‑produce new services in employability.
- Keep up to date with and share information on national employability policy and funding developments as relevant to the sector.
- Work collectively across the ACVO TSI development team and wider third sector collaboratively, respectfully, fairly and honestly; always undertaking to represent the organisation in an appropriate manner and with the integrity expected by ACVO TSI.
- Undertake any other reasonable task required of the post by the line manager.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Experience of working in a third sector employability delivery organisation or service at a senior level
- Experience of project development or management
- Experience of supporting developing partnerships and multi‑agency approaches
- Extensive experience of working with Microsoft packages, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
- Experience of managing a diverse workload and meeting deadlines
- Experience of facilitating meetings and events.
- Experience of managing multiple complex working relationships and partnerships.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Excellent written skills, including the ability to write reports and other content that is accessible to different audiences.
- Excellent spoken communication skills, including the confidence to design and deliver presentations
- The ability to grow and develop partnership working across a diverse group of interests, including supporting, communication, negotiation, and project development.
- Demonstrable relationship building and networking skills including the ability to influence and motivate others.
- A good understanding of employability policy in Scotland is essential and the issues affecting the sector locally would be preferable.
- Excellent digital skills, with experience of using online digital tools and an ability to embrace new emerging technology.
- The ability to work unsupervised but within a team and a teamwork environment.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to take ownership of your work.
- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, business sensitivity and the management of personal data.
How To Apply
Applications can be completed via our online application form.
Alternatively, you can request an application form via email to enquiries@acvo.org.uk or by telephone on 01224 686058.
Informal enquiries can be made to Maggie Hepburn at 01224 686058 or via email at maggie.hepburn@acvo.org.uk.
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Wednesday 27th May 2026.
Senior Development Officer (Employability) employer: ACVO TSI
ACVO is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing employability outcomes in Aberdeen through collaborative partnerships within the third sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ACVO offers flexible working arrangements and fosters a supportive work culture that values integrity, respect, and teamwork. Employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects that directly impact the community, while also having access to professional development opportunities and a network of strategic partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Officer (Employability)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the employability sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Senior Development Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience in project development and partnership building. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Local Employability Partnership and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. Even if they’re not hiring right now, they might keep you in mind for future opportunities or even create a position for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Officer (Employability)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Development Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to strengthening employability outcomes in Aberdeen!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your excellent written and spoken communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can write accessible reports and confidently present ideas, so let that shine through in your application!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply via our online application form. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACVO TSI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current employability policies in Scotland and the specific challenges faced by the third sector. Research the Local Employability Partnership and the Aberdeen Employability Training Providers Forum to understand their goals and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in project development and partnership working. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to manage complex relationships and deliver successful outcomes in a similar context.
✨Communication is Key
Since this role involves a lot of advocacy and relationship building, practice your spoken communication skills. Be ready to explain how you would effectively represent the sector on various strategic boards and groups, and consider preparing a short presentation to showcase your ideas.
✨Be Collaborative
Highlight your teamwork abilities and your approach to working collaboratively with diverse groups. Think of examples where you’ve successfully facilitated meetings or events, and be prepared to discuss how you would foster partnerships across different organisations in the employability sector.
