Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and facilitate the Third Sector's role in implementing The Promise for children and families.
- Company: Join ACVO, a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in Aberdeen.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of care experienced children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work or related fields, with strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse partners and help shape future services for young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Aberdeen City (we operate a flexible hybrid working policy)
Reports to: ACVO Chief Executive
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Third Sector Interface (TSI) at Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) as a Senior Development Officer, supporting the local implementation of The Promise. This role will play a key part in strengthening how third sector organisations across Aberdeen are connected, informed and involved in delivering the ambitions of The Promise - ensuring that care experienced children, young people and families grow up loved, safe and respected, and that Scotland keeps its promise by 2030.
Working closely with third sector partners and stakeholders, the postholder will support collaboration around emerging national and local developments, including a stronger focus on whole family support, early intervention and meaningful participation of care experienced people in shaping services. This will be achieved through facilitating events, coordinating learning and information sharing, and supporting the use of evidence and insight to better understand how Aberdeen is progressing collectively.
For the ambitions of The Promise to be realised, all sectors must work together to consider the whole picture of children’s and families’ lives. This role will support third sector organisations to actively contribute to the design, commissioning and delivery of services, ensuring their voices and expertise help shape future frameworks and inform the shared aims of A Good Childhood in Aberdeen. This is a chance to join a friendly and dynamic team and work alongside the third sector to turn the vision of The Promise into practical, measurable progress for children, young people and families across the city.
Job Purpose
- To lead and facilitate the Third Sector contribution to the city-wide implementation of ‘The Promise’.
- To represent the Third Sector at appropriate partnerships, groups and meetings.
- To identify required change, barriers to change and offer support to organisations in the third sector to manage change.
- To identify required change, barriers to change with external partners and offer support to manage change.
- To support the local provider’s Forum and appropriate networks.
Main Tasks
- To represent the Third Sector at children, young people’s and families’ groups and represent Third Sector issues at appropriate identified meetings.
- To ensure Third Sector organisations have knowledge of, and can engage with, the purpose of The Promise agenda locally.
- To ensure that Third Sector organisations are kept informed and given the opportunity to input into discussions, decisions, and new developments.
- In conjunction with other partners, ensure that the Third Sector can contribute effectively to Children’s Services Planning and Fairer Futures processes.
- To identify and support other organisations to input into and represent the Third Sector where appropriate.
- To support the local provider’s forum and appropriate networks.
- To participate in regular team and staff meetings of ACVO.
- To ensure that all records relevant to the post are maintained accurately.
- Any other duties which may arise from time to time provided the tasks are both reasonable and within the post holder’s capabilities.
Challenges & Demands of the Role
- Understanding and representing views of a diverse range of individuals and organisations.
- Maintaining good relationships and encouraging collaborative working between a diverse range of individuals and organisations.
- Supporting change in individuals and organisations.
- Maintaining a good level of understanding across a range of issues around the Children, Young People and Families’ agenda.
- Managing and prioritisation of multiple tasks associated with the role.
- Maintaining a positive and solution focused attitude at all times.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- An appropriate qualification in Community Work, Education, Social Work, Health or other relevant discipline.
- A working knowledge and understanding of Children’s Services agendas and issues.
- A working knowledge of representation work.
- Experience of partnership working.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to collate and disseminate information.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to travel to meetings.
- Commitment to a team working approach.
- Knowledge and experience of children, young people and families’ third sector organisations.
- Knowledge of the Scottish Approach to Service Design (SAtSD).
- Knowledge of the Community Planning Partnership work in Aberdeen City.
Personal Characteristics
- A commitment to apply ACVO’s values to all aspects of work.
- An awareness of the work and value of the third/voluntary sector.
- A commitment to high standards.
How to apply
Please complete our online application format acvo.org.uk/vacancies to apply. If you would like to discuss the role in advance of your application, please contact: Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive ACVO TSI maggie.hepburn@acvo.org.uk
Senior Development Officer (The Promise) employer: ACVO TSI
Contact Detail:
ACVO TSI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Officer (The Promise)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the third sector, especially those connected to The Promise. Attend local events or forums where you can meet potential colleagues and partners. Remember, it’s all about building relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, share why you care about supporting care experienced children and families. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research ACVO and The Promise thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our team at ACVO. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Officer (The Promise)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Senior Development Officer role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills that resonate with you. This will help you tailor your application to show how you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your skills in community work, partnership building, and supporting change. Use clear, concise language to illustrate how your background aligns with the ambitions of The Promise and the needs of third sector organisations.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for working with children, young people, and families. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so be genuine in your responses.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website at acvo.org.uk/vacancies. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, if you have any questions before applying, feel free to reach out to Maggie Hepburn for a chat!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACVO TSI
✨Know The Promise Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand The Promise and its implications for care experienced children and families. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives and how they relate to the role of a Senior Development Officer. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with third sector partners, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration and partnership working. Share specific examples of how you've successfully facilitated teamwork or managed stakeholder relationships in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Local Issues
Research the current challenges and developments within Aberdeen's third sector and children's services. Being able to speak knowledgeably about local issues will demonstrate your readiness to contribute effectively to the role and support the community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. This could include asking about future initiatives related to The Promise or how the team measures success in their projects.
