At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project leaders in planning, monitoring, and controlling projects effectively.
- Company: Join a leading agency focused on impactful projects and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference by contributing to important projects and working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proactive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Project Support Officer (PSO) – provides appropriate project support to APHA Project Leaders (PLs) and budget holders to ensure their projects are planned, monitored and controlled effectively. The PSO prepares and provides information and analysis for PLs and Lead Scientists, monitors the financial and scientific progress of projects and flags any deviations. They contribute towards the provision of similar information for stakeholders and customers, and ensure that projects are set up on all relevant agency systems, included in the annual budget planning and closed when completed.
Responsibilities
- Support PLs in the planning of new projects.
- Ensure projects are planned onto the APHA business systems.
- Monitor scientific and delivery progress of projects and their financial status; forecasting and budgeting.
- Stakeholder reporting and communication.
- Assist with the submission of project/contract documentation.
- Maintain registered files and support audit requirements.
- Advise on funding and business opportunities in accordance with Agency Procedures and processes.
- Provide advice and guidance on new requests for work and/or extensions to existing projects, recommend projects to be reviewed at project approval meetings, ensure correct forms and costs are included with submission.
- Provide project support to APHA Project Leaders and budget holders to ensure their projects are planned, monitored and controlled effectively.
Key contacts may include:
- PLs, project team members, heads of department, work group leaders, lead scientists, network procurement, sub‑contractors/collaborators/suppliers, customers (e.g. external organisations, policy leads, devolved administrations, funding sponsors).
Support Project Leaders in the planning of new projects (prior to approval). Provide advice and guidance concerning APHA Business Systems, Contracts, and Customers where required. Input proposal cost breakdown information to generate official proposal costings, prior to customer quotations, using appropriate contingency and margin. Ensure that systems are regularly updated with the correct project milestones and deliverables information, to ensure the accuracy of KPIs (key performance indicators). Utilise appropriate systems for financial reconciliation activities. Attend in‑year project meetings, providing guidance on financial, administration and planning issues. Attend and actively participate in Finance Review Meetings, providing status updates on project income and expenditure, forecasting and budgets. Raise journals and deferrals for project income and expenditure. Raise purchase orders for high‑value costs, following the specified approvals process. Attend related project meetings, budget and forecasting reviews with Project Leaders and budget holders. Plan all projects into required systems; ensure projects are correctly set up in Oracle for project effort and cost recording. Develop and maintain communication routes and relationships to ensure that all stakeholders are advised, as appropriate, of project progress and delivery. Provide analysis and information to PLs, lead scientists, heads of department and other stakeholders to support them in their project/portfolio management responsibilities. Participate in project and portfolio customer meetings. Produce progress reports at agreed timescales for PLs, lead scientists, heads of department and other stakeholders. Input financial and administration information into proposal documents, annual and final reports. Work closely with finance teams to support the delivery of accurate information to Defra and customers. Liaise with Project Leaders to produce project/contract documentation. Check, collate and obtain signatures where required for all proposal documents. Provide appropriate documentation to enable projects to be covered by appropriate contracts and agreements. Carry out in‑year project amendments as confirmed or required by Customers; manage change control procedures. Support Lead Scientists with bid submission activities. Identify all significant project‑related documentation; store electronic records in shared work areas. Maintain electronic records archive. Exercise good records management, data/information handling, and maintain the quality of files in readiness for audits and quality checks.
Qualifications
- Proactive and able to demonstrate excellent communication skills.
- Strong relationship‑building ability with PLs and staff across the Directorate and agency.
- Capability to convey project‑specific finance issues.
Project Support Officer (ID4588) in Weybridge employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
As a Project Support Officer at APHA, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression, ensuring you can grow alongside the organisation. Located in a supportive and inclusive culture, we prioritise work-life balance and offer competitive benefits, making APHA an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer (ID4588) in Weybridge
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to current or former Project Support Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like this. Personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the APHA's projects and how they align with your skills. Be ready to discuss how you can support Project Leaders in planning and monitoring projects effectively. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PSO, you'll need to convey financial and project-specific information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing complex topics in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Get your application in and show us what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer (ID4588) in Weybridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Project Support Officer role. We want to see how you can support our Project Leaders effectively!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder interaction, don’t forget to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your written application. Share examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key for this position. When filling out your application, ensure that all information is accurate and complete. We love candidates who take the time to double-check their work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal & Plant Health Agency
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Project Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with project planning, monitoring, and financial management. Be ready to discuss how you would support Project Leaders in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a PSO, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships and communicated project updates in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to convey important information clearly.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since the role involves budgeting and financial monitoring, brush up on your financial terminology and processes. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle project budgets and any experience you have with financial reconciliation activities.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Problem-Solving
The agency values proactive individuals who can identify issues before they escalate. Think of examples where you've taken initiative in past projects or resolved conflicts. Highlighting this will show that you're the kind of person who can keep projects on track.
