Local Economic Partnership Manager (LEP) JBLE1_NI

Directorate: Initially, Signal, Balloo Road, Bangor, however, may be required to work in any Council location.

Responsible to: Economic Development Manager

Salary: PO3 SCP 33 36

Car user status: Casual

Contract: Externally-funded, temporary to 31 March 2028 (36 hours weekly), which may be extended subject to funding being available.

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST

The Local Economic Partnership (LEP) Officer will be responsible for the establishment and operation of the new Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership (LEP) and for its strategic and operational management as directed by the Economic Development Manager. This post will bring together local economic stakeholders to reflect local needs and strengths, promoting collaborative working, and drive greater integration between local and central government economic initiatives. The key objective of the LEP is to develop and co-design a local plan tailored to Ards and North Down which will identify actions, develop projects that align with the Sub-Regional Economic Plan, Invest NI Business Strategy and the Economic Development strategies and corporate plan of the Council.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To manage, co-ordinate and assist the Local Economic Partnership (LEP) in the development, implementation and continuous review of strategic/operational plans and report to the Department for the Economy (DfE) on the achievements of the LEP's objectives as set out in the Guidance document.
• To identify, develop and procure interventions to help improve local labour market conditions in line with the aims and objectives of the LEP and address regional balance.
• To prepare progress reports on the implementation of action plans and where appropriate, recommend revisions for consideration and implement any agreed revisions/remedial action to Plans and feedback to DfE/INI.
• To collect evidence using an Outcome Based Accountability method to create Performance Scorecards that consider the impact of the Partnership on agreed Department indicators and the Council's Corporate Plan.
• To develop local policies and procedures relating to the work of the LEP, in compliance with statutory requirements, and act as the designated officer for the purposes of complying with Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Equality legislation and monitor their implementation.
• To communicate advice and guidance to the LEP on legislation, policy, commissioning research, statistical reports, publications relating to the work of the LEP and local economic issues.
• To provide advice and support to the LEP members to ensure effective and efficient operation of the partnership (including identified training requirements).
• To manage budget to ensure maximum spend and prepare claims to the relevant departments to draw down funding.
• To manage expenditure of DfE funding ensuring that the functions are carried out in accordance with Council's governance and financial framework and that of the DfE's Financial Guidelines for the LEP.
• To be responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of a Declarations of Interest Register.
• To monitor the performance of the LEP, identify priorities for inclusion in the annual action plan and monitor performance against these priorities.
• To establish Task and Finish groups or sub-project/project groups as required, with Terms of Reference, and ensure servicing of same.
• To network with partners, develop and maintain relationships with statutory agencies and other public and private sector organisations, and identify opportunities to market and promote the positive image of the LEP.
• In conjunction with the Corporate Communications section, to develop a Communications Strategy to promote the work of the LEP through the media and other communications channels and work with members to develop public and business awareness of the LEP.
• To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council policies and legal requirements.

The post holder must be prepared to work outside normal office hours as required to fulfil the duties of the post.

Qualifications and Experience

Level 5 qualification or equivalent in a business or management related discipline.

Desirable: Additional relevant professional qualifications in economic policy, capital development or equivalent.

Key Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrable communication skills of all types and at all levels.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships/networks.
• Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting work demands.
• Demonstrable financial management and data analysis skills.
• Financial project monitoring.
• Cooperation and liaison with external stakeholders on financial and grant issues.
• Demonstrable knowledge and use of spreadsheets.
• Ability to demonstrate competency in the use of Microsoft applications and financial management IT systems.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised.

Other Requirements

• Be prepared to work outside normal office hours as required to fulfil the duties of the post.
• Access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post.
• Access to the internet to enable home working if and when required.

The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.