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- Tasks: Support project managers in transforming services for over 250,000 civil servants.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Defra organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, career development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative programme that impacts thousands of civil servants.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for project management.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and collaboration across various teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to play a key role in transforming services for over 250,000 civil servants? This role offers the chance to contribute to a programme that will provide the essential tools to more than 250,000 civil servants in HR, Finance, and Commercial. The Synergy programme will develop a Common Operating Model, replace the Single Operating Platform (SOP) with a new technology platform, introduce a new Business Process Service contract, and establish a new shared service organisation at the cluster level.
The Project Support Officers will enable the smooth running of the programme by supporting the PMO or project managers and programme managers in one of the wider Synergy Team areas through the operation of project management processes and the coordination of business management actions and activities on their behalf.
This role is aligned to the Project Support Officer 2 standard in the Project Delivery Capability Framework. This framework provides guidance on the skills and behaviours we value.
If joining the PMO Team, the post holder will:
- Lead resourcing for the programme team, monitor resources and support recruitment activities.
- Roll out timesheet recording, drive compliance, and develop relationships with Finance teams.
- Line manage the programme team Executive Officer, supervise administrative tasks and coordinate workshops.
- Produce reports, project plans and secure updates on risks, issues and commissions.
- Support financial controls, monitor project spend and contribute to budgets and the business case.
- Coordinate governance forum actions and support other emerging team needs.
If joining one of the wider teams – Finance & Commercial, Digital & Data, HR, or Change – the post holder will:
- Track and manage functional programme actions using MS Planner and remove blockers.
- Monitor and report on programme performance with statistics and key information.
- Manage risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies and escalates as appropriate.
- Plan and schedule activities to route to green and support governance forums.
- Support project delivery activities such as business readiness.
This role can be based at any Defra office where there is capacity. Travel to other sites and overnight stays may be required for meetings or training events.
Project Support Officer in Chelmsford employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a Project Support Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to project management and team coordination. We should also think of examples from our past experiences that showcase our skills in managing resources and supporting project delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks or projects at once. This will demonstrate that we can handle the dynamic nature of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows we’re proactive, which is key for a Project Support Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills align with the Project Support Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to the Synergy programme, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves supporting project managers and coordinating activities, it’s essential to demonstrate your project management abilities. Use specific examples from your past experiences that illustrate your capability in managing resources, risks, and timelines.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your application is easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know the Synergy Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Synergy programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with how it aims to transform services for civil servants and the specific roles of Project Support Officers within that framework. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management processes. Prepare examples of how you've supported project managers in the past, whether through resource management, reporting, or coordinating activities. Highlight your familiarity with tools like MS Planner, as this is crucial for tracking and managing actions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Abilities
As a Project Support Officer, you'll need to liaise with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles, especially with finance or HR teams. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve project outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team's current challenges or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
