Lead Officer (Children's Activities Programme) (Temporary) (MOR12068) - MOR12068 in Elgin

This role is critical to supporting the delivery of commitments set out in Moray Councils Children’s Activities Programme Business/Delivery Plan following Scottish Government investment to expand after-school activities and community-based activity for primary school children from low-income families.

The role will lead the design, development and implementation of this new programme working with internal and external partners which will support parents and carers to access employment, education and training and also support the wider child poverty agenda. This role will require development of the programme model to ensure the programme is equitable, accessible and sustainable during and beyond the period of Scottish Government investment.

This post is considered to be a ‘Regulated Role’ under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Under the Act, it is a legal requirement for an individual undertaking a regulated role with children or protected adults to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. The successful candidate will therefore be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to any formal offer of employment being made by Moray Council.

• Lead the design, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Children’s Activities Programme Business/Delivery Plan.
• Work with internal and external partners to work collaboratively to deliver the investment intentions for the programme and strengthen the wider Children’s Activities network across Moray.
• Utilise and build on existing networks and provision to avoid duplication and ensure the programme leaves a lasting legacy.
• Strengthen community capacity and system sustainability as the model develops based on evidence and local need. Ensure children, young people and families actively influence programme development and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for the line management of staff and relevant training requirements.
• Responsible for the budget management of the Children’s Activities programme investment.

• Experience of leading, co-ordinating or managing projects, programmes or service developments involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience of partnership working with public sector, third sector, community or voluntary organisations.
• Experience of community engagement, consultation or place-based working.
• Experience of managing competing priorities, risks, issues and deadlines.
• Experience of preparing reports, briefings, presentations or updates for senior officers, partners or governance groups.
• Professional qualification in relevant discipline (community development, public services, education, sport, leisure, culture, youth work, social policy, project management or business management).
• Ability to lead and coordinate a complex programme from mobilisation through to delivery, monitoring and review.
• Strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to analyse information, identify trends, assess needs and use evidence to inform decision-making.
• Ability to develop clear processes, guidance, action plans and reporting arrangements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce concise reports and present information clearly.
• Ability to influence and negotiate within a variety of settings.
• Ability to identify and manage risks, dependencies and issues.
• Good digital skills, including confident use of Microsoft Office applications and data/reporting tools.
• Ability to manage budgets, funding allocations or financial information accurately and responsibly.
• Highly effective presentation, organisational, time-management, written and oral communication skills.
• Self-confident and self-motivated.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery.
• Ability to respond creatively to ever changing priorities and demands.
• Ability to take a lead role while empowering colleagues to deliver results.
• Knowledge of Early Learning & Childcare, School Aged Childcare legislation.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, equality, inclusion, child poverty priorities and community engagement principles.
• Ability to build positive, respectful and productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Confident facilitation skills, including the ability to chair or support meetings, workshops and local planning discussions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and encourage shared ownership across partners and providers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people, families, community groups and professional stakeholders.
• Commitment to inclusion, fairness, accessibility and reducing barriers to participation.
• Able to travel independently to a variety of locations in the general course of work.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, balancing office-based, remote and community-based working.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends where required to support community engagement, programme delivery or events.
• Ability to manage workload independently while remaining accountable through agreed governance and reporting arrangements.
• Commitment to complying with Council policies, procedures, safeguarding expectations, data protection requirements and health and safety arrangements.

Temporary Post until 31 March 2028

Closing Date: 14 August 2026

Starting Salary: £52,478

£27.84 per hour

36.25 hours per week

For further information, contact Kim Slater - 07800 670675