Programme Support Officer - NE Farm Business Support Service in Northumberland

Location: Rothbury or Hexham (Hybrid working available)

Contract: Full-time (part-time considered), fixed term until 31 March 2029

Are you passionate about farming, rural communities and making a difference? We're looking for a motivated and organised Programme Support Officer to join the North East Farm Business Support Service, delivered by Northumberland National Park Authority on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. You'll work alongside a team supporting farmers and rural businesses across the North East, helping them access advice, funding opportunities and business support. From assisting with farm visits and programme administration to organising workshops and promoting the service at agricultural events, no two days will be the same.

This role is ideal for someone with an understanding of farming and rural businesses who enjoys working with people and has excellent organisational skills.

We are looking for someone with:

• Knowledge of farming and the challenges facing rural businesses.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Experience in administration, project support or programme delivery.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
• A proactive approach and a genuine interest in supporting the farming community.

Why join us?

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• Local government pension.
• Generous holiday and flexi times.
• A varied and rewarding role supporting rural businesses.
• Opportunities to work with farmers across the North East.
• An excellent development opportunity to progress towards the role of Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real impact on the future of farming in the North East, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to apply, please visit our website, read the job pack and complete the application form.

Job purpose: Work alongside the North East Farm Business Support Service team, to support the North East farming community and successfully deliver the Farm Business Support workstream of the North East Rural Growth Programme. This position offers an excellent development opportunity for those aspiring to progress into the role of Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer.

Support the team with all aspects of the programme including assisting with farm visits, programme support, working with farm businesses to ensure they are compliant with the requirements of the programme registration process.

Key Result Areas:

• Strategy Development and Implementation: Work closely with the North East Farm Business Support team and delivery partners to ensure business referrals are acted upon in a timely manner. Support the team in the delivery of project key performance indicators and maintain accurate and streamlined records for project reporting and claims. Keep up to date on agricultural policy and available grants to ensure accurate farm business advice can be given.
• Project Development and Implementation: Work closely with the North East Farm Business Support team to deliver the programme. Work with the Farm Networking Officer to develop and deliver a programme of bespoke technical advice workshops, including procuring speakers, venues, catering as well as working with NNPA communications team to publicise. Help to ensure accurate record keeping i.e. farm business pipeline and outcome monitoring. Assist farmers with application forms and associated requirements.