At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the implementation of an exciting All-Age Work Experience initiative across Orkney.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to local workforce development and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Help individuals gain skills and confidence while supporting local employability goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23.2 - 23.2 £ per hour.
Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Temporary up to 31 March 2027
£38,747 - £42,342
£21.23 - £23.20 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Service Manager (Organisational Development).
Your working pattern is Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. We are happy to talk flexible working including working hybrid and part time.
The purpose of this role is to support the project delivery of an All-Age Work Experience and Work Placements initiative to support the Orkney Local Employability Partnership commitments to the employability agenda. This will cover everything from project coordination and stakeholder engagement to supporting the improvement of systems and processes.
Following the development of an All Age Work Experience and Placements Framework, Orkney Islands Council is seeking a Project Officer to lead the implementation phase of this exciting initiative. The programme aims to provide flexible, inclusive and accessible work experience, placements and supported workplace opportunities for people of all ages across Orkney, helping individuals to develop skills, confidence and experience whilst supporting local workforce development and employability objectives.
We are looking for someone who can turn plans into action. Working closely with our services, partner organisations, and participants, you will coordinate the rollout of the programme, develop training and engagement materials, support placement opportunities, and ensure the programme is embedded effectively across the organisation.
You will be responsible for building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, promoting participation, monitoring progress against agreed outcomes, identifying and addressing implementation challenges, and supporting the evaluation and continuous improvement of the programme. You will also contribute to reporting on programme performance and impact, helping to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Applications close at 23.59 on Sunday 16 August 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 17 August 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 24 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Nicola Fyffe at nicola.fyffe@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535 ext. 3303.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Project Officer (All Age Work Experience and Placements) - ORK10641 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those embarking on a career in social care. With a focus on employee growth through practical experience and training towards an SVQ 2 in Social Services and Healthcare, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults within the community. The council promotes flexible working patterns and values diversity, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking rewarding employment in a caring profession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer (All Age Work Experience and Placements) - ORK10641 in Kirkwall
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer (All Age Work Experience and Placements) - ORK10641 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Orkney Islands Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Orkney Islands Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
