At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide proactive support for various projects and ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Orkney Islands Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in community services while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 17.53 - 17.53 £ per hour.
Project Support Officer (OHAC)
Various, based at Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Temporary up to 30 June 2028
£31,356 – £31,995
£17.18 – £17.53 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to Service Manager (Community and Social Care).
Your working pattern is Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to provide high quality, proactive and complex business support across a range of projects and services. You will play a central role in supporting project governance, coordinating key activities and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.
You will act as a first point of contact for project and service enquiries, manage correspondence and stakeholder communication and provide diary management for senior staff. You will coordinate meetings, including preparing agendas and documentation, taking minutes and tracking actions. You will also maintain project documentation such as plans, risk registers and action logs, support consultation activity, assist with reports and governance documentation and contribute to the coordination and delivery of project activity.
You will also work closely with Project Leads to support project planning, develop options and contribute to the delivery of structured improvement work.
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, confident and able to work in a fast-paced environment, with strong communication and administrative skills.
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 is a regulated role with adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 2 August 2026 with shortlisting taking place week commencing 3 August 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 17 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Lynda Bradford, Head of Health and Community Care at lynda.bradford@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535 extension 2601, or Helen Sievewright, Service Manager (Community and Social Care) at helen.sievewright@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535 extension 3280.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, please refer to the Information for Applicants.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer - ORK10568 in Kirkwall
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer - ORK10568 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.
