Temporary Graduate School Improvement Project Officer in Wales

RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026 offers a Graduate Placement with fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds, and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf. All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.

As a Graduate Project Officer, you will play a key role in supporting projects that aim to raise standards, improve learner outcomes, and promote equity in education. Working closely with school improvement advisers, data specialists, and senior leaders, you will:

• Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of school improvement projects.
• Work in an effective strategic partnership with the LA school improvement officers and all schools.
• Lead on the construction, analysis and evaluation of the WG PDG grant documentation and the subsequent report that has to be submitted to Welsh Government annually.
• Synthesise and create summary reports of the strengths and areas for improvement of all the collaborations across the LA.
• Assist with data analysis, performance reporting and impact measurement e.g. PDG.
• Work with schools to gather insights, identify priorities and share effective practice.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives linked to the new Curriculum for Wales and leadership development.
• Produce high-quality written reports, briefings and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Co-ordinate meetings, events and professional learning activities across the education service.

We are seeking a graduate who is enthusiastic, collaborative and committed to improving education for children and young people in Wales.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Training

• A 2:2 degree in education, social sciences, public policy, data/analytics or another relevant field.
• Willingness to undertake further professional learning relevant to the role.

Knowledge & Experience

• Understanding of the Welsh education system and the ambitions of the Curriculum for Wales.
• Experience of conducting research, analysing information or working with data in an academic or professional context.
• Experience producing written work to a high standard.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and present findings clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of digital competency, including confidence with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Excel, Power BI, Word, SharePoint).
• Ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong academic knowledge and understanding and associated research skills relating to the education sector and/or local government.

Personal Attributes

• A positive, proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.
• Respectful, collaborative and adaptable.

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council. The successful applicant for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. The Council values diversity in its workforce and is committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process.