Programme Administrator in Cookstown

Rural Action is a registered charity (NIC108163) established to meet an identified need to support grassroots communities through meaningful, community-driven projects and programmes. We specialise in designing, developing, and delivering initiatives that respond directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural people. Our mission is to inspire action and make a lasting, positive impact on everyday rural life. We believe in the strength of community, the value of shared spaces, and the potential of sustainable living.

We act as a Managing Agent for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), managing the delivery in Northern Ireland of the IFI Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) and the Communities in Partnership (Cross Border) Programme. We are working in partnership with Cooperation Ireland and East Border Region to animate and provide support to grassroots communities to access funding opportunities under the SEUPB/Pobal managed PEACEPLUS Small Grants Programme. We are an Open College Network (OCN) accredited centre and deliver the OCN Level 1 in Developing and Managing Community Facilities. We undertake various assignments and commissions for central and local government, other statutory bodies and the community and voluntary sector, including pilot projects, evaluations, programme design, project assessments and appraisals. We deliver our own Rural Action Awards where we give back to communities each year. So far, we have invested nearly £30,000 in community action projects, injecting the equivalent of £1,000 per month back into rural communities. We have recently secured two major PEACEPLUS initiatives: RiSE (Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise), which focuses on empowering rural communities through enterprise and innovation, and MCS (Maximising Community Space), aimed at enhancing shared, inclusive spaces.

The Administrator will assist in supporting the delivery of the PEACEPLUS projects, providing a full administrative service to the Programme Team. Additionally, they will assist in the continuing development of administrative structures and procedures necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of each programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To maintain a centralised calendar for the programme, assisting with the scheduling of meetings and programme activities such as training, study visits and cluster events.
• Liaising with the programme staff, assisting in the preparation of programme materials.
• Contributing to the administration of events including networking events, clustering events and residentials, and the management of promotional stands.
• Assisting programme staff by processing and recording feedback questionnaires and preparing summary reports following programme activities.
• Liaising with participant organisations, procurement staff and suppliers of goods and services in line with SEUPB procurement requirements.
• Providing administrative support as required, including document creation and digital text processing.
• Maintaining a centralised electronic document management system for the programme.
• Assisting in the administration of management information reports as required in support of quarterly claims, monitoring reports and annual work plans.
• Providing support to the Programme Manager and the Programme Delivery Team as required.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties which the Programme Manager may feel necessary to ensure the success of the Programme and the achievement of its aim and objectives.

Essential Criteria:

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades A to C including Maths and English Language, or 2 years relevant experience in an Administration role.
• At least 2 years experience in the last 5 years of operating in a similar role as Administrator.
• Proven experience of working in an office environment with various teams supporting community based projects.
• Experience in fielding calls, arranging meetings, scheduling events and supporting same.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively within and across projects.

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of rural community/development sectors.
• Experience in reconciliation, promoting good relations, and cross-border peacebuilding.
• Familiarity with a range of other project, data and people management software.

Conditions of Service:

The successful applicant will play a key role in helping Rural Action deliver its strategic plan, and as such, a flexible and proactive approach to work is essential. This post is based in Cookstown, with Rural Action currently operating a hybrid working model. Upon successful completion of the probation period, the postholder will have the opportunity to work flexibly within this model.

Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo an Access NI check. This post is subject to funding and is confirmed until 31 January 2029.

Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.