Development Officer in Selkirk

Overall Purpose

To support the delivery of Affordable Housing development projects through the pre-construction stages, from early feasibility and project development to contract award and site start, strengthening SBHA’s commitment to Great Places and Smart Investment Choices. The role contributes to project appraisal, funding, stakeholder engagement, procurement, governance and project administration, ensuring that development activity is progressed in compliance with SBHA standards and Scottish Government grant conditions. The postholder will assist in the preparation of project briefs, specifications, reports and submissions and work closely with the Development Manager and other colleagues to support successful project outcomes.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the delivery of new build development projects in line with the Association’s agreed strategies and the SBHA Strategic & Business Plan.
• Coordinate and support pre-construction project activity to help ensure projects are progressed to agreed programme, budget, specification and quality standards.
• Attend design, progress and site meetings as required in support of project development, noting that construction-stage delivery sits elsewhere.
• Support engagement with Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Government in relation to strategic investment in new build housing, including assisting in the preparation of submissions for development projects within Local Authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIP).
• Carry out financial and risk appraisals to support the assessment of project viability and investment decision-making.
• Prepare submissions to and maintain Scottish Government’s HARP system on behalf of SBHA, ensuring project information is accurate and up to date.
• Prepare grant submissions, claims and supporting appraisals to the Scottish Government and other funding bodies, helping to ensure grant conditions are met and claims are processed accurately and on time.
• Assist in option appraisals and project scoping for new build and major refurbishment projects, including consideration of placemaking, housing need and project constraints.
• Support the appointment of appropriate consultants and contractors in line with the Association’s Procurement Policy, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Work with and report regularly to internal stakeholders to support effective governance of the development programme, particularly in relation to housing need, financial resources, programme progress and handover planning.
• Support SBHA’s profile and relationships within the sector by contributing to partnership working, stakeholder engagement and the identification of development opportunities.
• Contribute to SBHA’s reputation by supporting development-related communications and community engagement activity, including press releases, intranet updates, award submissions, consultations and official openings where relevant.
• Support the preparation of submissions and information required for discussions with the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies, local authorities and other stakeholders in relation to project funding and approvals.
• Maintain effective project record keeping to ensure accurate records of decisions, actions, approvals and obligations for both SBHA and external suppliers.
• Support the identification, reporting and mitigation of project risks and maintain project risk registers accurately and consistently.
• Support in the identification and purchase of Open Market Purchase properties.
• Keep abreast of changes in legislation, policy and procedures affecting the development process and help implement change effectively, including new standards that support the journey to Net Zero and the evaluation of modern methods of construction where appropriate.
• Ensure complaints, enquiries and tasks are handled effectively and in a timely manner in accordance with policies and procedures, with information accurately recorded on relevant systems.
• Undertake additional project work and other duties appropriate to the post, as directed by the Development Manager or Director of Development.

General

• To promote safe behaviours and take responsibility for ensuring that the Association’s policies and procedures for Health & Safety at Work are observed throughout the organisation.
• To observe and continually promote equal opportunities and customer care in compliance with Association policy.
• To model and promote behaviours, consistent with SBHA’s People Charter and Code of Conduct.
• To commit to personal continuous professional development to maintain relevant up-to-date skills for personal and Association’s benefit.
• To carry out any other duties appropriate to this post, as necessary or as requested.

Contacts

Executive Team, Leadership Team, and all teams. Tenants and other customers, Scottish Borders Tenant Organisation, Housing Associations, Local Authorities, the Health & Safety Executive, Consultants and Contractors. You will be required on occasions to work out-with and in excess of normal working hours. You will be required to travel within Scottish Borders area and occasionally out-with.