Graduate Project Officer

Overview

Graduate Project Officer – Join the Suffolk Graduate Partnership, a collaboration between Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council and Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils. This two‑year graduate development programme offers hands‑on experience in local government, contribution to meaningful projects and a career that makes a real difference across Suffolk.

Key Details

• Location: Various sites across Suffolk – hybrid working
• Salary: £26,000 per annum (first year), rising to £27,500 per annum (second year) upon meeting performance criteria
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term to August 2028 – 7 positions available

Your Role

Work on a range of projects, enhancing services during Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). You’ll collaborate with innovative, like‑minded colleagues to improve lives of tens of thousands of people.

You Will

• Have excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Organise your work to deliver expected outcomes
• Be excited to drive innovation, propose new ideas and find fresh ways to tackle problems

Requirements

• At least a 2:2 degree in any subject
• Completed your degree no more than 2 years before summer 2026
• Eligible to work in the UK

Placement Structure

• Two‑year fixed placement within one host organisation (no rotation)
• Supported by a dedicated line manager and senior mentor
• Opportunities to shadow teams across county & district levels
• Contribute to a collaborative graduate project with peers

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave pro‑rata, UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance‑related annual pay progression and cost‑of‑living increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• Variety of career development opportunities across the organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options – request from day one

How to Apply

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Click \’Apply Now\’ to start your application.
3. Upload a supporting statement (no more than 300 words per question) answering the following questions:
   1. What interests you about working in local government, and why have you applied to the Suffolk Graduate Partnership? What do you hope to gain and how will local government impact communities?
   2. How will this scheme benefit your future career? Describe the skills, experiences, networks you hope to develop and how they will help you achieve your long‑term goals.
   3. In the context of LGR, what opportunities does this change pose for the wider public sector?
4. Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Successful candidates will be invited to submit a video answering further questions. Please adhere to CV and supporting statement format requirements.

Contact

Call Isla Bliss: 01473 296586 or email rising.high@suffolk.gov.uk for an informal discussion. For reasonable adjustments, email recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or call 03456 014412.

Important Dates

Closing date: 11:30 pm, 28 February 2026.

Selection day: 3 June 2026 at Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX – you must be available.

Legal

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Any application suspected of being AI‑generated may be rejected.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks will be required where relevant.