HDRC Project Support Officer in Wakefield

‘Better Decisions, Better Knowledge, Better Lives’ This is an exciting time for Wakefield as we develop our Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). HDRC Wakefield is one of 30 programmes across the country which are working to increase local authorities’ capacity and capability to undertake research. Equally important is translating the evidence we create into better decisions and policies that will have an impact on our residents’ lives. Although our initial funding through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is for a five‑year programme, we are aiming to change how we do things in Wakefield and ensure we create sustainable research capacity that will be part of Wakefield Council well into the future.

We are now seeking a highly capable Project Support Officer to manage all the administrative processes of the HDRC. This post is absolutely critical in ensuring that the financial and organisational aspects of the HDRC run as smoothly as possible. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to get involved in supporting a variety of programmes and projects across the full range of HDRC Wakefield’s work. You will be able to demonstrate the skills and experience required to provide excellent administrative and project support to a developing research programme involving a diverse range of organisations and individuals, including academic partners, VCSE organisations, and directly with our residents and communities. You will enjoy the challenge of working on a developing programme where processes need to be designed and set up. An interest in research and/or health and wellbeing, or other areas related to HDRC Wakefield’s aims, would be an advantage.

What will be expected from me?

• Provide efficient project and administrative support to the developing HDRC Wakefield team
• Assist with the day to day management of HDRC Wakefield’s budget, including the preparation of regular financial returns to NIHR and supporting invoices and payments on the Agresso system
• Support the monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators against the plan for delivering HDRC Wakefield, including reports to NIHR
• Support the organisation of meetings and events with a range of internal and external stakeholders, both virtually and in person
• Liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders both virtually and in person, to support the development of HDRC Wakefield and the efficient delivery of its day to day business
• Support the development of new processes and procedures as HDRC Wakefield develops, to establish suitable mechanisms for the efficient delivery of its day to day business
• Take lead responsibility for the management of small projects within HDRC Wakefield, dependent on the interests of the post holder and the needs of the developing project
• Support the delivery of larger training programmes and projects within HDRC Wakefield

Essential requirements

• GCSE Maths and English Language at grades 4 – 9
• Qualifications at Level 3 or above relevant to business or project management or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and skills gained through relevant employment or voluntary work
• Ability to use complex information to develop new processes and procedures to support the efficient delivery of HDRC Wakefield’s day to day business
• Confident in suggesting solutions to emerging issues and taking a lead in establishing organisational processes to support the delivery of HDRC Wakefield’s day to day business
• Knowledge of local government policies and procedures, especially relating to finance
• Ability to co‑ordinate complex administrative processes in different organisational contexts within the VCSE, university and local government

What can I expect?

• This is a part‑time post of 16 hours with Hybrid flexible working pattern. Part‑time, flexible or job share working considered. Secondments very welcome, subject to the agreement of your current line manager
• 30 days of holidays plus 8 bank holidays.
• Support and ongoing training.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise programme with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.

To arrange an informal discussion about the opportunity with Melanie Wray, Programme Manager, please contact HDRC@wakefield.gov.uk or call 07471726850.

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Melanie Wray. Tel: 07471726850 E-mail: mwray@wakefield.gov.uk