At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive positive change in the community through project management and event planning.
- Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to community-focused regeneration.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Other info: Flexible working with evening and weekend events; welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a £20 million investment that transforms neighbourhoods and engages communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in project support, event planning, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is offering a 2-year fixed term contract until April 2028. Are you passionate about driving positive change at a neighbourhood level and want to work on a high-profile community-focused regeneration programme? We’re looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Programme Officer to help deliver the Friar Park Pride in Place Programme.
About The Role
These are exciting times for Sandwell. Friar Park will receive £20 million of investment over the next 10 years. As part of the Programme Management Office (PMO), you will provide essential support to the Friar Park Pride in Place Programme, working closely with the Programme Manager.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the smooth operation of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board by providing high-quality secretariat support.
- Help plan and deliver community engagement events and activities.
- Contribute to the drafting and visual production of key documents, including the Pride in Place Plan which sets out the Neighbourhood Board’s 10-year plan.
- Support the development of programme processes and templates.
- Support the council’s requirements as the Accountable Body for the funding.
- Track project delivery, monitor grant expenditure, and support risk and issue management.
- Prepare documentation for grant claims and audits.
- Support programme communication, including developing website content and producing high-quality materials.
About You
We’re looking for someone with experience and skills listed below:
- Experience supporting and monitoring project work and the delivery of services, ideally in a programme management office environment.
- Experience providing secretariat support.
- Experience presenting complex information clearly and to a high standard, including producing high-quality documents, communications materials and website content.
- Experience planning and organising events.
- Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including external partners.
- Comprehensive experience of Oracle finance and procurement.
- Experience preparing project claims, government returns and audit evidence.
- Experience of financial monitoring, collating evidence and ensuring payment conditions are met.
You must have a good understanding of the workings of a local authority, including financial procedures and decision-making frameworks. You should be comfortable working in an environment with changing and competing priorities and collaborating with a range of stakeholders. Some meetings and community events may take place in the evenings and on weekends. You must be able to attend these as required.
Location: The usual base for the post is Oldbury Council House. A minimum of 3 days per week are required to be worked from a council or community location within Sandwell. We welcome applications from Care Leaver and Disability Confident candidates; please state this when submitting your CV.
Pride in Place Programme Officer employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pride in Place Programme Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Attend local events and engage with residents to understand their needs. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of Sandwell Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to programme management and community engagement. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sandwell.
We think you need these skills to ace Pride in Place Programme Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for community-focused regeneration in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with the Friar Park Pride in Place Programme and how you can contribute to driving positive change.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your experience in project management and secretariat support, especially if you've worked in a programme management office before. We love seeing relevant skills that match our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that present complex information in an easy-to-understand way. Remember, quality matters!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Friar Park Pride in Place Programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the £20 million investment, and how it aims to drive community change. This will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Secretarial Skills
Since providing high-quality secretariat support is a key responsibility, prepare examples of your experience in this area. Think about specific instances where you’ve organised meetings, taken minutes, or produced documents that contributed to project success. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Engagement is Key
Community engagement is crucial for this role. Prepare to talk about your experience planning and delivering events. Highlight any successful community initiatives you've been part of and how you engaged stakeholders effectively. This will show your ability to connect with the community.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Given the financial monitoring aspect of the role, brush up on your knowledge of Oracle finance and procurement processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience with grant claims and audits, as well as how you ensure compliance with funding conditions. This will demonstrate your capability in managing financial aspects of projects.