Graduate Development Officer

Responsible For: The Graduate Development Officer willwork closely with a multi-disciplinary team of experienced, diverse professionals todesign, develop and deliver integrated supports to clients (communities, individuals & businesses), across a range of rural development, environmental and social inclusion initiatives, projects and programmes, throughout the Ballyhoura Development area, in line with the companys core community led participative development strategies and methodologies. REPORTING TO: Line Manager as appointed by the CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG Key responsibilities will focus on supporting and shadowing the work of the Development Officers which drives innovative community, environmental and economic development and diversification by means of some or all of the following: Mentor and support local community and voluntary groups to enable them to understand and access available community led local development supports; Engage in outreach activities to support communities and targeted clients to access and participate in appropriate, relevant activities and initiatives across broad-based community development, environmental sustainability and more targeted social inclusion focused activities; Support community-led initiatives in the areas of community development and enhancement, environment, sustainability, a just transition for all, employment creation, enterprise and social enterprise development; Support communications, marketing and development activities of targeted local sectors and groups such as tourism. food, arts; Facilitate and drive strategic collaborative partnerships and networks focused on developing targeted responses to identified social inclusion and economic development needs; Provide support to Development Officers and communities to undertake Participative Community Socio-Environmental-Economic Planning processes, which may include leading, participating in, or assisting with various elements of the process; Help identify and develop appropriate responses to gaps in supports, skills and services within the Ballyhoura area; Support clients with the preparation of applications for grant aid from the full range of available sources; Deliver a range of coordinated supports to clients experiencing social exclusion, from soft engagement to targeted education and training activities and into employment and self-employment; Develop the skills and capacity within the management and staffing structures of community organisations relating to governance and management best practice; Empower clients to participate more effectively in local, regional and national decision-making structures; Achieve and report on key programme indicators, as required; Update and maintain client relationship systems in line with company policy and Programme Operating rules; Anticipate opportunities and develop creative and innovative project ideas, proposals and applications; Participate in the development and delivery of inter-territorial and transnational projects; Disseminate information and create awareness to improve knowledge and uptake of the range of finance and other supports available to clients to implement their ideas; Monitor inputs, outputs, outcomes and impacts through data collection, reports, case studies and by any other means which may be required by the company and/or programmes; Participate in and comply with all company actions and activities relating to continuous improvement, such as the Q Mark, the Governance and any other continuous improvement processes implemented by the company; Understand, be aware of and comply with all company policies and procedures; Attend any compulsory training organised by the company, and participate in other training events or courses relevant to your role. Person Specification Enthusiastic and Outgoing Creative and Innovative Flexible and Responsive Thrives on responsibility and autonomy Interested in locally led environmental, economic or social initiatives Available to work outside normal office hours, including some evening and weekend work Eager to learn and pursue new opportunities Legally eligible to work in Ireland Qualifications Diploma, Graduate degree, post-graduate qualification, Masters or higher; Graduated in 2023, 2024 or expect to graduate in 2025; People from all educational backgrounds are welcome to apply. Disciplines that will be particularly relevant include environmental sustainability, tourism marketing and development, arts and culture, community and rural development, digital skills and internet of things, climate change, renewable energy, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences, quantity surveying, engineering, archaeology. Required Skills & Experience for the Post Strong interest in supporting or delivering community or business led development initiatives; High level of IT proficiency; Strong administrative skills; Full clean drivinglicence Terms & Conditions Fixed Term Contract for 18 months Salary €30,000 23 AL days Skills: Community Social Environment Tourism Cultural Sustainability Engineering Benefits: Flexible working Laptop Generous holiday entitlement Company Closure days