Development Officer

Responsible For: The Development Officer will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering integrated supports to clients[1], 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 development strategies and methodologies. Key responsibilities will focus on driving innovative community, environmental and economic development and diversification by means of some or all of the following: Support the capacity building of citizens who are experiencing disadvantage through one to one supports and supporting access to lifelong learning, health and wellbeing opportunities in local communities. Build the capacity of Local Community groups with a focus on integration and supporting the inclusion of disadvantaged and marginalised community members. Support people who are distanced from the labour market to access employment opportunities. Design and 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; Support, work with, provide technical support and mentor local groups to enable them to maximise the benefit of LEADER, SICAP and a range of other complementary local and rural development Programmes, Projects and Initiatives; Lead and engage in outreach activities to support communities and targeted clients to access and participate in appropriate, relevant activities and initiatives across broad-based community and rural development, environmental sustainability and more targeted social inclusion focused activities; Initiate and support community-led initiatives in the areas of community development and enhancement, environment, employment creation, enterprise and social enterprise development; Develop, facilitate and drive strategic collaborative partnerships and networks focused on developing targeted responses to identified social inclusion, environmental and economic development needs; Provide support to communities to undertake Community Participative Socio-Environmental-Economic Planning processes, which may include leading, participating in, or assisting with various elements of the process; Identify and develop creative and 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; 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 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; Coordinate the smooth-running of the outreach office, including Community Support workers; 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 Qualifications Third level qualification in a community / rural / social inclusion / counselling related field, or similar Required Skills & Experience for the Post At least 3 years experience in a similar role or equivalent. Demonstrable experience of supporting or delivering community or business led development initiatives. High level of IT proficiency. Strong administrative skills. Full clean drivinglicence. [1] Clients: communities, individuals & businesses Skills: Community Development Social Inclusion Group work Benefits: Flexible working generous holiday entitlement company pension