Project Co-Ordinator

Rural Support; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Project Co-Ordinator for a 12-month maternity cover to oversee the Plough On project. The role involves managing project activities, recruiting volunteers, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure project success. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience in project management, particularly in community engagement.

Benefits

Laptop

Medical Aid / Health Care

Mobile Phone

Parking

Work From Home

Qualifications

• Experience working with older and vulnerable persons.
• Ability to manage project budgets and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Plough On project, including recruitment and support of Group Leaders.
• Manage project budget and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Engage with community partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Team Working

Communication

Budget Management

Evaluation

Job description

Job Purpose:

Maternity Cover - 12 months contract

The Plough On Project Co-Ordinator will be a key member of the project team for the Plough On project and is primarily responsible for the development and delivery of the project. This will include:

• Establishing new groups – recruiting Group Leaders and volunteers, venue arrangements, recruitment, and organisation of participants.
• Supporting existing groups – development and management of events, meetings, and activities.
• Supervision of Group Leaders and volunteers involved in the project.
• Outputs related to:
  • Marketing and PR
  • Governance
  • Budget Management
  • Safeguarding and Health & Safety
  • Managing Advisory Committee
• Liaising with project funder The National Lottery Community Fund and other organisations providing or offering funding support.
• Engaging with potential community-based partners on different models of sustainability for groups.
• Engaging and working with a range of government departments and other partners.
• Working collaboratively with other Rural Support staff, in particular the Social Farming and Innovation Team.

It is essential that the post holder work closely with key stakeholders to ensure full understanding of the project objectives and desired outcomes.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Promote the Plough On project amongst farming organisations, contact, and the wider farming community along with local community and health organisations in the agreed target areas.

1. Recruit, organise training for, and support Group Leader and volunteers who will lead the groups of older males in each of the agreed target areas.

1. Organise events, outings, training, and seminars as required to include a Learning & Sharing event in October 2024 and a final project conference in May/June 2026.

1. Manage the project budget, liaising with the Head of Finance on monthly spend and Group Leaders on individual group spend.

1. Direct the Social Farming and Innovation Project Support Officer in tasks required for the project.

1. Liaise with the Volunteer Co-Ordinator on the development and delivery of training and support for Group Leaders and volunteers.

1. Liaise with Social Farming and Innovation Programme Manager on the development and implementation of evaluation processes.

1. Liaise with the communications and outreach team on the creation and dissemination of promotional material including video and other multi-media products.

1. Ensure that all procedures laid down by Rural Support and relevant funders are followed in relation to project activity, documentation, and expenditure.

1. Prepare regular high-quality reports on the work of the project for the Advisory Committee, Board of Rural Support, and funder as required.

1. Prepare promotional materials for the project in line with the Communications Plan. Engage with relevant stakeholders and networks to promote the project and development opportunities.

1. Manage the direction of the project in line with the drafted sustainability statement, which includes financial and partnership support options.

Management Responsibilities

This post has no specific line management responsibilities – other than the management and supervision of Group Leaders and volunteers.

Working with Older and Vulnerable Persons

The person appointed will work regularly with groups of older and vulnerable people. This will include regular, unsupervised, and one-to-one contact with these older and vulnerable people involved in project groups. They will supervise project Group Leaders and volunteers and liaise with local farming, community, and health organisations as well as local authorities.

They will work closely with Rural Support staff on the delivery of training, the debriefing and support of volunteers, and direct work with small groups of older and vulnerable people.

Volunteer Recruitment and Development

The post-holder will oversee the recruitment, checking and training of locally based Group Leaders and volunteers. They will liaise closely with the Volunteer Co-Ordinator on the training and support of these volunteers on an ongoing basis.

Evaluation

The Project Co-ordinator will contribute significantly to the evaluation of the project. This will include recording, analysing, and presenting key data both quantitative and qualitative. They will collaborate with other staff and the external consultant on the analysis of this data and the creation of high quality internal and external reports as required.

Team Working

Team working is an essential component of this post. In addition to participating in the Plough On team as part of the Social Farming and Innovation Department, the Project Co-ordinator will work as part of the Rural Support staff team. They will work with the Social Farming and Innovation Programme Manager and other staff on the reporting aspects of the project, and in particular on the preparation of reports to the Advisory Committee, Rural Support Trustee Board, funders, and other agencies as required.

Other Duties

The Project Co-Ordinator will represent the project at a range of meetings and events. They may be required to give media interviews, and to present at seminars and other events. They are expected to have high level presentation skills, and to be able to engage with a very wide range of people and bodies.

Supervision Received

The Project Co-Ordinator will be line managed by Social Farming and Innovation Programme Manager. However, the post-holder will be expected to display a significant degree of personal initiative within the framework of the project plans and work plans.

Safeguarding and SensitivityThe Project Co-Ordinator will be expected to maintain relationships with a wide range of bodies and individuals and to work with older and vulnerable people on a range of potentially sensitive issues.

They will be expected to follow best practice in terms of safeguarding and to adhere to the letter and spirit of all Rural Support policies and processes. Due to the nature of the work, which involves direct work and engagement with vulnerable adults, an Enhanced Disclosure AccessNI check will be undertaken in advance of contracting to the position.

Other Considerations

• Due to the nature of this work, it is anticipated that a substantial proportion of the work will be done during office hours, though it will also be necessary to be available for evenings and weekends on an occasional and planned basis. A time off in lieu system will operate.

• The Project Co-Ordinator will be entitled to 22 days annual leave each year in addition to statutory holidays.

• The post holder will be required to have access to the use of a car and a full current clean driving licence.

Benefits:
Laptop Medical Aid / Health Care Mobile Phone Parking Work From Home