Graduate Project Officer

Suffolk Jobs Direct; England; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A collaborative graduate program in local government is seeking recent graduates for the Suffolk Graduate Partnership. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain extensive experience in local government while contributing to meaningful projects. Successful candidates will work closely with various councils, focusing on innovation and community service. The role requires a minimum 2:2 degree and is designed for graduates who are excited about making a difference in public administration. This is a fixed-term position with an initial salary of £26,000 per annum, rising on successful performance.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential.
• Ability to organize work successfully to meet expectations.
• Excited to drive innovation and approach problems creatively.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience in local government.
• Contribute to meaningful projects within the community.
• Engage with transformational changes in local governance.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Organizational skills

Innovation and problem-solving

Education

2:2 degree in any subject

Job description

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include and be represented by all communities we serve and to achieve this, we encourage applications from graduates of all backgrounds.

Job Details

• Suffolk Graduate Partnership (Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council and Babergh/Mid Suffolk District Council)
• Address: Various locations across Suffolk - Hybrid working
• Salary: £26,000 per annum in the first year (rising to £27,500 per annum in the second year on successfully meeting performance related criteria)
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term to August 2028, 7 positions available

The Suffolk Graduate Partnership is a collaboration between Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council, and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. This two‑year graduate development programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in local government, to contribute to meaningful projects, and build a career that makes a real difference to communities across Suffolk.

As Suffolk prepares for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), this is an exciting time to join the sector. Graduates will be part of a system undergoing transformation, with opportunities to shape how services are delivered and how councils work together. You’ll be at the heart of change, gaining insight into strategic priorities and future governance models.

Your role

You will

• have excellent communication and collaboration skills
• be able to organise your work successfully to deliver what’s expected
• be excited to help drive innovation, offer new ideas, and think up fresh ways of tackling problems.

Bringing together a range of local authorities, the Suffolk Public Sector Graduate Scheme is aimed at ambitious graduates willing to work hard and contribute to the important work we deliver.

To join us you will need

• at least a 2:2 degree in any subject
• to have completed your degree no more than 2 years before summer 2026
• to be eligible to work in the UK.

Placement Structure

• Two‑year fixed placement within one host organisation (no rotation).
• Supported by a dedicated line manager and senior mentor.
• Opportunities to shadow teams across county and district levels.
• Contribute to a collaborative graduate project with peers.

This structure ensures continuity and depth of experience, especially important as Suffolk navigates LGR. There’s never been a more exciting and challenging time to be part of the public sector.

For more information

To arrange an informal discussion about this role, please feel free to call Isla Bliss on 01473 296586 or email [e-mail].

To find out more details, view employee benefits and how to apply, please view our recruitment brochure.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 300 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.

• Question 1 - What interests you about working in local government, and why have you chosen to apply for the Suffolk Graduate Partnership? In your answer, please reflect on what you hope to gain from the programme and how you think local government makes a difference to communities.
• Question 2 - How do you think this graduate scheme will benefit your future career? Please describe the skills, experiences, or networks you hope to develop, and how these will help you achieve your longer‑term goals.
• Question 3 - In the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), what opportunities does this significant change pose for the wider public sector?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

If you are successful in the first shortlisting, you will be invited to submit a video answering further questions. More details will be sent to you.

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Travel requirements

We encourage technology for communication. Sometimes you may need to travel. If you have a disability, talk to the contact below. They can help you with reasonable adjustments for this role.

Closing date: 11:30 pm, 28 February 2026.

Selection day: 3 June 2026 at Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX. You must be available for this to be considered for the role.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.