Graduate Project Officer

Suffolk County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government organization in the UK seeks enthusiastic graduates for its Graduate Partnership programme. This two-year fixed term role offers valuable experience in local government and involvement in impactful projects. Ideal candidates should hold at least a 2:2 degree, possess strong communication and collaborative skills, and be eager to drive innovation in a hybrid working environment. An opportunity to shape the future of local services while advancing your career.

Benefits

Annual leave up to 29 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Recent graduates eligible to work in the UK.
• Degree completed no more than 2 years before summer 2026.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience in local government.
• Contribute to meaningful projects.
• Shape how services are delivered.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Organizational skills

Innovation

Education

2:2 degree in any subject

Job description

Job Description

Suffolk Graduate Partnership (Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils)

• 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

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

The Suffolk Graduate Partnership is a collaboration between Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council, and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (working in partnership). 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

Along with a varied and rewarding workload, working in the public sector is a career where you have a real opportunity to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people and work with innovative, like‑minded people committed to making a difference.

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) (docx).

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). You should 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:

11.30pm, 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.

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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.

SGP (Suffolk Graduate Partnership) is a collaboration between Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, West Suffolk Council and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).