Graduate Project Officer

targetjobs UK; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Graduate Project Officer to support key projects improving local services. The position offers hands-on experience and professional development while addressing challenges in local governance. Ideal for recent graduates passionate about public service, it provides opportunities to drive innovation and engage with community impact.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• At least a 2.2 degree in any subject.
• Ideally completed degree within two years of summer 2025.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of key projects across Suffolk.
• Contribute to Devolution and local government reorganisation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Public service passion

Education

2.2 degree in any subject

Job description

Organisation and Working Arrangements

• Employer: Suffolk County Council
• Location: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX (hybrid working)
• Salary: £25,000 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week (flexible working options available)
• Contract: Fixed term or secondment to September 2026 (2 posts)
  
  

Role Overview

Are you a recent graduate looking to kick-start your career in local government? This placement offers hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact on our communities in Suffolk.

This is a truly exciting time to join local government in Suffolk. We are at the forefront of Devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR), creating new opportunities to shape how services are delivered across the county.

As a Graduate Project Officer, you will support key projects that enable the organisation to deliver effective and efficient services to the people of Suffolk. Along with a varied and rewarding workload, this is a career path where you can improve the lives of tens of thousands of people while working with innovative, like-minded colleagues committed to making a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of key projects that improve how services are designed and delivered across Suffolk.
• Contribute to work linked to Devolution and local government reorganisation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners, communicating clearly and building effective relationships.
• Organise your workload to meet expectations and deadlines.
• Identify opportunities to innovate, propose new ideas, and tackle problems creatively.
  
  

About You

• Passionate about public service and community impact.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organisational skills with a focus on delivery.
• Committed to demonstrating our WE ASPIRE values.
• Excited to drive innovation and suggest fresh ways of tackling problems.
  
  

Qualifications And Eligibility

• At least a 2.2 degree in any subject.
• Ideally, your degree was completed within two years of summer 2025.
• Prepared to challenge yourself and work hard to deliver real results.
  
  

Learning and Development

Over the programme, you will gain a deep understanding of how the public sector works through a stimulating and challenging placement. You will also benefit from additional learning opportunities and regular training to broaden your knowledge of public sector work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in potential, possibility, and the power of different ideas. We encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be and aim to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in our organisation, as reflected in our Workforce Equality Report.

How to Apply

• Read the Job and Person Profile.
• Start your online application,
• Upload a supporting statement (no more than 500 words per question) addressing:
• What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the public sector over the next two years and what do you think this means for Suffolk?
• Give an example of when you have achieved something as part of a team. What was your role and what did the team achieve?
• Give an example of when you have used your initiative. What did you do and what was the outcome?
• What strengths, skills, and experience make you an ideal candidate for this opportunity?
• Use the supporting statement template provided.
• Upload an anonymised CV (without your name and personal details).
  
  

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your application cannot be progressed. Documents must be in PDF or MS Word format. If you want to apply via secondment, review your organisation’s secondment policy and ensure you have permission from your current manager before applying.

Accessibility and Adjustments

If you require reasonable adjustments to the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments.

Important Information

• Application deadline: 11:30pm, 17 August 2025.
• This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
• We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
• As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions, with working options that flex to reflect the way people work today.
  
  

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave (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.