Graduate Project Officer

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Graduate Project Officer for a one-year placement. This role involves supporting key projects that aim to enhance community services in Suffolk. Ideal candidates are recent graduates, passionate about public service, and ready to drive innovation. The position offers flexible working options and a competitive salary of £25,000 per annum. Apply by 17 August 2025 to join a rewarding career path.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a degree obtained preferably within 2 years of summer 2025.
• Passion for public service and community impact.
• Prepared to challenge oneself and work diligently.

Responsibilities

• Support key projects to deliver effective services.
• Contribute to innovation and efficiency within teams.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration skills

Organizational skills

Innovative thinking

Education

2.2 degree in any subject

Job description

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: 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 x 2 posts
  
  
  

Are you a recent graduate looking to kick-start your career in local government? Suffolk County Council is offering a one-year graduate placement designed to give you hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact in our community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join two of our teams as a Graduate Project Officer and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of Suffolk.

Your role

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

As a Graduate Project Officer you'll support key projects which enable the organisation to deliver effective and efficient services to the people of Suffolk.

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

• be passionate about public service and community impact
• have excellent communication and collaboration skills
• be able to organise your work successfully to deliver what’s expected
• demonstrate our WE ASPIRE values
• be excited to help drive innovation, offer new ideas, and think up fresh ways of tackling problems!
  
  
  

You will need

To join us, you’ll need at least a 2.2 degree in any subject, ideally, you will have completed your degree within 2 years of summer 2025. You’ll need to be prepared to challenge yourself and work hard to deliver real results for the organisations you work with.

We will offer you

Over the programme, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how the public sector works via a stimulating and challenging placement as well as taking part in additional learning opportunities.

You will gain useful skills by attending regular training opportunities to find out more about public sector work

Empowering Everyone

We’re 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 want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report .

For more information

To arrange an informal discussion about this role, please email [e-mail]

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How To Apply

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

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

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 500 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template .

1 - 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?

2 - Give an example of when you’ve done something as part of a team to achieve something. What was your role and what did the team achieve?

3 - Give us an example of when you’ve used your initiative, what did you do? What was the outcome?

4 - What strengths, skills, and experience do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this opportunity?

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

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.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 August 2025.

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.

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) .