Good Relations Officer

Our client, a large Public Sector Organisation requires a Good Relations Officer based in Mossley.

Role: Good Relations Officer

Location: Mossley

Hours of work: 37 hrs per week,

Hourly Rate: £19.66

LOCATION OF POST:

Mossley

MAIN PURPOSE:

The post-holder will be responsible for the development, delivery and review of the Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan for the Client. Working alongside a team with a commitment to work with communities, relevant organisations and key stakeholders the post holder will co-ordinate a range of community relations/cultural diversity programmes. The post-holder will effectively manage all related financial resources to ensure effective delivery across the Borough and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the programmes. New developments in the field must be kept under review in order to make recommendations to senior officers.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To develop, deliver and review the implementation of the Council's Good Relations Strategy and associated Action Plans, ensuring their alignment with other relevant plans/strategies.
• To continually monitor the financial expenditure to ensure that financial guidelines are adhered to, that annual budgets are accurate and in line with spending targets and to prepare financial progress reports as required.
• To devise, in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, Community Relations and Cultural Diversity programmes that deliver increased respect and support for cultural diversity across Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.
• The post-holder has a duty to ensure that projects, programmes and activities delivered through the Good Relations programme comply with all relevant legislative requirements at any given time.
• To proactively promote the principles of equity, tolerance, inclusivity, accessibility and interdependence within and between our communities through positive and regular engagement.
• To build purposeful, influential partnerships and collaborations with appropriate organisations and agencies in the community/voluntary/statutory sectors and Government Departments/Units.
• To develop, market, deliver and review the Good Relations Grant aid programme and encourage buy-in from the community and voluntary sector to undertake good relations, community relations and cultural diversity events and activities and to be responsible for the accountability and transparency of administration, funding agreements, management, monitoring and review.
• To mainstream Good Relations issues through a range of effective communication methods thereby securing the active engagement of key internal and external stakeholders.
• To effectively manage all project activities in line with the wider Community Planning agenda including support of the District Electoral Area funding programme, assist with implementation of the Council's Community Plan, and support of peace building activity across the Borough.
• To ensure the specific needs of ethnic minorities and migrant workers are addressed through promotion, support and management of tailored projects working in collaboration with relevant partner organisations.
• Provide advice, support, information and ideas to existing groups and assist with the development of new groups concerned with improving community relations.
• To develop, promote and implement programmes to build capacity and empower communities to express their own identity and increase civic pride and citizenship.
• To act as an internal advisor to senior officers, working groups and project teams with regard to policies, procedures and programming concerned with good relations, community relations and cultural diversity.
• To keep under review and inform senior officers of new policies, emerging issues and best practice, locally, regionally and internationally, which may impact upon the Council within this area of work.
• To assist in the design, development and delivery of training programmes on good relations for Elected Members and employees.
• To identify funding and prepare bids from appropriate bodies, which supports the delivery of the Good Relations programme in order to maximise the impact of the Council's funding.
• To be responsible for the preparation of reports and annual estimates of income and expenditure, for maintaining records of performance data and contacts, and for monitoring methods and approaches with a view to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a team approach to achieving the objectives of the Community Safety and Good Relations section through full flexibility in relation to tasks undertaken. Collaborate with other Council departments such as Policing and Community Safety, Community Services, Community Development, Economic Development, Peace IV and Community Planning.
• Comply with and actively promote a positive approach to Fair Employment, Equal Opportunities (inc Section 75) and Health & Safety and to adhere to all Council's policies and procedures.
• Provide a high level of internal and external customer service including taking ownership of customer queries and complaints and following issues through to completion.
• Undertaking all duties to the highest professional standards and in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation, integrity and public profile of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
• Continuously develop personal knowledge and skills to enhance internal and external customer service.
• Comply with, and ensure that staff comply with, Council's policies and procedures including those relating to Health, Safety and Well-being.
• To devise appropriate methods and mechanisms for meaningful consultation with the community throughout the life of the programme to ensure that needs are adequately identified and addressed.
• To work effectively with Elected Members in the development, implementation and review of all programmes.
• To co-operate with the Council, its officers and staff to enable them, as far as necessary, to conform and comply with any duty or requirement imposed as a result of any law which may be in force regarding health and safety.
• Carry out any duties which may be assigned in the delivery of the Good Relations Programme.

The principal responsibilities listed above are an indicator of the main aspects of the role as opposed to representing a definite list.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate a team approach to achieving the objectives of the Section through full flexibility in relation to tasks undertaken.
• Provide a high level of internal and external customer service including taking ownership of customer queries and complaints and following issues through to completion.
• Continuously develop personal knowledge and skills to enhance internal and external customer service.
• Comply with, and ensure that other staff comply with, Council's policies and procedures including those relating to health, safety, well-being and safeguarding.
• Promote equality and diversity across all service areas through clear leadership, effective policy implementation and demonstrating appropriate behaviours in line with Council values.
• Carry out any other relevant duties which may be assigned including working in other sections of the Department and Council.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ESSENTIAL:

A third level qualification within a relevant discipline.

Consideration may be given to applicants who do not hold a third level qualification but who can demonstrate a minimum of 4 years relevant experience as below.

DESIRABLE:

Hold professional membership in a relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL:

At least 2 years post qualification experience in programme management in each of the following areas:

• Experience of drafting policy and advising a Partnership or similar organisation on matters of strategic management
• Project promotion, implementation and delivery
• Developing networks and effective partnership working

DESIRABLE:

• At least 6 months experience in the use of computerised payment and monitoring systems
• Proven experience in developing and implementing projects, policies and procedures
• Proven experience in marketing programmes

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES:

ESSENTIAL:

• Ability to manage performance and deliver high quality results within tight time-frames
• Ability to research and analyse complex issues related to the responsibilities of the post
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other Councils, Central Government departments, Community Relations Council and all other relevant stakeholders
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop partnerships and individuals as appropriate
• Highly innovative and creative, individually or as part of a team

DESIRABLE:

• Ability to manage and process grant schemes

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE:

ESSENTIAL:

• Comprehensive knowledge of governance and accountability practices with respect to the administration of funding
• Sound knowledge of available funding opportunities in the Northern Ireland context
• Good understanding of the issues affecting community relations and good relations regionally and more locally

DESIRABLE:

• Awareness of issues facing Local Government
• A working knowledge of social, economic and political policies which may influence Community Relations and the delivery of Good Relations

OTHER:

• Full current driving licence, or, if a disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Windows Applications

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. If you are interested, please upload your CV to the link provided, and Rory McGregor will be in contact to confirm if you have been shortlisted.