Description of the goods or services required
Job Specification
Job Title: Part-time Development Officer (Sub-contracted basis)
To cover mid and south Wales but candidates from other areas with specific qualities will be considered
Project: Menter Moch Cymru
Department: Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Location: Home working
Line Manager: Project Manager
Daily Rate: £200 - £300
Hours: 2.5 – 3.5 days a week
Contract Length: Until December 2022
Bilingual Skills: Highly desirable
Menter Moch Cymru
Menter Moch Cymru is a project created and delivered by Menter a Busnes which aims to support and develop the pig sector in Wales. Funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020, the project has secured funding until January 2023.
The project adopts a collaborative approach with a view of developing local markets and products by increasing the expansion opportunities for existing producers and supporting the establishment of new entrants. Delivery is pan Wales and provides knowledge transfer and skill development support, funding towards Herd Health improvements, marketing and promotion, tailored programmes for new entrants, resources for businesses and also includes wider market development activities.
Aim of the Role
The aim of the role is to lead on the development and delivery of a wide range of project activities as instructed by the Project Manager whilst also providing specialist support as necessary.
The role has defined geographical responsibilities according to location (i.e. South/Mid Wales), in addition to providing the lead and support on specific elements of delivery according to expertise or capacity.
Main Responsibilities
Project Development and Service Provision
• Ensure the effective delivery of the project’s services and activities to participants and key stakeholders
• Operate as the first point of contact for local participants and stakeholders
• Provide specialist advice and support to the project manager and other team members
• Foster a close working relationship with all project stakeholders and other relevant individuals and organisations that can contribute to the successful delivery of the project, especially Farming Connect and other RDP funded projects
• Ensure clear, effective and professional communication both internally and externally, responding to correspondence and requests from the Project Manager in a timely manner
• Identify and engage with suitable participants for the project, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and support in order that they contribute constructively to the project
• Facilitate businesses in obtaining the support and funding available from the project (i.e. facilitating all aspects of the necessary process such as Herd Health Plan funding from initial interest by the pig keeper through to claiming)
• Actively promote all aspects of the project
• Help establish and drive effective benchmarking activity
• Ensure records are correct and up to date
• Help identify the needs of project participants and advise the Project Manager on project developments
• Help identify the capacity development needs of participants and stakeholders in respect of supply chain integration and categorising businesses for project purposes (e.g. identifying the level of priority for resource/support allocation and evaluation purposes)
• Ensure that targets are achieved and that the service is of the highest standard
• Plan and utilise allocated project resources effectively, respecting time and budget limitations
• Ensure that Welsh Government and Menter a Busnes strategies and policies are incorporated into the local delivery of the programme as advised by the Project Manager
• Work closely with the Project Manager and other project staff to plan, manage and professionally execute a portfolio of events/activities/study tours, ensuring relevant and engaging content schedule
• Maintain current awareness of developments in the pig sector and identify any further opportunity for the project
• Continually develop knowledge and understanding of relevant subjects, ensuring a holistic service to the customer, with a commitment to carrying out any research and learning and development required to meet these needs
• Abide by the procurement policy and budgets set by the Project Manager, ensuring value for money and collaborative delivery where feasible
• Provide copywriting services as required
• Represent the project by attending relevant committees/groups, identifying ways of collaborating with other services/organisations to improve the overall service provision as agreed by the Project Manager
• Identify possible candidates for case studies and PR activities
• Represent the project in a professional manner at all times
• Respond to queries and project communication in a timely manner
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Ensure that accurate, relevant and timely records, files and reports are provided as directed by the Project Manager
• Accurately monitor, review and report on targets, outputs, expenditure and performance to the project manager in-line with Welsh Government contract requirements, including creation and maintenance of effective management systems in order to satisfy relevant audit requirements
• Co-operate with the project’s evaluators, providing relevant information as required
Other
• Ensure standards for quality, customer service, equality and diversity, Welsh language, health and safety and biosecurity are met
• Accept other reasonable duties and responsibilities as required
Skills and Experience
Essential
• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in Agriculture, food marketing or related subject
• Demonstrable experience of working in the agri-food sector in Wales
• Thorough knowledge of the pig sector, with the ability to identify the latest information and research work relevant to the sectors
• Excellent interpersonal, organising skills
• Excellent oral and written (English/Welsh-highly desirable) communication skills and the ability to interact with farmers effectively
• The ability to be proactive and self- motivated, accepting responsibility for setting and reviewing priorities for achieving targets, with a clear focus on quality, and able to work independently and as part of a small team
• Good IT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database, email, internet and social media
• Full driving license and use of car
• Able to work occasional evenings or weekends as required
• Have or be willing to obtain Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance
Making an Application
You can apply for this post by sending a copy of your CV along with details of your availability/capacity to deliver the service via the Sell2Wales Post Box.
If you wish to have an informal conversation regarding this post, please contact Melanie Cargill on 07494 478763.
Interviews
Interviews will be held for this post virtually or at the Menter a Busnes’ office in Aberystwyth on 15th April 2022. If this date is not inconvenient, please note this on your response.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 3pm on 11th April 2022
Equality and Diversity Policy
Please see our website for our Equality and Diversity Policy.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=119452.
The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.
Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.
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