Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) is a non-profit, community-led organisation with nearly 30 years of experience in community development, through a wide range of services including training, employment supports, grants and advice. KLP has been at the forefront of driving local development and improving the economic, social, and cultural quality of life for the people, communities, and small enterprises of County Kilkenny.
KLP works through the Rural Development Programme (LEADER), Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Local Area Employment Services (LAES), and other supporting programmes and initiatives. The organisation empowers local communities to improve their quality of life by providing grant aid to innovative rural businesses and communities and development officer support to disadvantaged or marginalised communities and individuals. We are now seeking to recruit:
Development Officer for the LEADER Rural Development Programme (RDP)
(35 hours. 2-year fixed term contract)
Job Description
Salary is commensurate with experience.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Development Officer works as part of the Rural Development Programme team of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) in the advancement of its mission in the integrated local development of County Kilkenny. In their specific assignment she/he will report to and take direction or guidance from the LEADER Programme Manager.
The Development Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities.
- To inform community groups, voluntary organisations, and other similar bodies of KLP’s supports, services and functions in terms of enterprise and community development project and processes.
- The provision of advice to potential project promoters to the LEADER and /or other programmes in accordance with the LEADER programme rules and guidelines.
- To assist enterprises, voluntary organisations, and other similar bodies to make applications to KLPs programmes.
- To process and facilitate applications for LEADER and other grant support to KLP. This includes the preparation of projects for evaluation and presentation of projects to the independent Evaluation Committee and the LAG (Local Action Group)
- To administer the application, evaluation approval and payment process related to grant aid applications to LEADER and other funds in accordance with KLPs procedures and processes.
- Assume the operational responsibilities for the administration of all aspects of the application, evaluation, and payment process for projects of the RDP.
- Share the responsibility with others in the Rural Development team for the gathering and dissemination for the promotion of the rural development programmes and projects in the national and local media.
- Lead the monitoring of compliance of project promoters to the terms and conditions of their contract approvals to ensure successful completion of projects in a timely manner.
- Actively initiate and lead projects to further the Company’s mission in the rural development and related sectors.
- Attend and participate in forums and other meetings within and outside KLP which are determined as furthering the Company’s mission.
- Work as part of the RDP team and be flexible team player across the wider team of KLP
- Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be asked of you to complete.
- To actively participate in regular meetings within the Rural Development Team and within the company as deemed necessary by the Programme Manager.
Key Requirements
Candidates MUST have on the latest date for receipt of completed applications have all the following:
- Hold a third level qualification and/or professional qualification in Community/Rural Development/Event or Project Management related fields.
- Have excellent knowledge of Local and Rural Development with experience that demonstrates an understanding of tourism, economic and social environment in rural Ireland and the needs and requirements of this sector.
- Have strong interpersonal, report writing, presentation and communication skills.
- Be proficient in the use of IT applications, in particular the packages within Microsoft Office.
- The role will involve some travel and evening work, therefore the successful candidate must have a full clean driving licence and have access to his/her own car.
Desirable
- Have satisfactory knowledge of the local supports, services and processes and range of public and private supports available to rural dwellers.
- Experience of or an involvement in the development of rural destinations through festivals, cultural activities, local amenities, community, or business networks.
- Have sound commercial awareness and strong business planning, evaluation & research skills.
- Experience in leading projects or initiatives in the local development sector.
Other Requirements
- Good team player
- Self-awareness and willingness to learn.
- Ability to use initiative.
- Positive attitude with a focus on continuous improvement
Candidates called for interview will be required to demonstrate the following competencies: –
Communication and Teamwork. You will be required to outline details of your experience of building strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and be capable of working in close collaboration with key partners and in seeking cooperation and consensus with a range of bodies and representative groups.
Sector Knowledge and Experience – Outline your knowledge of the LEADER supports, services and processes.
Analytical skills – Outline your strong analytical and good problem-solving experience in contributing to the operations and delivery of a strategic planning process.
Skills and Competencies – Demonstrates the ability to effectively manage a diverse and demanding workload while maintaining professionalism. Responds constructively to feedback, actively listens, and presents themselves in a professional manner.
How to Apply
- Please forward a full CV and letter of application REF: “RDP Development Officer” to:
Postal: Mairead Rohan, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. R95 X677
Or via
Email: mairead.rohan@cklp.ie
- Closing date for applications 12pm 24th January 2025
- Canvassing will disqualify.
- No late applications will be accepted. Informal queries should be directed to rohan@cklp.ie
