Project Officer

Job Title: Project Officer
Starting Salary: £33,366 progressing to £36,124 per annum
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage
Contract Type: Fixed term contract until 31.03.2026
Directorate: Childrens Services

About the team

This is a new post that has been created to support the existing childcare network in Hertfordshire and to build on these networks to ensure that there is sufficient childcare capacity to meet parental demand.

This is an exciting time to become involved in Early Years and be part of the roll out of the governments biggest ever childcare expansion of free childcare which will be available to working parents (eligibility criteria apply) of children aged 9 months and over.

The postholder with preferred 2 years experience of working in the early years and childcare sector will be part of a team who have responsibility for the implementation of the Hertfordshire childcare expansion strategy.

About the role

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• To provide support to various projects within the Childcare Sufficiency team. To help prepare project documentation and project plans incorporating risk management. Monitor and report progress against key dates and milestones.
• Undertake research utilising new technology and using project management tools available. Analyse information and data, produce reports and highlighting relevant issues and concerns which relate to the needs of the expansion programme.
• Support and contribute to childcare sufficiency and county council priorities. Ensure the right measurements are in place, monitor, review and evaluate progress throughout the project. Supporting compliance visits to childcare providers.
• Plan, prepare and present information at workshops and briefings to a variety of audiences both internal and external. Support and assist with managing change aspects of the project.
• Administer the allocation of funds relating to the project including placing orders, tracking invoices and monitoring spend against budget.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. Resolve or escalate issues in a timely manner.

About you

It is essential that successful candidate:

• Essential to have 2 years experience of working within the childcare / early years sector
• Sound knowledge of the early years and childcare sector
• Be confident and experienced in developing and maintaining relationships with a range of professionals and agencies who work within the early years sector
• Experience of delivering individual small work-based projects.
• Experience of analysing data and supporting complex projects
• Be able to demonstrate that they have knowledge and experience of partnership working.
• Proven communication skills to meet differing audiences needs
• Full UK Driving Licence and regular access to a vehicle

Desirable Criteria

• Early years qualification

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with early years / childcare experience and knowledge to support the sector in delivering these new entitlements.

Please refer to the above when writing your supporting statement.

This job role is within the Programme and Project, level PRO9 job profile. Please locate this via:

Job profiles: Project & programme

To hear more about this opportunity please contact David Shevlane (Development Manager) on 01992 556199 or via email david.shevlane@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: 2nd April 2025

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Secondment
This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.