Economic Development Officer

Your new companyHays are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to recruit for an Economic Development Officer.Your new roleThe Economic Development Officer will work as part of a team and assist the Economic Development Manager with the implementation and project management of a range of high quality, relevant and targeted Business Development initiatives for SME's in accordance with the agreed Economic Development Strategy, including monitoring and evaluation of key projects arising from the strategy.Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Assist in the delivery of business development projects and programmes in accordance with the Council's Economic Development strategy.
• Provide quality business services through the efficient and effective use of Council resources. This will include the monitoring the achievement of all targets, annual objectives and performance indicators, improvement plans and project evaluations.
• Liaise with all appropriate external organisations, including in particular third party project delivery agents, and internal staff to ensure all strategic and operational matters are dealt with efficiently.
• Assist the Economic Development Manager to monitor income and expenditure targets set as part of the Annual Budget Estimates, and in assessing and controlling these against programme performance.
• Provision of advice, information and practical support on accessing grants, programmes and funds for local businesses, key stakeholders and officers of the Council. Maintain and develop the profile of the Economic Development Service through ongoing marketing and communications activities and events.
• To initiate, manage, deliver and present appropriate research projects in the field of local Economic Development.
• Develop and enhance working relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders to maximise corporate and community planning outcomes and to generate innovation in service delivery

What you'll need to succeed

• A third level qualification (for example, NVQ Level 4 or Degree) or equivalent.
• Experience in assisting in the delivery of Business Development Programmes, with a focus on enterprise and business development.
• Experience of providing business advice and information to SME's, start up and growth, and completion of business assessments.
• Experience of budget management, analysis and reporting.
• Experience in planning, monitoring and evaluation of Economic Development or related projects.
• Experience of developing and implementing PR and marketing initiatives.
• Experience of market research activities for the development of Economic Development initiatives, including identifying external funding opportunities.
• It is essential that applicants hold a full (i.e. not provisional) and current UK driving licence and access to a car or have access to a means of transport which would enable the applicant to carry out the duties of the post

What you'll get in return

• Permanent position
• Salary Scale: PO1 - £37,336 (Starting Salary) up to £40,221 (SCP 29-32)
• Full time 37 hours per week (another post is available at 4 days per week)
• Hybrid working (2 days home)
• Flexi time
• NILGOSC Pension Scheme, 19% contributions

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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