Programme Support Officer

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and detail oriented Programme Support Officer to join our Growth & One Public Estate (OPE) Programme. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting initiatives that maximise the value of our shared public sector assets by enabling major service transformation, unlocking land for housing and commercial development, and identifying opportunities to reduce costs while generating income. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on communities, helping to shape sustainable growth and deliver improved public services.

Salary: £36,363 to £39,152 per annum

Contract type: Fixed term contract until October 2027. Final start and end dates will be confirmed with the successful candidate.

Working pattern: Full time (37 hours per week)

Location: County Hall, West Street, Chichester PO19 1RQ

Responsibilities

• Delivering effective and efficient daily support to the Project/Programme Manager, including collecting and analysing data to monitor project performance and progress, and overseeing and planning available resources.
• Providing daily support and management of information, with active involvement in corporate and/or partnership projects utilising project management principles.
• Planning and overseeing a series of small, related projects; collecting, coordinating, and analysing management information; and supporting the development and organisation of various events, including meetings, seminars, and briefings.
• Act as the essential point of contact to address complex communications and inquiries referred by the team or through partner and public communication channels, leveraging experience to resolve unexpected issues and provide guidance or recommendations on the appropriate application of regulations and legislation.
• Managing finance, invoices and financial information, and utilising WSCC corporate management systems to manage data.

Qualifications and Skills

• A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in an appropriate area or equivalent practical experience/range of knowledge.
• Experience in project management processes, procedures, and policies related to working within a high demands project management and programme delivery environment.
• Sound and accurate IT knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, to effectively analyse information and data, create electronic presentations, manage invoices, set up Purchase Orders, use WSCC finance systems, and manage financial information.
• Demonstrable experience as a competent team member in a project environment, preferably in a project support role or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently build relationships with stakeholders at all levels and provide guidance to colleagues on processes and documentation.
• Excellent problem solving skills with the capacity to proactively identify challenges, resolve issues independently, plan effective solutions, and make informed, practical decisions.

Benefits

We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, maintain a healthy work life balance, and are rewarded for their work.

A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role.

27 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years' service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave.

Eligible for a local government pension scheme.

Access to a range of discounts through the West Sussex Choices benefits platform.

EEO Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.

Reference

Reference number: CPP01395