Project Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

Benthyg Penarth is an innovative project being led by Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG), a community group working to raise awareness of climate issues and look at ways that we can all live a more sustainable life. It was established in April 2021 and is currently hosted within Rowleys on Glebe Street, Penarth.

Benthyg Penarth is supported by Benthyg Cymru, a library of things network in Wales with one simple goal; to make borrowing as easy as popping out for a loaf of bread.

The project officer will support the implementation of the project plan and monitor progress against stated objectives and targets, working closely with the project manager. The successful applicant will quickly become the main point of contact for volunteers and members of the community, to raise the profile of the project and make borrowing accessible for everyone in Penarth.

The role holder will be responsible for ensuring regular opening hours at Benthyg Penarth are maintained, support communications via social media and face to face including working with local community groups, identifying opportunities for partnering with other local projects and managing events.

GPG recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented in GPG. We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role as set out in the role profile.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

●      Ensure regular opening hours are maintained, liaising as appropriate with host venue/s to build constructive working relationships

●      Providing high levels of customer service for the community, integrating requirements for quality management, health and safety, legislation, environmental policies and general duty of care

●      Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the project plan

●      Identify and work with local community projects to amplify complementary initiatives around Penarth

●      Trouble-shoot issues as they arise, seeking input from project manager as appropriate

●      Assist the project manager in monitoring, measuring and reporting on progress including any necessary adaptations.

●      Manage and develop volunteers, supporting a high level of retention

●      Formally report any procedural concerns or incidents to GPG

●      Liaise with local customers, partners and suppliers

●      Oversee the effective input of data to ensure quality of monitoring and research

●      To undertake other duties commensurate with the post, as agreed by line manager, and willing to take on

responsibility where necessary

●      Regular weekend working will be required (3-4 hours on a Saturday, 1-2 times per month)

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Previous Experience

●      Proven ability to structure, plan and prioritise workload to be able to deliver against targets and deadlines.

●      Experience in a similar project focused role(s) and/or experience working on similar projects.

●      Knowledge and experience of recruiting, training and supporting diverse groups of volunteers including vetting and safeguarding procedures.

●      Experience of sustainable initiatives or the circular economy is desirable.

●      Active engagement in Penarth and surrounding communities is desirable.

Competencies

●      A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of GPG and Benthyg Cymru.

●      Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

●      Understand barriers to participation in community and sustainability projects by different members of the public.

●      Solid organisational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.

●      Excellent analytical skills.

●      An engaging manner with ability to build rapport.

●      Passion, enthusiasm and a real commitment to make a difference.

●      Able to work on your own initiative, as well as part of a close-knit team.

Technical Skills

●      Competent in MS Office – particularly Word, Excel and Outlook

●      Confident about learning new systems

Special Requirements

●      This post will be offered subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

●      Welsh language skills are desirable

●      Role-holder will need to work outside normal working hours, including some evenings and weekends