Principal Officer (Rural Development)

PRINCIPAL OFFICER (RURAL DEVELOPMENT)

Scottish Borders, 2 month fixed term contract, upto £39,936

Based in the Economic Development Section of the Planning & Economic Development Department, the Principal Officer (Rural Development) will lead Scottish Borders Council's delivery of a range of services and projects that contribute to Single Outcome Agreements to sustain and grow business activities in key sectors of the area's economy and the land-based and tourism sectors in particular. The post will also lead the Rural Development Team in the coordination and delivery of relevant objectives of the area's Economic Development Strategy, coordinating SBC and partner bids to external funding programmes including the Scotland Rural Development Programme, Lowlands & Uplands of Scotland Structural Funds Programmes, and the European Fisheries Fund. The post will manage delivery of SBC's LEADER Programme and EFF Axis 4 FLAG Programme.

- Deliver the Service's Business Plan priorities, with a focus on rural development, tourism, external funding
- Coordinate across Council services in relation to bids for external funding
- Deliver an integrated package of advice and assistance for applicants progressing with external funding applications in support of SOA and Economic Development Strategy objectives. These will include SBC Departments and public, voluntary and private sector applicants.
- Manage the collection of information and monitor, review and report on progress against agreed objectives
- Manage delivery of SBC LEADER, including coordination and development of bids, secretariat and maintenance of all project monitoring and financial information.
- Manage delivery of EFF Axis 4, including coordination and development of bids, secretariat and maintenance of all project monitoring and financial information.
- Provide support and assistance to a number of rural development interest groups, including political groups, Scottish Government and representative bodies such as the NFUS, and funder Decision Making Groups including RPAC.
- Advise, assist and contribute to the development of agricultural, forestry and fisheries policy as required and representation at various national and/or local committees as required.
- Lead/support Department's Tourism-related activity as required, including specific projects around Ancestral Tourism, product development around Events and Town Centre activity and other marketing
- Ongoing commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD);
- Full Membership of an appropriate professional body (eg IED).
- Proven track record of delivery of external funding programmes (eg LEADER).
- Proven track record of implementing economic development projects.
- Proven experience of developing innovative funding and delivery systems maximizing evolving national and EU policy agendas.
- Proven evidence of successful delivery of rural development projects in land-based industries, fisheries and tourism sectors.
- Experience of working directly with community groups and businesses in developing successful bids for external funding.
- Expert knowledge of funding sources and cross-funding mechanisms to deliver economic development support.
- Proven experience of working with internal and external partners to deliver successful projects and experience in managing these relationships, including skills in communicating with staff, public and elected members.
- Successful line management of staff and financial management.
- Ability to work in a team environment and be able to deliver within a range of competing deadlines, with minimum supervision;
- Track record of financial administration and budgeting according to SBC and Department parameters.

DESIRABLE

- Skills in advising and/or completing applications for funding for SBC projects.
- Experience in the delivery and administration of EU supported projects;
- Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government and other public agencies in relation to the post.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

- Knowledge of Scottish Government Rural Affairs policy
- Understanding of the tourism sector and issues
- Proven ability in developing an effective network of contacts
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, including ability to communicate well with a range stakeholders;
- Excellent oral and written presentation skills
- Ability to write reports and work to tight deadlines
- Computer literacy, (particularly a good working knowledge of MS Office)

ESSENTIAL

- A high standard of personal organisation and motivation and an ability to organise and motivate others
- Aspiration to make a difference to the Scottish Borders economy

With over 40 years of specialist experience, Advantage Technical Resourcing is the recruiter of choice for IT and Engineering professionals across EMEA. Working with some of the leading employers around the world, Advantage offers global contract and permanent career opportunities across a wide range of industries and sectors. Please visit our website to find out more about us.

Advantage Technical Resourcing: services offered are those of an employment agency for permanent work and/or employment business for the supply of contract/temporary work.