Programme Support Officer – North East Farm Business Support Service
Location: Rothbury or Hexham (Hybrid working available)
Contract: Full-time (part-time considered), fixed term until 31 March 2029
Are you passionate about farming, rural communities and making a difference?
We're looking for a motivated and organised Programme Support Officer to join the North East Farm Business Support Service, delivered by Northumberland National Park Authority on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
You'll work alongside a team supporting farmers and rural businesses across the North East, helping them access advice, funding opportunities and business support. From assisting with farm visits and programme administration to organising workshops and promoting the service at agricultural events, no two days will be the same.
This role is ideal for someone with an understanding of farming and rural businesses who enjoys working with people and has excellent organisational skills.
We are looking for someone with:
- Knowledge of farming and the challenges facing rural businesses.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience in administration, project support or programme delivery.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
- A proactive approach and a genuine interest in supporting the farming community.
Why join us?
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Local government pension
- Generous holiday and flexi times.
- A varied and rewarding role supporting rural businesses.
- Opportunities to work with farmers across the North East.
- An excellent development opportunity to progress towards the role of Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real impact on the future of farming in the North East, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to apply, please visit our website, read the job pack and complete the application form.
For full job description, see below.
North East Farm Business Support Service
delivered by
Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) on behalf of
the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NE MSA)
Job Description
Post: Programme Support Officer -North East Farm Business Support Service
Directorate: Park Management
Responsible to: North East Farm Business Support Service Manager
Responsible for: No direct reports
Grade: Band 4
Term: Full time (part time would also be considered). Fixed Term Contract through to 31st March 2029.
Workbase: Based from our offices in Rothbury or Hexham including travel throughout the North East region. Hybrid work from home options also available.
Job purpose
Work alongside the North East Farm Business Support Service team, to support the North East farming community and successfully deliver the Farm Business Support workstream of the North East Rural Growth Programme. This position offers an excellent development opportunity for those aspiring to progress into the role of Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer.
Support the team with all aspects of the programme including assisting with farm visits, programme support, working with farm businesses to ensure they are compliant with the requirements of the programme registration process.
Key Result Areas
Strategy Development and Implementation
- Work closely with the North East Farm Business Support team and delivery partners to ensure business referrals are acted upon in a timely manner.
- Support the team in the delivery of project key performance indicators and maintain accurate and streamlined records for project reporting and claims.
- Keep up to date on agricultural policy and available grants to ensure accurate farm business advice can be given.
Project Development and Implementation
- Work closely with the North East Farm Business Support team to deliver the programme.
- Work with the Farm Networking Officer to develop and deliver a programme of bespoke technical advice workshops, including procuring speakers, venues, catering as well as working with NNPA communications team to publicise.
- Help to ensure accurate record keeping i.e. Farm business pipeline and outcome monitoring.
- Assist farmers with application forms and associated requirements.
- Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying H & S Policy and Practices. Report to the designated H & S representative accidents and dangerous occurrences.
Support and Advocacy
- Promote the programme at appropriate events, for instance at agricultural shows, local marts and meetings.
- To support programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies and the National Park Authority.
Partnership and Liaison
- Support work with partner organisations, attending meetings where appropriate.
- As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open communication and collaboration throughout the programme.
- Ensure timely outcomes, project reporting and claim submissions.
Other Duties
- Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
- Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying Health & Safety Policy and Practices.
- Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate.
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the North East Farm Business Support Service Manager.
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge
- Understanding of the issues facing rural communities and businesses, including knowledge of farm businesses and the opportunities and threats they are currently facing
- Knowledge of current agricultural and environmental policy and issues facing rural communities, particularly farm business
- Knowledge of farming in the North East region and mixed farming knowledge and experience would be a benefit
Skills
- Ability to use different communication styles and to adopt various approaches to persuade and explain potentially complex and detailed information
- Numeracy and analytical skills
- Confident in the use of information technology systems, the use of all Microsoft Office 365 applications and MS Teams
- Ability to absorb complex information quickly and to summarise key messages clearly and accurately
Experience
- Project administration, for instance verification of claims or detailed contractual information, monitoring projects
- Report writing
- Liaison with partner organisations, external stakeholders and colleagues
Personal Qualities
- Proactive, enthusiastic and objective
- Methodical and tenacious approach
- Patient and ability to remain calm
- Confidence in dealing with people at all levels and backgrounds
- Ability to work a flexible pattern and travel to sites to fulfil the requirements of the post.