Senior Project Officer

Every day TCV works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone - communities where our activities have a lasting impact on people's health, prospects and outdoor places.

The Conservation Volunteers are seeking a Senior Project Officer to deliver an innovative environmental education and food growing programme in Belfast. The post is 28 hours per week January 2021 to September 2022. Salary £19,500 (pro rata).

Location and geographical area:

The post is based at TCV’s Ravenhill Road office in South Belfast with projects delivered across Belfast. The Senior Project Officer will be part of a busy team with access to shared resources, tools and vehicles.

Main activities:

The main activities the Senior Project Officer will undertake are as follows:
a) Developing edible gardens within schools across Belfast City.
b) Engaging young people in environmental education activities, including consultation, construction of gardens, food growing activities, harvesting and cooking.
c) Training school staff, parents and key community volunteers to develop and maintain the gardens to ensure sustainability.
d) Engaging with the wider community to support community food growing projects in each area.
e) Evaluating the effectiveness of the project and completing regular project progress reports.
f) Sourcing income through the delivery of similar projects to provide match funding for the project.
In a typical week the Senior Project Officer will spend 3 days delivering practical environmental projects and working with young people. The rest of the time will be spent on preparation and administration activities relating to the various projects.


Experience
Applicants should have sound experience and knowledge of food growing and be able to articulate their learnings to educate young people. Good record keeping skills are essential and experience of evaluating projects desirable.
Experience of delivering horticulture projects in an educational setting is essential. This can be through paid employment or voluntary work.
Experience of supporting or leading volunteers would be an advantage.
Understanding of community development models and the educational sector is important.
There is no specific qualification required, but a qualification in horticulture or environment such as NVQ, HND or BTEC is helpful. Experience of volunteering in this sector will be highly regarded.

A full driving licence is required and access to own car is desirable.

Holidays
25 days per year and rising one day per year of service to 30 days at 5 years, plus all public holidays (pro rata).

Funders
This post is funded by: The Ashden Trust