Northumberland Small Business Service Project Support Officer

Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) is dedicated to preserving the natural
beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Northumberland National Park. We are committed to
promoting sustainable development and supporting local communities. We are currently seeking a
dynamic and motivated Project Support Officer to join our team, contributing to the success of
our Northumberland Small Business Support Project.

The Project Support Officer will play a crucial role in
assisting the implementation and administration of the Northumberland Small Business Support
Project. This initiative aims to support local small businesses within the National Park,
fostering sustainable economic growth and resilience in the community.

• £26873 – £29777 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• Based Rothbury, Northumberland with some hybrid working
• Full time or part time (please be clear in your application)
• Fixed term contract to 31/12/25 with possibility of extension to March 2026 subject to funding
• Responsible to: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer – Northumberland Small Business Support
  Project (Ben Lang)
• Closing date: 19th June at 8am

The Park Authority is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone
irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and
maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. If you are an applicant with
disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you.

Full Job Description below:

• Post: Northumberland Small Business Support (NSBS) Project Support Officer 
• Directorate: Park Management 
• Responsible to: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer – Northumberland Small Business
  Support Project 
• Responsible for: No direct reports 
• Grade: Band 4 
• Term: Full time (part time would also be considered). Fixed Term Contract through to
  31st December 2025 (possible extension to March 2026 subject to funding). 
• Workbase: Based from our offices in Rothbury including travel throughout Northumberland.
  Hybrid working policy in place to enable opportunities for regular home working. 

Job purpose 

Work alongside the NNPA Farming Team, to support the Northumberland farming community and
successfully deliver the Farm Business Support workstream of the Northumberland Small Business
Support Programme. 

Working with farm businesses to ensure they are compliant with the requirements of the NSBS
programme registration process. Undertake due diligence checks and help collate appropriate
information for any grant applications made to NSBS. 

Key Result Areas

Strategy Development and Implementation 

• Work closely with the NNPA Farming Team and Advance Northumberland to ensure business
  referrals are acted upon in a timely manner. 
• Support the NNPA Farming 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 NNPA Farming Officers to collate the farm business evidence required
  through the NSBS programme. 
• Responsible for the exchange of documents with funders Advance Northumberland. 
• Develop and lead a programme of bespoke technical advice workshops with the Farming and
  Rural Enterprise Officer, including procuring speakers, venues, catering as well as working
  with NNPA communications team to publicise. 
• Ensure alignment with the NNPA Farm Networking project. 
• Help to ensure accurate record keeping i.e. farm business pipeline and outcome monitoring. 
• Assist farmers with application forms and associated requirements i.e. consents and
  quotations. 
• 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 NSBS programme at appropriate events, for instance at agricultural shows, local
  marts and meetings. 
• To support project and programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies
  and the National Park Authority.

Partnership and Liaison 

• Through collaboration with colleagues and other organisations, contribute to programme
  working group meetings and other meetings as appropriate. 
• Work with other staff within the Authority to interpret farming and related rural issues to
  a wider audience. 
• As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open
  communication and collaboration throughout the Authority. 
• Ensure timely outcomes, project reporting and claim submissions. 

Other Duties 

• Write reports for the Authority and Leadership Team as required. 
• 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 Conservation
  and Environment Manager. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

Knowledge 

• Working knowledge of local and regional government structures in England 
• Understanding of the issues facing rural communities and businesses, especially those
  within the upland farming sector 

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/management, 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. 

Desirable 

• Degree or equivalent 
• Knowledge of agricultural and forestry land management grant schemes 
• Knowledge of current Agricultural and Natural Environment policy and issues facing rural
  upland communities.