Programme Co-Ordinator

Are you passionate about encouraging girls and young women to grasp new opportunities, challenge stereotypes and fulfill their potential?
HappyJobsNI is delighted to be exclusively working in partnership with WOMEN'STEC for the appointment of a Programme Co-Ordinator for their ': Promoting Opportunities Programme,' which targets girls and young women, encouraging them to consider career opportunities in work areas deemed non-traditional to females, initially focusing on the construction and IT industries.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for an outstanding individual with the enthusiasm and drive to further develop and deliver this flagship programme. We are seeking an individual who can create innovative and creative approaches to raising awareness and building engagement with girls and young women to enable them to explore careers in non-traditional sectors. You will have experience of working with young people, project management, and collaborative working and will have a creative and adaptable approach to delivering engaging activities. You will understand the effects of stereotypes on young people's career opportunities and choices and you will be passionate and driven to affect change, so that more young girls and women are provided opportunities to move into industries, such as construction and IT, where women are under-represented.
THE ROLE
The Promoting Opportunities Programme aims to increase awareness amongst young females of the wide array of career opportunities available to them in sectors where women are typically underrepresented, such as Construction or IT. The programme aims to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes and to encourage females to consider opportunities in sectors that offer flexibility and wider career choices.
As the Programme Co-ordinator, you will be responsible for developing, promoting and delivering the programme to schools, youth organisations, and other stakeholders, with the support of the project officer. You will bring a creative and dynamic approach to all aspects of the programme and will work with the Business Development Manager to ensure it is sustainable in the longer term.
You will develop and deliver projects which will support the overarching aim of the programme and work with a range of stakeholders to provide seamless and supported pathways for girls from disadvantaged areas to move into well-paid jobs in the industries.
The programme is being delivered with support from CITB NI, Gilbert Ash, Children in Need Northern Ireland, TEO Urban Villages and the Ireland Funds.
THE ORGANISATION
WOMEN'STEC is based in North Belfast. It was born out of a recognised need for the creation of non-traditional training and employment opportunities for women in industries traditionally associated with men, including construction skills and IT.
WOMEN'STEC supports unemployed women to address the barriers that prevent them from moving into employment or training and embarking on a career in an industry which is lucrative and filled with opportunities for women. A major aspect of our work also involves changing attitudes and perceptions, both amongst employers and women seeking employment.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Deliver existing range of projects which support the aims and objectives of the POP programme
• Develop and deliver new projects, including education and career insights, summer schemes, after school clubs, events such as our 'Girls into Construction' day, industry site visits and establishing a young ambassador's network, all of which create meaningful engagement opportunities for girls and young women to explore and experience non-traditional careers
• In collaboration with our Social Enterprise Manager, create a mentoring programme to match girls to female role models to support further exploration of the range of careers and opportunities within non-traditional sectors
• Working with partners and colleges, identify career pathways, apprenticeships, training and work opportunities to enable and support girls to pursue career opportunities in non-traditional sectors
• Work with our social media officer to develop creative and innovative approaches to social media/online engagement, PR and communications to focus on raising awareness and challenging gender stereotypes to encourage girls to consider opportunities in non-traditional sectors, including campaigning, sharing research findings and advocating for change
• Forge long-term, strong and productive relationships with key potential partners in secondary schools, youth clubs, FE / HE colleges, training organisations, statutory services, third sector organisations and private construction sector businesses
• Develop relevant resources and materials to support the delivery of the programme
• Manage the relevant programme budgets within the financial framework agreed with your line manager and the Finance Manager
• Collaborate with the wider functions of the team, including communications / social media, finance, tutors and workshop manager, to support the delivery of the programme
• Contribute to management meetings, business plans and support the overall work of the organisation
• Complete programme monitoring and evaluation as required by project funders and within the impact measurement framework of the organisation
• Line manage the POP Project Officer, funded through the Rank Foundation's Start Here programme, which will involve attending meetings and conferences organised by the Rank Foundation
• Contribute to the long term sustainability of the programme
• Contribute to the wider WOMEN'STEC workload, supporting the team as and when required
Essential Experience:
QUALIFICATIONS
• Educated to Degree level (or 3 years recent experience in a relevant role)
• GCSE or Equivalent English and Maths Grade C or above
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
• At least 2 years (in the last 5 years) experience in communications/online engagement/events and project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering project outcomes on time and to budget
• Proven track record of building and maintaining networks and working with partners and other stakeholders to develop and deliver services
• Experience of organizing and coordinating workshops or events
• Awareness and understanding of working within the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland
• Experience of working with young people
SKILLS
• Demonstrable excellence in listening and verbal communication skills with a wide range of people of all ages and backgrounds
• Demonstrable excellence in written communication and an ability to produce reports, proposals and persuasive presentations
• Demonstrable ability to develop networks including strong influencing skills and negotiation skills
• Demonstrable ability to apply creativity and a solution focused approach to overcoming challenges
• Demonstrable ability to work on your own initiative as well as working within a team
• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritize workload, to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines
• Proficient ICT skills
GENERAL
• Willingness to work unsociable hours as required
• Full Driving License and ability to travel within Northern Ireland
• Understanding of and willingness to work within the ethos and values of WOMEN'STEC
• A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding practice and risk assessment
Desirable Experience:
• Awareness and understanding of the wider construction industry
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of working with schools or youth organisations
• Awareness and understanding of working within the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland
POST TITLE:
Programme Co-Ordinator
HOURS:
35 hours per week (Full-time). This role will involve some evening and weekend work.
A 4 day week can be considered
SALARY:
Pt 23 GBP28,226 + 6% pension contribution
Benenden Healthcare Cover
Life Insurance Cover
LOCATION:
WOMEN'STEC, 29 Chichester Avenue, Belfast, BT15 5EH
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Business Development Manager
LINE MANAGER TO:
POP Project Officer
TIMESCALE:
Initial fixed term for 2 years (extension likely and subject to securing funding)
Think that this Programme Co-Ordinator role is the perfect job for you? Then we'd love to hear from you.
If you would like to find out more about the position prior to applying, please contact the HappyJobsNI team on (phone number removed)