Community Engagement Officer

Main purpose of job

Reporting to the Project Manager the post will be responsible for all the people-facing opportunities within the Nature Towns and Cities (NTC) project: To assist the Project Manager on the development of a blueprint for nature’s recovery within the project area, with a focus on establishing new nature-positive practices within existing blue and green spaces in Belfast, as well as developing new initiatives and project plans to ‘green the grey’., Responsible for:

·       acting as the main point of contact for Community groups, faith groups, landowners of accessible space, public bodies, businesses and volunteers.

·       working closely with other project staff and other Council Officers to remove barriers to participation by delivering community engagement in citizen science, training and project co-design sessions, building the capacity of local communities in line with the Project Plan.

Work with other Council Officers in the promotion and development of the use of the city’s parks and greenspaces, maximizing their potential for biodiversity, climate resilience and positive mental and physical health outcomes for people, while ensuring alignment with the Council’s plans and long-term vision.

About Nature Towns and Cities

Nature Towns and Cities is a partnership initiative between Natural England, the National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund which brings together organisations from across the UK to improve the quality of and access to urban green spaces in towns and cities.

Nature Towns and Cities Belfast: Breaking through Barriers to Connect People and Nature 

Belfast City Council in partnership with Ulster Wildlife will co-design a blueprint for nature recovery across the city and its surrounding areas, including the Lagan Valley Regional Park and the Belfast Hills.  

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1.          Be responsible through the project manager, for the direction and delivery of a community and outreach elements of the project.

2.          Work with a range of organisations and key stakeholders including community groups, volunteers, schools, businesses, faith groups and sports clubs to co-design plans for open spaces for the benefit of nature and people.

3.          Act as a point of liaison between community representatives and the Council as well as other stakeholders, such as public bodies and eNGOs.

4.          Assist in delivering and/or organise training opportunities to upskill participants from a range of groups, public bodies and communities in biological recording and simple management techniques to improve the city for wildlife.

5.          Work in partnership with key stakeholders in the city to achieve common aims and objectives, maximising funding opportunities to support project aims.

6.          Assist in the maintenance of communication through social media, press releases and media interviews.

7.          Assist in the development of new organisational procedures and processes for meaningful community involvement in environmental initiatives.

8.          Assist in the development and promotion of parks and open spaces, in liaison with other officers of the council to ascertain opportunities for joined up working.

9.          Assist the Project Manager with collation of information, research and the timely production of all information required for council or committee reports, official returns and for performance measurement as requested.

10.       Actively partake in project governance as directed by the Project manager by attending any regular steering- and working group meetings.

11.       Assist as required in the preparation of product specifications and tenders as and when required, in liaison with the Project Manager and Council Procurement Officer.

12.       Assist in monitoring spend to ensure draw down of funding in compliance with the project requirements.

13.       Motivate and manage any staff that may be assigned to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.

14.       Participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.

15.       Participate as directed in the Council’s recruitment and selection procedures.

16.       Act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

17.       Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.

18.       Undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve.  Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description, but which are commensurate with the role.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must have, as at the closing date for receipt of applications, either:-

a third level qualification in a life science such as Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Social Science, Social Policy, Horticulture, Land Management or Community Development, or equivalent relevant qualification and be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal, specific examples that they have, at least one year’s relevant work experience in:

(a) promoting and organising events within parks and open spaces

(b) community engagement, for example, working with community groups and delivering projects through partnerships; and

(c) developing and managing community environmental projects which contribute directly to the achievement of business objectives.

or

must be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal, specific examples that they have, at least two years’ relevant work experience in

(a) promoting and organising events within parks and open spaces

(b) community engagement, for example, working with community groups and delivering projects through partnerships; and

(c) developing and managing community environmental projects which contribute directly to the achievement of business objectives.

Desirable criteria

In addition to the above qualifications and, or experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal, specific examples that they have one years experience in undertaking and managing ecological surveys or organising and delivering community training

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of each of the following special skills and attributes, which may be tested at interview:

Communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral mediums with the ability to provide diplomacy when working with sensitive and controversial issues

Technical knowledge: a thorough knowledge of current environmental issues and legislation.

Organisational and work planning skills: the ability to manage and prioritise a workload, to undertake required tasks independently and work to the specific technical criteria and targets.

Analysis and decision-making skills: an incisive and practical approach to decision making with the ability to know when to make decisions in relation to their own methods of working and set personal priorities to achieve targets.

Health and Safety awareness.

A basic understanding of the health and safety responsibilities attached to the post to ensure the safety of members of the public.

People management and employee development skills

the ability to work within a small team to ensure the delivery of agreed work objectives and to delegate effectively and encourage teamwork to deliver successful results, building a rapport with others, listening and learning as well as offering help and support.

Partnership working skills: the ability to work with a diverse group of professionals and community representatives to meet common objectives.

Information technology skills: the ability to use a number of standard information technology packages effectively and to manipulate databases to collate information.

Financial and resource management skills

An understanding of budgets and control of resources including the ability to determine and plan resources required to meet specific objectives.

Customer care skills: the ability to deal with the public and representatives of external organisations in a positive manner with an awareness of customer care principles.