Diaspora Project Coordinator

Main Purpose of the Job

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is seeking to appoint an experienced and suitably qualified Project Coordinator to lead the development of a Diaspora Strategy and associated Action Plan for the Council area. The job will involve undertaking research, consultation, stakeholder engagement and the building of connections to develop a strategic framework that will identify how the district can better engage with its global diaspora, international networks, businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, professionals and other stakeholders to support economic growth and increased prosperity in the Council area.

The postholder will be responsible for the management of relationships and programmes to support connecting diaspora communities with relevant agencies/bodies/people in the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area.

The Diaspora project is funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE) under the Regional Balance Fund and will support the delivery of the priorities included in the Fermanagh and Omagh Local Economic Partnership (LEP) Action Plan.

The postholder should ensure that all actions are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all areas relating to the work of the Local Economic Partnership and the Council.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the completion of the research and the development of a comprehensive Diaspora Strategy for the Fermanagh and Omagh District. This will include the mapping out of existing relevant diaspora organisations, business networks, professional networks, cultural organisations and any other international relationships that exists with bodies in other countries.

• Develop with others a detailed and costed Action Plan arising from the Strategy with a clear strategic vision, objectives and priority themes aligned with Fermanagh & Omagh Local Economic Partnership Action Plan and any other relevant Council strategies.

• Identify priority international markets, locations, sectors and networks for engagement and develop a structured approach to international network development.

• Support the service area in the development and delivery of an Investment Proposition for the district.

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including Fermanagh & Omagh LEP, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Invest NI, Department for Economy, diaspora organisations, relevant organisations in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and internationally.

• Consult with local businesses, entrepreneurs, cultural organisations, community organisations, young people, education providers, tourism organisations and other relevant stakeholders to inform and develop the Diaspora Project.

• Facilitate workshops, roundtables, consultations and networking events to build consensus and identify opportunities.

• Develop and maintain an evidence base to inform strategic decision-making. Prepare reports, briefing papers, business cases and recommendations using data and stakeholder intelligence to inform priorities and resource allocation. Present findings to the Local Economic Partnership and Elected Members, attending and presenting at partnership meetings and working groups as required.

• Develop and facilitate the delivery of a pipeline of projects arising from the Strategy and LEP Action Plan; this may include, for example, the development of diaspora business networks, international investment and investor engagements; trade and export programmes; tourism and ancestral connections; international cultural and community programmes; and digital diaspora engagement. For each project, the postholder will establish appropriate aims and objectives, funding requirements, business cases, budgets, delivery partners, milestones and the relevant performance indicators for the project.

• Work with the Council's Communications team and relevant partners to develop a communications plan for the Strategy, creating compelling content and case studies which may include:

➢ Promoting economic opportunities in Fermanagh and Omagh internationally.

➢ Developing digital channels and communications networks.

➢ Supporting diaspora newsletters and targeted communications.

➢ Promoting investment, business, employment, tourism and lifestyle opportunities.

➢ Capturing and communicating success stories.

➢ Ensuring that international communications reinforce the wider Fermanagh and Omagh place proposition.

• Coordinate and support appropriate events to launch and promote Fermanagh & Omagh Diaspora Strategy, including: international business networking events or conferences; diaspora events; investor engagement events.

• The postholder may be required to represent the Council and/or Local Economic Partnership at domestic and international events.

• The postholder will work closely with the LEP Delivery Team to coordinate regular updates for the Partnership members and DfE as required.

• To liaise with the Local Economic Partnership (LEP), Mid South West (Regional Deal), Invest NI, Department for the Economy and other relevant delivery bodies on economic and business development initiatives that support the districts economic/business community through the advancement of capital and revenue initiatives.

• Oversee the timely processing of information for funder claims and performance monitoring returns at required submission and reporting times. Establish effective financial reporting to ensure full compliance with all financial and audit requirements, including the Government Departments, Council and the Local Government Auditor.

• Establish Outcomes Based Accountability and Report Cards for Fermanagh & Omagh Diaspora Project to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of performance aligned with Funders Strategic priorities.

• Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety and Equality requirements and legislation and Council and Directorate policies and procedures.

• Prepare responses to consultation documents and requests aligned to Diaspora Project activity (internal and external) to ensure that the Council’s prioritises are clearly communicated to agencies and stakeholders.

General:

• To comply with all the Council’s policies and procedures including the Employee Code of Conduct and the Employee and Councillor Working Relationship Protocol.

• To promote the Council’s equal opportunities policies and avoid all forms of discrimination as an employer and a service provider.

• To implement all Financial and Procurement policies and procedures.

• To comply with employee responsibility in relation to all records held, created or used as part of the Council’s business. All records, paper or electronic, are public records and accessible by the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.

• To undertake the duties of the post at all times in a manner that enhances and promotes the positive image of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

• The postholder will be expected to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation.

The above list should not be seen as an exhaustive list of duties, and the postholder will be expected to undertake other relevant duties, as required.

Essential Criteria

A degree or equivalent qualification AND one year **relevant experience OR Three years’ **relevant experience.

**Relevant experience must include evidence of:

a) Research and Development of Strategies/Action Plans to deliver high-quality outcomes to meet targets and deadlines.

b) The ability to plan, facilitate, deliver events to a variety of target audiences and the monitoring and evaluation of events to improve performance and the use of resources.

c) The ability to identify and build relationships with key stakeholders – internally and externally – to work collaboratively to deliver high-quality outputs/projects.

d) Demonstration of building networks and working with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver projects.

e) Excellent communication skills and experience of developing communication initiatives aimed at marketing and promoting the Council area to different audiences.