Economic Development Assistant

Belfast City CouncilBelfastFull-time

Main Purpose of Job

Responsible to the relevant manager for the provision of an effective support service to facilitate the delivery of key economic development projects and other relevant economic development strategies. Assist in the development, co-ordination and delivery of allocated projects, including programming own workload to meet priorities and deadlines. Assist the Economic Development Officer with the co-ordination, organisation and delivery of various business and community events and workshop activities. Undertake regular research into best practice, emerging issues and policy developments in order to support the development and delivery of key projects and programmes of work.

Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties

  • Provide an effective support service to unit staff in order to facilitate the delivery of key economic development projects, other relevant economic development strategies and the economic development priorities of the Belfast Agenda.

  • Assist in the development, co-ordination and delivery of allocated projects or initiatives, including programming own workload to meet priorities / deadlines.

  • Assist in the effective development and application of consistent project standards and methodologies and ensure that appropriate project management processes, procedures and guidelines are adhered to.

  • Effectively control and oversee compliance with eligibility procedures by third party organisations for assigned projects and undertake monitoring visits to third party funded organisations to ensure compliance with Belfast City Council and external funders’ requirements.

  • Collate performance and financial data and ensure accurate records are maintained, in order to allow inspection by internal audit and external funders and review by unit management.

  • Support Officers in compiling funding claims to external bodies.

  • Undertake relevant research on economic issues to support the development of key projects and programmes of work, sharing good practice and relevant information.

  • Monitor and maintain up-to-date, relevant information on economic development in Belfast, to support the ongoing development and delivery of the programme of work.

  • Act as the first point of contact for enquiries on Economic Development projects and associated work, providing information and advice as required and at a level appropriate to the post.

  • Assist with the monitoring of resources and activity and provide regular reports to council and to other appropriate funding bodies.

  • Assist with the development and maintenance of relevant administrative systems including databases and information sources, manipulating data and providing reports when required and maintain project files, in line with Council and funder requirements.

  • Liaise with internal, external and other key stakeholders as required, in support of project work and ensure that high standards of service are being consistently delivered.

  • Work as part of the Economic Development team; ensuring a cohesive and collaborative approach to delivery of all interrelated projects and initiatives.

  • Work with relevant Officers and the Marketing and Communications team to plan communication activity for assigned projects in order to support delivery of project KPIs.

  • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure that all relevant communication and engagement activities are promoted across the Council’s online platforms.

  • Support the Economic Development team in organising, managing and delivering key business and community events and workshop activities.

  • Support and work with relevant departmental business support staff in undertaking general project administrative duties related to the programme of work of the unit.

  • To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care; equal opportunities; health and safety; safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

  • 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.

  • To 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 procedures as appropriate.

  • Participate as directed in the council’s selection interview programme.

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

  • 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 s/he 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.

    Essential Criteria

    Experience

    Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, that they have at least one year’s relevant experience in at least two of the following three areas:

    a) Assisting in the development and management of funded projects, including undertaking research, financial administration, liaison with funders and monitoring and verifying spend by third party organisations.

    b) Organising and managing events.

    c) Coordinating and promoting initiatives through social media and printed media.

    Special Skills and Attributes

    Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they possess the following skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

    • Communication skills: the ability to draft letters and memos clearly and to demonstrate a good standard of literacy and comprehension.

    • Customer care skills: the ability to deal with the public, representatives of outside bodies and clients in a helpful and positive way, responding to their needs and having an awareness of the importance of giving a positive image to the public. A good knowledge of the principles of customer care should be demonstrated.

    • Information technology skills: the ability to use a range of standard office programs effectively in processing work and the ability to manipulate databases to access information.

    • Analytical and decision making skills: the ability to analyse and produce innovative solutions and to take decisions which will contribute to enhanced project and service delivery.

    • Work planning skills: the ability to plan and organise own workload to meet deadlines with the flexibility to undertake a varying and changing range of tasks and forward plan to ensure deadlines are adhered to and targets met.

    • Team working skills: the ability to work effectively within small team and on own initiative to ensure the delivery of agreed work objectives.

    • Partnership working skills: the ability to work with a diverse group of professionals across public, private, voluntary and community sectors and establish good working relationships to meet common objectives.

    • Political sensitivity skills: the ability to treat confidential matters with the appropriate discretion and the ability to work with elected representatives with an appreciation of the sensitivities of working in a political environment and an understanding of the operation of local government and the issues it faces.

    • Project delivery skills: the ability to support the delivery of complex projects and to oversee effective delivery by third party organisations.

    Desirable Criteria

    In addition to the above experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to short-list only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

    • In the first instance, can demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on their application form, at least one year’s relevant experience in all three of the aforementioned areas a) to c).

    • In the second instance, can demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on their application form, at least two years’ relevant experience in all three of the aforementioned areas a) to c).

    • In the third instance, have at least five GCSEs (Grades A-C) including English, or equivalent qualifications.

    Apply Now

    Before you go

    Get the latest jobs in Belfast by email

    By creating a job alert, you agree to our Terms. You can unsubscribe from these directly within the emails or as detailed in our terms.

    Continue to job
    Need help? Contact us
    Cookies, Privacy and Terms©JobAlert.ie  2025