Job Introduction
This vacancy is open to internal candidates only.
This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 21 months (approx.); however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).
If you love the river and want to make a difference to how the river Medway is cared for and enjoyed, then this new role could be the opportunity for you.
This year, Medway Council launched its first ever River Strategy, a working document designed to be a 10 year plan to improve the river offer and enable a broad range of river stakeholders to come together to discuss and agree shared aims and objectives and secure funding for river related projects including, ecological enhancement, infrastructure improvements, heritage vessel restoration and build inclusivity of communities and intergenerational demographic groups to understand, appreciate and be a part of river improvement projects and important ecological projects to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the tidal river Medway and estuary.
We are seeking to recruit a River Strategy Delivery Officer on a fixed term contract up to 31 March 2028 with the potential to extend and make permanent depending on further funding. This important, new role will be to assist the Marine Assets Manager to create five river stakeholder groups to deliver key aims of the river strategy and add and amend agreed changes to the working document to reflect changes and requests from stakeholders.
The role will be to:
- Identify, liaise and establish working relationships with relevant groups, organisations and internal teams to be represented on the River Strategy Partnership Group and stakeholder groups.
- Arrange and coordinate internal and external river stakeholder meetings.
- Rotational chairing of meetings.
- Arrange and undertake site visits to remote locations by boat.
- Identify and secure internal and external funding for river-based projects.
- Utilising expert knowledge from river stakeholders to deliver key aims of the River Strategy.
- Supporting the delivery of sustainable projects while managing risks.
- Working within the governance, delivery and implementation framework of the River Strategy.
- Promote and advance improvements to the river offer, ecologically, economically, commercially and for the welling of residents and visitors.
- Act as point of contact for river stakeholder groups.
- Provide project updates to internal and external stakeholders including Councillors, Cabinet Members and senior officers.
- Create and ensure an environment of positive dialogue between key representatives from professional organisations and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes for the river offer.
This role involves effective communication with a broad range of river stakeholders, including; vessel owners, sailing clubs, established, river-based organisations, historic ship restoration charities, conservation NGO’s, commercial operators, volunteers and internal teams.
The post holder will seek internal and external funding for agreed projects for each stakeholder group and support project delivery.
A wide range of projects will include; public events which promote and raise awareness of the river, improvements to river infrastructure, river access, historic ship restoration, projects which compliment river related commercial operations, salt marsh restoration, sea grass meadow planting, and natural flood defences.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Adam Taylor on adam.taylor@medway.gov.uk
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
We are seeking to appoint a River Strategy Delivery Officer. Who can demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills to allow you to perform within this role. You will identify, through application, how you meet the elements detailed within the person specification, at either Level A, B or C. You will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information:
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
- Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
