Project Support Officer at Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, London, 6 Months, £Contract Rate

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Project Support Officer (Inside IR35) for a 6 Month contract based UK wide (Hybrid: to attend nearest hub as needed).

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people's lives. We are responsible for England's environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

About The Role:

As a Project Support Officer, you will cover a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of the project's objectives, which will typically be low in complexity. You will enable the smooth running of the project by supporting it through the operation of project management processes, and the co-ordination of business management actions and activities. The EU Delivery Programme is high-profile, fast-paced and challenging, spanning multiple directorates and stakeholders across Defra, wider government, devolved administrations and trade. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of change, contributing to the delivery of a programme that will have huge impacts both nationally and globally. You'll be joining a new and evolving team at a point where we will be undergoing an exciting and challenging period as we adjust to the outcome of the negotiations. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive working environment and are looking for people who can contribute to this culture, as well work collaboratively and at pace to deliver our outcomes.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Support the Project plan and schedule effectively. Assist in producing project reports and support in maintaining project controls.
• Organise key project meetings and provide secretariat support including preparation of papers, minute taking and updating the action and decision logs.
• Implement and maintain the project file management using robust version control and ensuring GDPR compliance.
• Maintain the stakeholder log for internal and external stakeholders and act as point of contact for project responses to requests for information and signpost accordingly.
• Support the Project Manager with monitoring project spend and assist in budget reporting.
• Maintain the project asset register. Maintain the project risk and issues log, escalating where appropriate. An active member of the Defra Project Delivery Profession Community.

Essential:

• Awareness of planning, scheduling, risks & issues, governance, project methodologies and assurance.
• Knowledge and experience of change control.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to develop and implement effective administrative processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by developing effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an understanding of the use of different channels and formats for different audiences.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.