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Job description

We're seeking a Community Support Officer, Digital Inclusion to support rural communities in the Newry area to support the community to build digital skills, confidence and capacity.

Responsibilities

• Engage with rural communities, community groups, volunteers, SMEs and remote workers and local stakeholders to identify digital needs and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with community organisations, volunteers, local authorities and service providers.
• Support communities to participate in digital inclusion initiatives and ICT-related projects.
• Be involved in planning and delivering workshops, training sessions and community events focused on digital skills and ICT use.
• Support individuals and groups to use digital tools (e.g. online services, communication platforms, productivity tools, social media).
• Assist communities in accessing local digital initiatives (e.g. community hubs, digital champions, online platforms).
• Support communities to develop sustainable digital capacity, including training volunteers and local leaders.
• Disseminate user-friendly guides, resources and learning materials.
• Promote inclusive approaches to digital engagement, particularly for older people, disadvantaged groups and those with low digital confidence.
• Contribute to project planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Maintain records of activities, participation and outcomes.
• Prepare reports for funders and stakeholders.
• Support budget monitoring and resource management where required.
• Work collaboratively with project partners, funders and local stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for further funding, partnerships and programme development.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Experience working with communities, voluntary organisations or rural development initiatives.
• Experience delivering training, workshops or support in digital or community settings.
• Experience of engaging with diverse groups, including people with limited digital skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain digital concepts in a clear, accessible way.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good IT skills, including familiarity with common digital tools and platforms.
• Understanding of digital inclusion, rural communities or community development.
• Awareness of barriers to digital access and participation.
• Willingness to travel within the project area.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (where applicable).

Desirable Skills

• Qualification in community development, education, ICT, social sciences or a related field.
• Experience of working on funded projects (e.g. EU, government, charity-funded programmes).
• Experience of partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Knowledge of rural policy, digital strategy or community development frameworks in Ireland/UK.

Further Information

For further information and to apply, please go to https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/current-vacancies/ and download an application pack.