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Job description

The postholder will be responsible for leading the strategic delivery, governance and establishment of the 4.9m SEUPB funded Smart Village Network Project ensuring the programme delivers measurable digital, economic and community impact aligned with Council priorities and funding requirements. The postholder will support the Head of Service in the delivery of corporate and community planning outcomes and will demonstrate a one Council approach through leadership, decision making and interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of the 4.9m SEUPB funded Smart Village Network Programme resulting in the acceleration of digital transformation, enhanced energy efficiency and renewable adoption.
• Lead on the development of a network of Rural Digital Hubs across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area and wider NW City Region providing capacity building, network development and community-based innovation.
• Manage and review financial budgets in compliance with European Commission regulations and Council procedures.
• Manage the Smart Village Network Project Team on the delivery of the SVNP project plan.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and reports for the development and implementation of the SVNP programme.
• Manage and maintain the development of the Corporate Code of Conduct and policy for the operational management of the Smart Village Network Programme Board.
• Manage compliance requirements for legislation and procedures as specified by the European Commission, Governments Departments and Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
• Procure and manage support services including consultants, contractors and other specialist service providers in accordance with procedures.
• Identify training and development needs for Board members, project delivery partners and stakeholders.
• Support, identify and manage the structures for the SVNP programme board and relevant sub-committees/task groups.
• Represent Derry/Londonderry City and Strabane District Council and the Derry/Londonderry City and Strabane District SNVP programme board on external committees in the development and management of action plans as required.
• Contribute to the Council’s Climate Pledge and sustainability objectives by promoting environmentally responsible practices and supporting climate action initiatives within the scope of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity and access in service delivery and in employment processes.
• Ensure all staff and operations comply with Health and Safety legislation in line with the departmental Health and Safety management system and corporate policy in compliance with ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management standard.
• Provide effective leadership to the relevant staff including carrying out staff appraisals and identifying training and development needs.
• Participate in and ensure compliance with all Council policies and procedures and operate within the highest standards of management and personal behaviour which reflect the core values of the organisation.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to scale, which may be required from time to time.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A minimum of a degree in a relevant discipline eg Business, Economics
• A minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable experience.
• This experience must include all of the following: Managing partnerships, networks or boards
• Project development, delivery, appraisal, monitoring and evaluation
• Preparation and management of project funding applications.
• Experience of budgetary control relating to procurement, funding initiatives, completion of returns and financial processing
• Build rapport with a range of stakeholders
• It is essential that applicants possess: Knowledge of the economic needs of the Council Area Competency in the use of Microsoft office suite
• Competency in the use of Microsoft office suite
• Must have access to a form of transport to carry out the duties of the post.

Desirable Skills

• Postgraduate qualification

Further Information

CV's will not be accepted. Closing date for applications, Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 12 noon