Project Co-ordinator

This job is of a fixed term for 18 months, funded by The International Fund for Ireland.

37.5 Hours per week (flexible working available as evening and weekend work will be required)

**Background**:
The BALGLEN project is a new and exciting cross-border initiative supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and managed by Rural Action. Ballinascreen Community Forum, an umbrella organization consisting of a number of groups and key stakeholders in Co. Derry, as Lead Partner will be supported through the initiative to work alongside groups and key stakeholders in the Glenties/Ardara area of Co. Donegal. The project will focus on building progressive partnerships through an agreed action plan that will deliver meaningful benefits for communities on both sides of the border and raise awareness of issues and challenges impacting both communities. It will develop appropriate responses to these needs and also contribute to the wider peace building work of the IFI. Groups involved include:

- Ballinascreen Community Forum (Lead Partner)
- Coiste Forbartha Eadan Fhionn Fraoich
- Ardara Sheltered Housing Association/GAP Community Health Forum
- St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre Co Ltd
- Glenties Community Development Group

**Purpose and function of post**:
We aim to deliver a project that primarily uses a local community development approach that includes, community participation, volunteering and use of the arts, heritage and culture, and dialogue to create a space for participants to deepen their understanding of the past but more importantly set a path for the future. We aim to provide creative, innovative and exciting opportunities to develop effective and meaningful relations within communities and across the border allowing participants from each area to engage and become empowered. We aim to create a legacy of North-South collaboration and understanding across a range of demographics, through cultural workshops, talent development and discussion.

To aid the above, a full-time Project Co-Ordinator is required, based in Draperstown.

**Duties and tasks include**:

- To help establish an office/base in the Ballinascreen area
- To help raise awareness of the project in the local area
- To set up effective working relationships with partner groups and stakeholders
- Line management of part-time administration support worker
- To work in partnership with your co-workers to co-ordinate all project targets as agreed with the Funder and as per the workplan established.

**Other Duties**:

- To assist in facilitating the participation of local residents and project partners in building genuine cross-border connections.
- To animate, facilitate and develop project proposals in order to advance an agreed integrated local action plan and provide meaningful benefit to the communities involved. This includes capacity-building of partner organisations, working on shared issues such as supporting access to services and facilities, cost of living, health concerns, the environment, arts culture & heritage etc.
- To utilise existing and potential funding opportunities towards the advancement of the projects programme of work and regeneration.
- To communicate and collaborate with wider agencies that play a role in supporting the development of the community on a cross-border basis. Establish a steering group involving all partners.
- To assist in encouraging a consultative process for the partnership project.
- To assist local area groups in identifying their own specific needs; for example education, training, governance, finance, technical assistance or information.
- To assist partners in sourcing the necessary forms of support to meet their needs in improving their provisions for their local communities.
- Create and maintain a strong PR strategy to promote the work of the project and its impacts.
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
- To attend seminars, workshops or conferences in the interests of Ballinascreen Community Forum as required.
- To create and maintain good working relations with Ballinascreen Community Forum and Members; staff; colleagues and clients.
- To operate Health and Safety at Work procedures.
- To promote organisational aims and objectives of Ballinascreen Community Forum and the International Fund for Ireland.
- To attend identified appropriate training designed to enhance personal skill levels, thereby assisting the strategic development of Ballinascreen Community Forum and its associated groups.
- To carry out any other reasonable duties required by the Project Manager, and/or Committee of Ballinascreen Community Forum.

**Essential Criteria**:

- Relevant degree in Community Development/Rural Regeneration/Community Relations or similar **OR**:

- Three years full time or four years part time practical experience in working in Community Development projects, to include programme development and implementation including dealing with community organisations and res