Programme Investment Appraiser

Job Introduction Managing public money is important to WMCA, and our Assurance and Appraisal team work incredibly hard to do so. We are now looking for a Programme Investment Appraiser to join our team of appraisers, to provide high-level summaries and reviews on Business Cases for major projects and ensure they demonstrate:

- A good fit with WMCA strategy.
- Good value for money.
- Commercial viability.
- The need for public sector investment.

You’ll have a key role in supporting decision makers in making better spending and investment decisions that will ultimately improve the West Midlands and the lives of those who live and work within the region.
**Please note that this is 12 month fixed-term-contract covering maternity leave.**
**What you will be doing.**
- Appraise and assess projects within the WMCA Investment Programme, producing checklists and methodologies which are consistent with the Government’s Green Book and Five Business Case model.
- Utilising the Project Register and other intelligence regarding the likely timing of project Business Cases; Plan workload in order that Business Case appraisals can be undertaken and presented to Investment Panel / Board promptly to include processing of the project and its delivery timetable.
- Support the appraisal and technical assessment of non-delegated projects and, lead on the appraisal and assessment of projects.
- Secure internal and external expertise to provide an independent critique of the Business Case submission e.g. input from the Office for Data Analytics to review the strategic and economic Business Cases.
- Contribute to producing a high-level summary of each project Business Case assessing concerns and issues, liaising with project owners to clarify any issues.
- Fully service Investment Panel and Investment Board meetings including scheduling meetings, circulating papers in advance and recording decisions and support the presentation of Business Case summaries, reviews and recommendations to WMCA’s Investment Panel and Investment Board.
- Liaise with project owners and legal team to ensure that any conditions placed on projects at investment decision stage are reflected in the legal agreements for WMCA funding and, if applicable, the Monitoring and Evaluation Plans for those projects.
- Work with multiple teams to provide advice and guidance on the development of robust and compliant Business Cases for WMCA investments, whilst maintaining the ability to independently review completed Business Cases.

**What’s essential.**
- Experience of working within a project/PMO environment.
- Ability to communicate and support/ influence across all levels of roles within WMCA and bring issues to resolution.
- Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and ability to deliver briefings and presentations.
- Excellent written and analytical skills with an ability to succinctly summarise complex information.
- Customer and results oriented.
- Self-motivated and ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to plan and co-ordinate multiple activities simultaneously, managing time and resource..

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a **Local Government Pension Scheme** (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), **28 days paid annual leave **(plus an option to purchase more), **ethical saving options and healthcare plans**, paid volunteering days, **free financing for the latest technology**, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the **benefits page** on our career site.
**Hybrid working and location. **We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
**Creating an inclusive workplace.**We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.