Project Administrator (Farm Business Improvement Scheme)

CSL/PA300

Countryside Services Ltd wishes to appoint a number of Project Administrators to support delivery of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital Tier 1 throughout Northern Ireland.

The competition will also be used to compile a reserve list from which additional full-time or part-time staff may be appointed if required.

 

1. BACKGROUND

Countryside Services Ltd (CSL) is a progressive and dynamic organisation with a proven track record in the delivery of specialist capital grant schemes and livestock identification products. 

CSL has successfully delivered three tranches of Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme which resulted in the distribution of over £25 million in financial support to over 5,000 farm businesses in Northern Ireland.

CSL is currently involved in the delivery of Tranche 4   of Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital.

 

2. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

JOB TITLE: Project Administrator

KEY PURPOSE: To process applications and claims for financial support under Tier 1 of the capital element of Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) of the NIRDP 2014-20. The work involves assessing applications, checking their accuracy and processing claims for financial support.

REPORTS TO: Rural Services Contract Manager

 

3. TERMS and CONDITIONS

LOCATION: Countryside Services Ltd, 97 Moy Road, Dungannon, BT71 7DX.

CONTRACT DURATION: Full time contract. 

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week. 

SALARY SCALE: A basic salary in the range £21,000 to £23,000.  Starting position on the pay scale is dependent on experience and qualifications. 

TRAVEL EXPENSES: Reasonable travel expenses are paid according to a standard CSL staff rate.

PENSION: Members of staff have the opportunity to join a pension scheme upon the successful completion of their probationary period. 

SICKNESS / ABSENCE: You will be paid sick pay according to the rules and regulations of the Company’s Sick Pay Scheme and the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme subject to compliance with the Company’s Sickness/Absence Notification Procedure.

During periods of sickness absence, CSL reserves the right to require you to be examined by a Company nominated doctor, as it considers necessary. 

NOTICE PERIOD: After one month’s service, you will be required to give one month’s notice in writing of your intention to terminate your employment.

 

4. PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Farm Business Improvement Scheme

• Processing applications in line with Scheme requirements
• Providing advice to potential applicants on the eligibility of items of equipment and on Scheme criteria
• Updating IT recording systems
• Recommendation of improvements and implementing changes to procedures
• Compliance with the highest standards of confidentiality in handling personal, business and financial information
• Working with others and working under own initiative to meet high standards and tight deadlines
• Flexibility in approach and a willingness to learn new skills and develop as an individual
• Promoting the Scheme and representing CSL at shows and public events
• Contribute, as required, to the wider work of the organisation and show flexibility in line with the needs of the scheme and the organisation.

(b) General Duties

• To deal with customer queries.
• To maintain accurate records.
• To undertake other duties as may be required within the wider business.
• Other duties as required, contributing to the wider work of the organisation and demonstrate flexibility in line with the needs of the organisation.

NOTE: 

The key activities listed serve as a guideline to the responsibilities of the person appointed to this position. They are not intended to be exclusive or inflexible and may be subject to change in light of future developments as required by the Contract Manager.

 

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

(a) Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have –

• GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics (Grade C or above)

(b) Abilities and Skills

Applicants will be expected to provide evidence, in their application and/or at interview, of the following well developed skills and abilities:

• Ability to demonstrate a high standard of communication and interpersonal skills
• IT competence – with experience of using spreadsheets, MS Office, internet and e-mail
• Flexibility in approach and a willingness to learn new skills and develop as an individual
• A friendly and efficient telephone manner
• Proven organisational skills
• Ability to work using own initiative to meet standards and deadlines
• Good understanding of farming, family farms, farm business management and the technology used in modern agriculture

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Possession of qualifications or experience in one or more of the following areas may be an advantage:

• Agriculture or rural development scheme administration

NOTE:

CSL may decide to call for assessment and interview only those applicants who appear from the information provided to be most suitable in terms of relevant experience. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application form contains all the information which they consider relevant to the specified criteria.

 

6. APPLICATION FORMS

To apply please download the application form here.

 

7. FURTHER INFORMATION

Anyone wishing to obtain further information prior to submitting an application may contact Dr Andrew Kerr on 028 8778 9139.  

Countryside Services Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer

 

Closing Date: Thursday 22nd June at 4pm.