Project Officer at Hertfordshire County Council in Six Hills Way, Stevenage SG1 2FQ, UK

Job Title: Project Officer
Starting Salary: £35,570 opportunity to progress to £38,510 per annum
Hours: 37
Location: Stevenage/Hybrid
Contract Type: Fixed Term/Secondment
Directorate: Children's Services

About the team

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Early Years Service within Children’s Services,supporting the delivery of Hertfordshire’s School Age Childcare Programme. Working alongsidthe School Age Childcare Programme lead, you will help deliver the priorities set out in the SchoolAge Childcare Strategy, working with key partners and families to improve access across thecounty.

While the primary focus is school age childcare, the role sits within the wider Early Years Services and will contribute to broader service priorities.

About the role

You will support the planning, coordination and delivery of programme priorities that contribute to a sustainable and sufficient school-age childcare offer across the county. Working with schools, childcare providers, partners and council colleagues, you will identify opportunities to expand and strengthen wraparound and holiday childcare, address barriers to delivery and support successful programme implementation.

The role requires the ability to analyse complex information, identify trends, gaps and opportunities, and use evidence to develop recommendations that inform programme delivery, service planning and continuous improvement. You will play a key role in coordinating programme initiatives, maintaining oversight of risks, milestones and project outputs.

You will help to strengthen relationships with schools, providers and other stakeholders, supporting engagement activities that promote the development of before-school, after-school and holiday childcare opportunities. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting inclusiv provision that meets the needs of all children, including those with SEND, and improvin awareness of childcare options available to families.

As part of the wider Early Years Service, you will maintain a strong understanding of childcare sufficiency duties, childcare entitlements and related government programmes, providing flexible support across the service as required and contributing to a joined-up approach to childcare for children and families.

About you

Essential:

· Recent, relevant experience within the childcare, education, early years or related sector.

· Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, including schools, childcare

providers, families and partner organisations.

· Good understanding of the childcare sector and the factors affecting access to childcare.

· Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects or service improvements.

· Ability to interpret and use qualitative and quantitative information to support decision-

making and service development.

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate activities and manage

competing priorities.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Full driving licence and ability to travel across the county.

· Knowledge of the school age childcare sector and related policy developments.

· Understanding of childcare sufficiency duties.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of early education and childcare entitlements, including eligibility criteria.

· Awareness and understanding of working in a political environment.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 9. Please locate the job profile here:

Job profiles: Project & programme

To hear more about this opportunity please contact pablo.benvenutto@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Secondment
This role is open to secondments for eligible employees who work for HCC. If you wish to apply on a secondment basis, you must have your line manager’s approval before submitting your application. You will be asked to confirm this within your application form. If you are not eligible for a secondment (e.g., you are currently on a fixed‑term contract that would end before this positions ends) or you indicate that your manager cannot support a secondment, your application will be considered on a fixed‑term contract basis instead.

Additional information

We are changing
Hertfordshire County Councilis undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. To find out more, visit

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.