Job Purpose;
Joining an established Rural Development Team, the role of Development Officer for the National Rural Development (LEADER) Programme is to engage with local communities, deliver an effective animation strategy and deliver results across a portfolio of community projects in full compliance with the LEADER programme guidelines.

Major Areas of Responsibility;
Deliver an effective community engagement and animation strategy
Strategic management of a community project portfolio
Ensure up to date understanding of the National Rural Development LEADER Programme Operating Rules and all amendments.

Duties;
Reporting to the senior management team, the LEADER Development Officer will undertake the following duties;
Work with the LEADER team to animate prioritised sections of the Carlow Local Development Strategy, including taking responsibility for assigned ‘Call for Proposals’.
Meet with prospective project promoters with a view to guiding the applicants through the LEADER programme process up to final grant drawdown stage,
Carry out site visits in compliance with the LEADER programme rules, and subject to Covid19 Public Health Guidelines and Covid-19 company policy,
Create assessment report/evaluation report using the prescribed programme template,
Attend evaluation committee meetings as a member of the LEADER team and present assigned projects for evaluation,
Attend LAG meetings as a member of the LEADER team and present assigned projects for consideration,
Meet with promoter to review all sections of the letter of offer requirements before drawdown,
Monitor project implementation and report on same at internal LEADER team meetings,
Liaise with Department Inspectorate if an assigned project is selected for inspection,
Ensure familiarisation with Carlow Local Development Strategy, LEADER programme operating rules and subsequent circulars,
Adhere to the company’s data protection policy at all stages of the LEADER process,
Develop project case studies for company web-site and general media,
All other duties as required by the Senior Management Team.

Application Process;
Interested candidates are required to send their Curriculum Vitae with covering letter by e-mail to eharvey@carlowdevelopment.ie on or before 5pm on Friday 9th of April 2021. All applications received will be acknowledged. Shortlisting will apply. Canvasing will disqualify. Carlow Development Partnership is an equal opportunities employer.