Project Support Officer - Local Net Zero Accelerator

Are you looking for a role where your skills will help propel the West Midlands region towards a sustainable future? 

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is at the forefront of environmental progress, leading the pioneering Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) initiative, which will pave the way for investing at scale in net zero initiatives across the region. Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, LNZA is one of only three such pilot programmes in the UK. 

 This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region's transition to a net-zero future. 

We are seeking two exceptional Project Support Officers to join the Energy Capital team. In this role, you will play a central part in ensuring the LNZA programme's successful delivery.  

Your organisational skills and clear communication will be instrumental in keeping projects on track and stakeholders informed. 

 Please note that this is a 2-year Fixed-Term Contract (FTC). 

What will you be doing? 

• Provide comprehensive programme management support, maintaining key documentation such as plans, budgets, and reporting logs. 
• Craft insightful reports on programme and project progress, adhering to established deadlines. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of robust risk and issue management processes. 
• Uphold strong financial reporting practices, ensuring accurate budget control. 
• Prepare and manage change requests effectively, documenting project adjustments. 
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and informed decision-making by collecting, organising, and presenting programme data for insightful reporting and monitoring. 
• Deliver exceptional support for programme boards, working groups, and forums through meticulous meeting preparation and execution. 
• Foster strong relationships with project stakeholders through clear and consistent communication, upholding the WMCA's reputation. 
• Develop and implement communication plans and materials to keep stakeholders engaged and informed of programme progress. 
• Continuously refine project management processes within the Energy Capital team, driving efficiency and effectiveness. 

About you 

• A track record in programme management and reporting practices. 
• An understanding of programme and project management methodologies, encompassing stakeholder management, information management, risk and issue management, monitoring and control, change management, and financial monitoring. 
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to convey information clearly, concisely, and persuasively. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and virtual meeting software is essential. 
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to the development of innovative approaches. 

How to apply. 

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. 

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK.  If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work. 

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location and working pattern – what you can expect. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. 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. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.