Interim Project Officer - Public Sector Transformation

Location: Bristol
Duration: 6-months

Rate: £330 p/d inside IR35

We are seeking a Project Support Officer to work full-time across our Adult Social Care Programme and Housing IT Transformation Programme. The Project Support Officer (PSO) will play a key role in supporting the planning and execution of these programmes and their associated projects. Responsibilities will include task scheduling, managing risks and progress, administering the programme board (including distributing papers, taking minutes, and overseeing action management), liaising with stakeholders, assisting the programme manager with financial monitoring and budget control, ensuring project reports are current, and maintaining the documentation repository

About the Role

As a PO, you will provide principal support to the Portfolio/Programme/Project Manager and deputise when necessary. Acting as the 'information hub' of the team, your ability to apply judgment and experience to decide the best course of action will be key. You will confidently tackle issues as they arise, ensuring smooth progress and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Liaison: Be the first point of contact for stakeholders, resolving day-to-day issues and escalating to the appropriate manager when required.
• Reporting: Coordinate the reporting process, collate data from various sources, and prepare monthly Highlight Reports and other key documents.
• Work Package Oversight: Monitor budgets and oversee the delivery of specific work packages and/or projects.
• Ad-hoc Duties: Undertake portfolio/programme/project management duties, including deputising as needed.
• Governance Management: Coordinate and administer Board meetings and other decision-making bodies, ensuring effective action management and delivery.
• Research & Facilitation: Conduct background research from various sources, facilitate workshops, and consolidate outputs into suitable formats.
• Quality Assurance: Review key documentation to ensure compliance with Bristol City Council's programme and project management standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Document Control: Maintain control documents, monitor for potential issues, and advise on impacts affecting deliverables.
• Documentation Repository: Establish and maintain a repository of key documentation with appropriate version and change control.
• Best Practice Support: Support the council's Portfolio Management Office by embedding best practices in programme and project management.

What We're Looking For

We seek an individual with:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to apply judgment and experience to problem-solving
• Confidence in tackling issues proactively
• Experience in a fast-paced change environment
• Ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders