Economic Advisor

The Council 

Northumberland County Council operates a huge range of services across one of the largest counties in the UK. Local Government’s ongoing challenges and the diversity of our residents means we have to work smarter. That’s why we want bold, creative and agile thinkers who can help us move forward and innovate. 

For further information about working for Northumberland County Council, please click here: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/working 

The Service 

Economy and Regeneration is part of the Regeneration, Economy and Commercial Directorate of the Council delivering the Council’s priority of Economic Growth. This includes influencing national and regional policy and driving delivery and management of a range of regeneration and economic growth projects, and acquisition and management of external funding, including Borderlands Growth Deal, North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Funding and Central Government Initiatives. 

The Service is looking to recruit an Economic Advisor (Employability) to the Strategic Transport and Employability Team. 

The Role

The Economy and Regeneration Service has a new opportunity in the key role of Economic Advisor with a specialism in employability as part of the Strategic Transport and Employability Team at a critical time for the labour market in Northumberland. 

This post was developed in response to new opportunities presented in the context of the North of Tyne Combined Authority Inclusive Economy and Employability Strategy and Partnerships, devolution to the North of Tyne Area of the Adult Education Budget, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and emerging employment and skills programmes. It will provide a key role in working with cross-sector employment support services in Northumberland to boost economic recovery and inclusive growth in the context of a dynamic labour market.   

The post will provide advice to the management team of the service and work across the Council to ensure the principles of economic inclusion are embedded in the work of the Council and our partner organisations. It will foster alignment and co-ordination of programmes and services to meet the economic growth needs of the labour market and ensure Northumberland residents benefit from the many exciting new investments in the county, supporting employer recruitment needs and participation of residents in employment support, in Northumberland and across the North of Tyne area. 

The core purpose is development and implementation of strategic policy objectives of the Northumberland Economic Strategy, the Council’s Corporate Plan, and the North of Tyne Employability Strategy, with regard to employability and skills development. 

The role is offered on a 3-year fixed term basis. 

Essential Requirements 

You will be educated to degree or equivalent level in a relevant and related subject. You will have experience in undertaking strategic policy development and will have a knowledge of current policies, procedures, trends and developments in the area of employability. You will have experience of managing projects to achieve set objectives. You will possess excellent written skills and be able to communicate and engage with a wide audience and be skilled at building productive partnerships.  

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional within the area of employability to develop their experience and apply their knowledge to an exciting and expanding area of work within the Council. The post is offered on a 3-year fixed term basis. 

For more details please see the attached job description and person specification here

For an informal discussion, please contact Kevin Higgins on 07786 020787 or Kevin.Higgins@northumberland.gov.uk  

We are offering:  

- A starting salary of £33,486 (Band 8) 

- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme  

- A wide range of staff benefits including a competitive annual leave provision 

- Flexible working arrangements  

For further information about working for Northumberland County Council, please click here: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/working  

For further information about this vacancy, please contact Kevin.Higgins@northumberland.gov.uk for an informal discussion. 

Closing date for applications will be midnight on 31st August 2022

Please note that this is a full time position but applications on a secondment or part time basis would be considered for the right applicant. For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please click here

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored in the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend an interview please also let the team know. 

In line with the County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CV’s. Any information provided on CV’s will not be considered for short-listing purposes. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with, including your invite to interview if you are short-listed.  

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, your application process will be directed to our Taleo system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with Taleo, including your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email after the closing date for notification from ‘hr-empty@invalidemail.com’ as you will not be notified by any other means.