The Urban and Community Development Officer is a new key support position within the Council and is assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional area as required. The Urban and Community Development Officer will work under the direction and management of an Administrative Officer or Senior Executive Officer or Director of Service or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Chief Executive as appropriate. The role involves supporting managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in meeting work goals and objectives and delivering quality services to internal and external customers.

The post will be assigned to the Community Department to assist in the delivery of community development programmes and funding schemes and to assist in the delivery of initiatives including the Age Friendly Programme, Comhairle na nÓg, PPN support, Healthy Ireland etc.  The role will also involve working across Directorates to assist the Council in its engagement with the community at Electoral Area level, including consultation and feedback, assisting in the implementation of the Local Economic and Community Plan and to provide outreach within communities in the identification and delivery of projects of scale.

The role will support the growth and empowerment of local communities and involves working closely with residents, community groups, and other stakeholders to assess needs, plan and implement development programmes, and enhance community cohesion.
 

Duties and Responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, local groups, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate open dialogue to understand community needs, challenges, and aspirations.
• Organise community meetings, events, and workshops to encourage participation and collaboration.
• Build the capacity of voluntary community leaders and organisations to identify and implement projects of scale. Projects will have a particular focus on the delivery of actions in the LECP (Local Economic and Community Plan)

• Design and implement community development initiatives tailored to the needs of local communities.
• Coordinate with external agencies and organisations to secure resources and support for community programmes and initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes, ensuring they align with the community’s goals and objectives.

• Support the development of skills and resources in local community groups to promote self-sufficiency and sustainability.
• Provide training, workshops, and guidance to community leaders and volunteers.

• Advocate for policies and practices that address community issues and improves local quality of life.
• Empower individuals and groups by encouraging leadership, participation, and collective action.
• Work closely with the Elected Members and across Directorate level to support the delivery of projects that benefit local communities.

• Assist in identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and managing budgets for community development projects.
• Leverage local partnerships to secure materials, volunteers and financial support.

• Maintain accurate records of activities, progress and outcomes related to community development efforts.
• Provide regular updates and reports to management, stakeholders, and funders.
• Compliance with Performance Management Development Systems (PMDS).
• Management of external contracts and ensuring best practice in procurement.