JOB VACANCIES

GROWING TOGETHER PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

£ 24,988 per annum

West Lothian Youth Action Project, in partnership with Almond Housing Association, is currently recruiting for a Project Co-ordinator to establish a brand new Community Growing Project in Livingston, West Lothian.

Funding has been secured through the Scottish Government Investing in Communities Fund to establish Growing Together: a Community Growing Project to support the Craigshill community to proactively tackle food poverty in a dignified and holistic way. There are four dimensions to this project: growing, cooking, eating and sharing food. The project, a partnership between Almond Housing Association and West Lothian Youth Action Project, are recruiting a co-ordinator to facilitate and develop a range of community based ‘plot to plate’ activities along with volunteering opportunities to support local residents’ interest in sourcing and growing food locally. We hope that the project will empower and inspire; supporting the community to understand the ways in which they can make the most effective use of available food resources.

We are currently seeking an experienced individual who is passionate about this type of work and keen to provide much needed support to those who access the service. We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our team, with practical experience of community gardening or similar settings working outdoors. Self-motivated, empathetic, and with strong communication and training skills you will initially be employed until the end of June 2022.

Call 01506 431430 if you require further information.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 19th February

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 16th February 2020

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Growing Together Project Co-ordinator

Responsible to:

Project Director & Board of Directors

Location:

Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian

Hours:

36 hours per week

JOB PURPOSE

To develop, deliver and co-ordinate a new Initiative “Growing Together” on behalf of the partners, West Lothian Youth Action Project and Almond Housing Association. The post holder will facilitate and develop a range of community based growing activities along with volunteering opportunities to support local residents’ interest in sourcing and growing food locally. Leading by example, the post holder will use a practical based, hands on approach to engage, inspire and support young people, local tenants, the wider community and key partner agencies in Craigshill, Livingston to learn new skills and knowledge in growing edible produce in their locality.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The post holder will report directly to the Project Director and thereafter the Board of Director (Trustees).

The post holder will also be accountable to the Community Engagement Officer of Almond Housing Association for key project deliverables.

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE POST

To organise, supervise, promote and facilitate all activities in the community gardening spaces.
To assist in the publication and promotion of the Growing Together Initiative in the gardens and across the Craigshill Community.
To provide educational workshops to user groups, encouraging children and adults to work together, take part in activities, improving knowledge, physical activity and mental wellbeing and the promotion of healthy and affordable food produce.
Line management of volunteers
To work in partnership with the local community including schools, Almond Housing Association Tenants, Transform Craigshill group, Health Centre and other community groups and interested individuals to develop the initiative.
To deliver practical sessions to user groups, encouraging children and adults to work together to produce edible crops.
Direct engagement with the Community fridge and cooking groups.
To work with team members to deliver food based events throughout the longevity of the project.
To promote eating what you grow and empower project participants to gain new skills and understanding about growing edible produce in their locality

ADMINISTRATION

Daily recording of sessions, regular monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
Production of information packs for training sessions
Submission of progress and evaluation reports to funders and Board of Trustees/Directors
Preparation of risk assessments as required
Attending team meetings and appropriate community network meetings
Engagement in service reviews and future sustainability planning for the initiative
Any other reasonable duties as directed by the Project Director and Trustees.

PROMOTION

In conjunction with the Project Director and Almond Housing Association ensure regular production of promotional materials and social media updates informing the local community, partners and funders of achievements of the Growing Together Initiative.

Person Specification for Growing Together Project Co-ordinator

WORK CONTEXT

The “Growing Together” Initiative will be based in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. The majority of the Coordinator’s work will be based within the Craigshill area, with the requirement for travel across West Lothian as appropriate and attendance at national events/ conferences on an occasional basis.

The post is for 36 hours per week, the successful candidate will require to be flexible with regard to the hours worked, as evening and occasional weekend work are essential for effective community engagement.

AUTONOMY AND DECISION-MAKING

Planning and review meetings will take place with the Project Team to agree work plan, set targets and review progress. Involvement in Board meetings and liaison with funders and partner agency meetings as required. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for organising their work schedules and daily task management.

COMMUNICATIONS

Internal

Excellent verbal and written communications required to report on progress against work plans.

External

Excellent verbal and written communications required with

Community based groups, assisting and educating local people in community growing ultimately leading to improved health, knowledge, confidence, skills, opportunities and local environment.
Key partners and stakeholders within Craigshill and wider West Lothian.
Local Community Regeneration Team, NHS, local businesses.
Funders

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR THE POST

Essential skills and experience

Experience of working within a gardening/ landscaping/ horticultural setting
Experience of organising and delivering training sessions
Excellent time management skills, ability to organise and plan own workload
Excellent negotiation and presentation skills
Ability to work alone or as part of a team
Experience of supervising and developing volunteers
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and e-technology
Experience of inter-agency working in a community setting
Experience of organising events & meetings
Experience of record keeping, monitoring and evaluation
Committed to equal opportunities and non - discriminatory practices
Full driving licence

Desirable

Knowledge of current policy and practices affecting communities
Understanding and experience of using a community development approach
Experience of intergenerational work