Farming in Protected Landscapes Support Officer

Company Description
Northumberland National Park Authority has two statutory purposes: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the park's special qualities by the public. By caring for our unique surroundings today, we can continue to enjoy them for years to come. In pursuing these purposes, the Authority also has a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of the local communities.
You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.
Role Description
This is a part-time hybrid role as a Farming in Protected Landscapes Support Officer at Northumberland National Park Authority located in Hexham, with flexibility for some remote work. Please note full time hours may also be available. As a Farming in Protected Landscapes Support Officer, you will be responsible for supporting farming practices in the protected landscapes, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing advice and guidance to farmers.
Job Description
Post: Farming in Protected Landscapes - Support Officer
Directorate: Park Management
Responsible to: Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager
Responsible for: No direct reports
Grade: Band 4
Hours: Part or full time hours available
Term: Fixed Term Contract through to 31st March 2025
Workbase: Eastburn and locations throughout Northumberland National Park
Job purpose
This post will report to the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager and will be responsible for the following main tasks:
Working with applicants to ensure project applications conform to the requirements of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme as set out in the National Framework document; checking for cross compliance/double funding issues with other agri-environment scheme requirements and those of the Government’s emerging Environmental Land Management scheme.
Verifying the quality of application forms, and undertaking a technical appraisal against the application guidance document and any other specific requirement of the Defra Farming in Protected Landscapes Funding Programme, prior to submission to Northumberland National Park Farming in Protected Landscapes Assessment Panel for approval.
Ensuring that applicants are aware of the other permissions they need for a successful application, for example planning permissions or land drainage consent. Only processing those applications which meet all criteria prior to technical appraisal.
Arranging and conducting any necessary case conferences with applicants and the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager during the technical appraisal period, so that any issues requiring clarification can be resolved. Attending case conferences to assist with discussions and record taking.
Reviewing progress to identify learning lessons, continually improving the process and presenting case studies/best practice on the key learning lessons to the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager and the Farming in Protected Landscapes Assessment Panel. Specifically identify any processes which require change to ensure as many as possible funding bids are presented to the Farming in Protected Landscapes Assessment Panel which directly contribute the achievement of the aims and outcomes of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Reviewing the constitution/terms of reference of the Farming in Protected Landscapes Assessment Panel on an annual basis and making any revisions suggested and agreed by the group.
Facilitate the appointment of members to and meetings of the Farming in Protected Landscapes Assessment Panel, including the management of virtual meeting software, recording minutes of meetings and processing member’s expense claims where appropriate.
Engaging with key partners who are able to, and where needed to, contribute to the development of quality of Farming in Protected Landscapes programme applications and/or are members of the Assessment Panel.
Prepare and co-ordinate applicant orders and invoices for processing by the Authority’s finance team and support the process of project reporting and evidence gathering to Defra that will be co-ordinated by the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager.
Provide administrative support to the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager and Farming and rural Enterprise Officer team in relation to the scheme.
Other Duties
Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying Health & Safety Policy and Practices.
Due to the evolving nature of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Farming in Protected Landscapes - Programme Manager.
Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate.
Northumberland National Park Authority
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge
Working knowledge of local and regional government structures in England
Understanding of the issues facing rural communities and businesses, especially those within the upland farming sector
Skills
Ability to use different communication styles and to adopt various approaches to persuade and explain potentially complex and detailed information
Numeracy and analytical skills
Confident in the use of information technology systems, the use of Microsoft Office 365, MS Teams
Ability to absorb complex information quickly and to summarise key messages clearly and accurately
Experience
Project administration/management, for instance verification of claims or detailed contractual information, monitoring projects
Report writing
Liaison with partner organisations, external stakeholders and colleagues
Personal Qualities
Proactive, enthusiastic and objective
Methodical and tenacious approach
Patient and ability to remain calm
Confidence in dealing with people at all levels and backgrounds
Ability to work a flexible pattern and travel to sites to fulfil the requirements of the post.
Desirable
Degree or equivalent
Knowledge of agricultural and forestry land management grant schemes
Knowledge of current Agricultural and Natural Environment policy and issues facing rural upland communities.