Looking to use your project or programme skills to deliver inspirational initiatives? Experienced in delivering programmes with multiple stakeholders?

The WMCA is committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier West Midlands.  You’ll lead on the development and delivery of key initiatives in our ‘fairer’ work stream which support the inclusive communities portfolio. 

The Portfolio works to ensure that equalities, diversity, inclusion and citizens voice are embedded in how the WMCA plans, decides and delivers its activity.  Initiatives include the working with the Young combined Authority and Leadership Commission.

This is a fixed term contract up to December 2022, secondments from other public sector organisations are welcome.

What will you be doing?

• Develop and deliver activity (including projects and initiatives) to improve the representation of diversity within regional decision making in the WMCA
• Co-ordinate, manage and oversee the delivery of relevant projects and programmes, projects and initiatives and the monitoring of outcomes (e.g. Leadership Commission)
• Build effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders (including Mayor’s Office and Portfolio Lead Members) to deliver on Annual Plan Portfolio priorities
• Commission and manage appropriate third-party support and activity that supports the delivery of the Inclusive Communities Portfolio activity
• Lead on the delivery or/and co-delivery of the ‘Inclusive Communities Portfolio’ programme and relevant projects from the Chief Executive’s Office

A full job description is available at the end of this advert

The Public Service Reform Directorate is leading the way to improve quality of life for everyone in the region. We drive whole system change to ensure that the West Midlands Combined Authority delivers against its Strategic Economic Plan priorities.

We are a small and agile team that is adding value through collaboration and are working on the building blocks for public service that will help define the future of the region. Our focus is on developing an inclusive growth agenda to ensure local people feel the benefit of incoming investment. We develop programmes that seek to reduce the inequalities our communities face. We shape the way society rises to the challenge of reducing the carbon footprint.

About you

You’ll be a skilled programme/project manager with the ability to build effective working relationships with senior people. 

Being able to engage, balance and manage multiple stakeholders to meet tight deadlines is a key part of delivering your objectives.  You’ll need to demonstrate your skills in planning, developing and delivering, projects/initiatives where you have brought groups together from different sectors.

You’ll be organised, analytical, a creative problem solver and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. A strategic thinker and able to contribute to the design of initiatives at a strategic level

We are also looking for: 

• Confident communication skills, with the ability to bring about a clear and shared understanding of priorities and expectations
• Experience of working across partners (internal and external) to identify synergies and prevent duplication of activity
• Track record in the delivery of complex, cross-functional projects
• Experience of stakeholder liaison at a senior level with a diverse range of stakeholders across different sectors
• Experience of working through partnerships and networks in order to deliver objectives
• Experience of contract management and day-to-day budget spend
• Ability to make the business case for leadership diversity and citizen voice within WMCA policy development
• A relevant degree, management qualification or equivalent would be essential with demonstration of continuous professional development

About us

Our role in the West Midlands has never been more important and in these extraordinary times we’ve shown we can step forward, speak up for our region and bring people together. Everything we do is focused on making life better for people in the West Midlands – that’s our reason for being here and it drives every move we make. We lead and support others to deliver our shared future vision for the region – a happier, healthier, better connected place to live and work.

We fully believe that we are only as great as the people who work for us and are committed to providing a positive, healthy and inclusive working environment where our people feel valued and respected. We’re ambitious, forward thinking and determined to find better ways of working, always leading the way in what we do. We trust and support each other to get the job done, and encourage creativity, originality and curiosity from those who work with us.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be, and welcome applications from young people, Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups and women at senior levels.

We’re dedicated to providing a broad range of rewards and benefits and constantly benchmark our benefits packages to ensure they are attractive for all our people. As well as a competitive salary, employees also receive 27 days annual leave (plus public holidays) and access to a great pension scheme.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

The online Application Form you'll be asked to complete plays a key part in our recruitment and selection process. We use the information you provide to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is important that you complete the Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. You will be asked to upload a Supporting Statement (not a CV) and this should include specific examples which demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods to the online application as a reasonable adjustment please contact the Resourcing Team by email (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Location

16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B91 3SD. Hybrid working conditions are currently in place which means working remotely and coming to the office when required.

Supporting documents
Programme and Projects Lead JD.docx