Programme Support Officer
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 16 Mawrth 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £32,597 i £35,412 bob blwyddyn |
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 23 Mawrth 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RG |
| Cwmni: | West Sussex County Council |
| Math o swydd: | Cytundeb |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | CAFHE06204_1773672668 |
Crynodeb
The Opportunity
Salary: £32,597 to £35,412 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 years)
Working Pattern: 37 Hours, Full Time
Location: County Hall, Chichester (including travel & remote working)
Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.
We are seeking a Programme Support Officer to support the work undertaken by the Programme Management Office.
This role provides effective day‑to‑day project and programme support, including collating and analysing performance data, monitoring resources, and maintaining accurate, confidential records. You will update project databases, prepare detailed progress and highlight reports, maintain key documents such as risk registers and issue logs, and flag emerging risks or issues. The role involves evaluating proposed changes for impact on scope, resources, risks, and costs, and advising the Project Manager accordingly. You will build strong working relationships with clients, senior managers, and project stakeholders to ensure clear communication and information sharing, alongside coaching colleagues in project support processes. The post also includes regular budget monitoring using financial systems, keeping precise records of commitments and expenditure to support informed decision‑making and ensure projects remain on track.
Experience & Key Skills
- Degree or HNC in an appropriate area, or equivalent qualification, or demonstrable
equivalent comparable experience. - Experience of working as a competent member of a project team, ideally in a project
support role or equivalent. - Experience of working in a rapidly changing environment and of working within project
management systems / practices and providing effective support.
Key Skills:
Advanced analytical skills to interpret and manipulate varied and complex project information in relation to services required by the client. Able to make connections, see issues in a wider context, carry out analysis and use judgement in making recommendations.
- Able to scope out work and work across the team, managing time, planning work and meeting deadlines, priorities and targets, demonstrating emerging project management and task management skills. Able to manage medium-sized projects with direction e.g. for provision of urgent project reports required by client.
- Clear and able communicator, able to present ideas and reports and articulate an argument with clarity. Confident dealing with stakeholders at all levels and overseeing consultations. Able to produce information of a technical nature without guidance, to be incorporated into reports.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate problems and resolve issues independently, planning solutions and making sound pragmatic decisions.
- Able to use a wide range of specialist software associated with the role to carry out research, analyse documents and present data as part of day-to-day work.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy skills in order to understand and carry out financial analysis and reporting, and prepare reports etc.
For more information on the Key Skills, Qualifications and/or Experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached. Please refer to the key skills in your cover letter as these will be used for shortlisting criteria.
Rewards and Benefits
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.
For a full list this can be found at our Rewards and Benefits page.
Upon joining us you will have access to a range of benefits including the following:
About Us
Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. You will be trained in motivational interviewing, to support our strengths-based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.
We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.
Further information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE06204.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Patricia Martin (PMO Manager) at . For issues or queries regarding your application please contact .
To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter. In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to three years referencing, and an occupational health check.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact .
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.