An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Strategic Development Officer who is passionate about ending hunger and poverty to join our team.
WHO WE ARE
Foyle Foodbank is a cross community charity set up in 2016, managed by a voluntary Board of Management. It is a grassroots organisation heavily reliant to date on volunteers, working to end hunger and poverty in the Foyle area. We act as a conduit between those in need and the generous people of Foyle who donate non-perishable food and hygiene products. During 2020 we provided food to 6,805 adults and children and distributed almost 60 tonnes of food and personal products.
Foyle Foodbank is affiliated to the Trussell Trust, a UK-wide charity which supports a network of over 1,200 food banks. Trussell Trust is working in partnership with a small number of food banks to roll out its Pathfinder programme and has generously agreed to fund the appointment of a Strategic Development Officer for a 2-year period. Together we want to create a future where no-one is forced to a charity for emergency food – a future where all of our local and national systems provide the support needed to protect people from poverty.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We wish to employ a Strategic Development Officer for an initial fixed term of 2 years to work alongside the Board of Management. Continuation of the post after that point will depend on the funding support being extended or an alternative source of funding being identified.
This is a full time, hands-on opportunity that requires a strategic, enthusiastic and can-do approach, assuming guardianship of the Foodbank and guiding transformation change. It is a leadership position working alongside the Foodbank’s part-time Manager and ensuring close harmony with the Foodbank’s volunteer workforce. This position demands taking the primary lead in developing and managing the Pathfinder programme as well as providing operational guidance to the Manager ensuring that proper governance is followed at all times and quality of service is kept under constant review.
YOUR MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
- Overall responsibility for leading and developing Foyle Foodbank, its part-time staff member and its team of volunteers whilst ensuring the continued smooth operation of the current service to those in poverty and food crisis.
- Develop and implement strategic, business and operational plans in agreement with the Board of Management aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the organisation.
- Lead out Trussell Trust’s Pathfinder programme including the development of a strategic and business plan which will guide the re-orientation of the Foodbank’s practice towards long-term sustainable change directed at reducing the need for foodbank services. This will involve liaison with Trussell Trust and other Pathfinder foodbanks, capturing the progress and learning made locally and sharing any lessons learned with the wider network.
- Represent Foyle Foodbank and its interests by building relationships through liaising with public representatives, government agencies, funders and other stakeholders locally and regionally.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE
- Passionate about tackling the root causes of poverty, at both an individual and systemic level.
- Ability to lead and work as part of a team.
- Ability to be flexible and respond to demands.
- Have integrity and be non-judgmental.
- Ability to implement or develop new projects and initiatives, specifically those that aim to address the underlying causes of poverty.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
- Personable, friendly and able to build and sustain relationships with a wide variety of people.
- An organised individual and able to sensitively organise others.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
In return you will receive a competitive salary, 6% employers pension contribution and 20 days annual leave.
Job advert: click here to view or download
Job description: click here to view or download
Annual Report: click here to view or download
To be considered for this position, please forward your C.V to:
Sharon Lowry at Consult HR at [email protected]
Closing date for applications:Thursday 17th February 2022 at 4.00 pm.
Interview: TBC
FOYLE FOODBANK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
