ROLE PURPOSE / DESCRIPTION:

The Project Development Officer will play a key role within South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) by working on the delivery of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). This role forms part of the SICAP and the wider, Social Inclusion team, with additional collaboration across other SWMDC programmes such as New Communities, LEADER and social employment programmes, such as Tús and Community Employment for example.

More information about SICAP is available here: Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 – 2028 – Pobal

REPORTING TO:

Social Inclusion Coordinator

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Animation & Capacity Building
• Initiate contact with community organisations as necessary, and respond to enquiries by telephone, in-person meetings, and online calls.

• Advise community volunteers and groups about the SICAP supports available to them and how to access those supports.

Collaboration & Representation
• Liaise and coordinate with other agencies and bodies with responsibility to disadvantaged communities and target groups as defined under SICAP.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with all relevant statutory and voluntary organisations to develop integrated programmes, maximise SICAP impact and avoid duplication.

• Represent SWMDC on various fora as requested by Team Lead.

Project & Budget Management
• Develop projects in line with the SICAP annual plan and in collaboration with the wider SICAP team and the approval of the Team Lead.

• Monitor and manage budgets in line with SICAP annual budget, ensuring that all relevant procurement and supporting paperwork is
on file for all projects.

• Ensure allocated budgets are allocated in line with SICAP guidelines and programme rules.

Other Duties
• Prepare and / or present reports to the SWMDC Board and other key stakeholders as requested.

• Maintain up-to-date information on relevant external grant schemes available to clients.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list and you may be assigned other duties as may be required from time to time by the Social Inclusion Coordinator or CEO in pursuance of the specific aims and objectives of the organisation.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Third-level degree (Level 7/8) in a relevant discipline (e.g.,Rural/Community Development, Social Studies etc) and a minimum of 2 years’ relevant local development experience.

OR demonstrable minimum of 3 years’ proven track record and experience in social inclusion / community development / enterprise and employment sector and the capacity to work on own initiative.

• Deep understanding of social inclusion and the challenges facing people and communities who are most marginalised in Mayo.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Salary – Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be no less than €37,000 per annum pro rata
• Duration of Contract – This contract will be offered as a one-year part-time fixed term position with the potential to extend the
  contract subject to satisfactory performance and funding.

• Probation – Probation period of six months will apply

• Working Days – 14 hours per week, days to be agreed.

• Annual Leave – For new staff appointments, annual leave is 25 days per annum pro rata
  

• Travel & Subsistence – Paid at public sector rates
• Location of the position – I.P.I Centre, Castlebar, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 V125
• Pension – A company pension scheme is available for this role and is applied following the successful completion of the probation period
• Transport – A full driving licence and access to own transport is essential.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection will involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description and person specification.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter by email to jobs@southmayo.com quoting SICAPProjectDevelopmentOfficer_Application_YOURNAME in the subject line.

Please save your CV as [YOURNAME]_CV and your cover letter as [YOURNAME]_CoverLetter.

The closing date for applications for this role is 5pm  on Monday 2nd March 2026  

Late applications are not accepted. 

Important:

Please check your junk and spam folders throughout this recruitment campaign, as SWMDC does not accept any responsibility for missed communication.