ROLE PURPOSE / DESCRIPTION:

The Project Development Officer will play a key role within South West Mayo Development Company by promoting innovative and strategic rural development through the resources of the LEADER Programme 2023-2027, while supporting the integration of LEADER, where appropriate, with other actions and programmes administered by the Company.

A key focus of the role will be to animate the Rural Development Programme within the SWMDC catchment area by supporting rural communities and enterprises, building local capacity, and assisting in the development of innovative and sustainable projects.

Rural Development is a pillar of work within South West Mayo Development Company, which we have been implementing for almost 35 years across south and west Mayo, starting with the LEADER I programme.

The LEADER programme forms part of a wider suite of programmes delivered throughout our area, which in some cases extends across counties Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and parts of Donegal.

REPORTING TO:

Rural Development Coordinator

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Animation & Capacity Building

• Inform, advise, and support communities, enterprises and individuals to access Rural Development funding in line with the Mayo Local Development Strategy (LDS).
• Assist private applicants to establish or expand rural enterprises through Rural Development supports in line with the LDS.
• Build client capacity to participate in the Rural Development Programme and access available supports.

LEADER Grant Applications

• Meet with clients to discuss LEADER grant opportunities and application procedures.
• Assess, prepare, and evaluate project proposals to the LEADER Programme and make recommendations on same to the Independent Evaluation Committee (IEC).
• Present projects at IEC meetings and ensure that all information required is prepared in advance for these meetings.
• Present projects to Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) and ensure that all information required on the projects is available for discussion.
• Prepare files and input information to ICT System for administrative checks.
• Take responsibility for administration attached to all stages of project funding – from application to approval to payment and any post payment follow-up.
• Monitor and review progress and compliance with terms and conditions of projects that have been approved funding.
• Liaise with Department Officials in relation to specific project queries and audits and work with the SWMDC LEADER team in formulating responses to Department requests for information.
• Assist in the development of inter-territorial and / or transnational projects with European partners where required.

SWMDC-Led Projects

• Develop and deliver strategic in-house SWMDC projects.
• Manage tendering processes for internal development projects, as required.

Promotion & Publicity

• Liaise with our Communications Officer in terms of RDP public relations and promotional activities. This may include organising information session, promotional activities, public meetings etc.
• Represent the company on local or county committees and attend and/or present at meetings, trade fairs or other events on behalf of the company as requested by the Rural Development Coordinator.

Other Duties

• Liaise with relevant agencies to develop integrated programmes, maximise RDP impact and avoid duplication.
• 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 Rural Development 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, Business, Environment) and a minimum of 2 years’ relevant local development experience. OR demonstrable minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in rural and/or economic development.
• Ability to work on own initiative, demonstrating creativity and innovation.
• Strong numerical ability with excellent report-writing and ICT skills.
• Familiarity with public procurement processes.
• Deep understanding of rural development and the challenges facing rural areas.
• Knowledge of the local development infrastructure in County Mayo.
• Fluency in the Irish language is an advantage.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. Salary – Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be no less than €37,000 per annum pro rata.
2. Contract Duration – 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.
3. Probation – Probation period of six months will apply.
4. Working Hours – 9am – 5pm three days a week (21 hours per week).
5. Annual Leave – For new staff appointments, annual leave is 25 days per annum pro rata.
6. Travel & Subsistence – Travel and subsistence will be paid at public sector rates.
7. Location of the position – I.P.I. Centre, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 V125
8. Pension – A company pension scheme is available for this role and is applied following the successful completion of the probation period.

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 ProjectDevelopmentOfficer_Application_YOURNAME in the subject line.

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

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

DEADLINE EXTENDED: The closing date for applications for this role is 12noon on Wednesday 4th March 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

Late applications are not accepted.