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 LEADER 2023-2027 and the Community Futures Programme.

These programmes form part of the Rural Development unit within South West Mayo Development Company and are part of the integrated suites of programmes implemented by SWMDC across our area.

A key focus of the role will be to animate the Rural Development / LEADER (south and west Mayo) and Community Futures (all of County Mayo) programmes by supporting rural communities and enterprises, building local capacity, and assisting in the development of innovative and sustainable initiatives and Community Action Plans.

South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) acts as the employer for the Community Futures role, delivering the Mayo Community Futures programme on behalf of Mayo County Council. The programme is a community-led initiative that supports local people in developing Community Action Plans. It aims to promote community participation, strengthen local organisations, and support communities in identifying and delivering priority projects thus enabling them to represent their interests at local, county, and national levels.

These programmes form part of a wider suite of interventions delivered throughout our area, which in some cases extend across counties Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and parts of Donegal.

REPORTING TO:

Rural Development Coordinator & Mayo Community Futures Coordinator

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

LEADER 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.
• Support new and existing communities to engage in the Community Futures Programme.

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.

Community Futures

• Renewal of existing Community Futures plans.
• Assist with the recruitment, support, and training for the Community Support Volunteers (CSV) as necessary.
• Support (with the CSV) the coordination of elements within the Community Futures process – including household views survey, stakeholder interviews, business views and youth views surveys / workshops.
• Draft final Community Action Plans and oversee the production and launch of approved Community Action Plans.
• Support Community Futures networking events in conjunction with the Community Futures Coordinator.

SWMDC-Led Projects

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

Promotion & Publicity

• Liaise with our Communications Officer in terms of LEADER and Community Futures public relations and promotional activities. This may include organising information sessions, promotional activities, and public meetings for example.
• 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 and Mayo Community Futures Coordinator.

Other Duties

• Liaise with relevant agencies to develop integrated programmes, maximise RDP impact and avoid duplication.
• Prepare and / or present LEADER reports for 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 Mayo Community Futures Coordinator in pursuance of the specific aims and objectives of the organisation / programmes.

DESIREABLE COMPETENCIES

• 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 local, community 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.
• Experience in writing community development plan.
• Excellent facilitation and communications skills.
• 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 full-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 five days a week (35 hours per week). Availability for occasional evenings or weekends work.

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. Driving Licence

A full driving licence and access to own transport is essential.

9. Garda Vetting

Garda vetting is required for this role.

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.

The closing date for applications for this role is 12noon on Friday, 7^th August 2026. Interviews are planned to take place during the week starting, Monday 10^th August 2026. To be confirmed.

Please note that late applications are not accepted.