We Are Hiring – GCCN Development Worker – Part-time

Galway City Community Network, the Public Participation Network in Galway City, is seeking a skilled, motivated person for the part-time position of GCCN Development Worker. The GCCN Development Worker will be a highly motivated person, with a strong sense of commitment to the ideas and values inherent in the work of GCCN.

Galway City Community Network (GCCN) is the network of community, voluntary and environmental organisations and groups active in Galway City. GCCN is the main link through which the local authority, agencies and the state connect with the community, voluntary and environmental sectors in Galway City. GCCN is committed to contributing to the development and achievement of a vision for the well-being of this and future generations.

The role of GCCN is to:

• Facilitate representation of the community, voluntary and environmental sectors on relevant local government, local development bodies and any local, regional, national or international structures deemed appropriate by GCCN.
• Act as a platform for the community, voluntary and environmental sectors to develop policy and positions on issues of common concern and to advocate for these policies and positions to be implemented.
• Strengthen capacity of the community, voluntary and environmental sectors, including to represent Galway City Community Network on all relevant structures.
• Provide information relevant to the environmental, social inclusion and voluntary sectors and act as a hub around which information is received and disseminated.

The successful applicant will be required to have the following qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

Qualifications and experience

• 3rd level qualification in community development or other relevant area (relevance must be demonstrated).
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in community development work or equivalent.
• Experience of working with a Voluntary Board of Management/Secretariat

Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of public participation, in particular the barriers to participation of socially excluded groups and communities.
• Knowledge and experience of the community and voluntary, environmental and social inclusion sectors.
• Knowledge and understanding of public policy development, with a particular focus on equality issues, Public Sector Duty, environmental justice and relevant national and local polices.

Skills

• Excellent facilitation skills and experience of participatory ways of working with community groups.
• Advocacy and organising skills across social and environmental justice issues.
• An ability to manage and nurture partnerships and relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• A proven ability in information/policy analysis and skills in writing reports, submissions and other materials.
• An ability to manage multiple projects at once and to work on own initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well as a member of a team.
• Strong oral, written and digital communication skills.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent IT and administration skills, including MS Word, Access, Excel & Power Point, social networking, website maintenance etc.

The position

• The position is for two-days a week and is for 10 months but renewable subject to funding.
• Work in the evening time will be required.
• The position will be based in the GCCN Offices in the Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, Galway.
• The salary scale will reflect the Grade 4 of local authority pay scales.

Application and Interviews

Please forward your CV and a cover letter highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience that are relevant to the post as outlined by March 18th to development@gccn.ie. Please use the subject line GCCN Development Worker in all correspondence.

Shortlisting will apply if necessary, and interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in person. Candidates will be asked to give a presentation on their knowledge, skills and experience that the candidate can bring to the role, with reference to the job specification.

The interview venue is fitted with a HEPA filter to align with the HSA’s Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality.