About the team
The Skills Bootcamps team is responsible for the end-to-end management of the Skills Bootcamps for Londoners programme in London’s priority sectors. Our purpose is to help Londoners to acquire the in-demand skills within 16 weeks that would enable them to progress their careers and improve theirs and their families’ prosperity.
About the role
A Senior Project Officer (SPO) in the Skills Bootcamps team will manage allocated providers to ensure that the quality and the key performance metrics are achieved. They will review the project on an ongoing basis monthly and take proactive actions to manage the programme outputs – mainly job outcome for Londoners enrolled on the skills bootcamps.
A SPO is also expected to individually lead a workstream which contribute to overall team success for the Skills Bootcamps for Londoners programme. They must be flexible in their approach to work because they will be work in on an evolving project which aims to keep London atop the league table of cities with a world class workforce.
What your day will look like
1. Provider management – focusing on key performance metrics
2. Collaborating within a mini-project team to achieve set objectives
3. Sharing good practice with team members
4. Engaging with project stakeholders – internally and externally
Skills, knowledge and experience
To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:
5. Demonstrable experience of developing, managing and delivering large-scale high value projects and programmes in complex organisations.
6. A thorough knowledge of programme and project management and control techniques. Having a recognised project management qualification or proven experience in project/programme management is desirable.
7. Evidence of well-developed IT skills, solid experience of using financial management systems and processes, and excellent report writing skills
8. An understanding of local and national skills and employment funding streams, associated reporting and the benefits of outcome-related funding models for both participants and funders.
9. Experience of establishing and managing complex, and sometimes hostile, stakeholder relationships to achieve positive outcomes.
10. Demonstrable experience of using strategic research and analytical skills to support and enable project and programme development, delivery, and evaluation.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
11. Up to date CV
12. Supporting statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined in the advert.
Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
Please ensure your CV and supporting statement documents are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name - 012345)
Please note, if you do not provide both a CV and a supporting statement, you will not be considered for the role so please ensure the above has been submitted before the deadline.
If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Ade Ogunbambo would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at:
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the who support the GLA with recruitment.
Assessment process
Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.
If shortlisted you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment. The interview/assessment date is: to be confirmed.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.
Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be
considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
Additional Information
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.
Job Description
Principal accountabilities
13. Oversee the development and delivery of a portfolio of skills and employment projects and programmes (including the AEB) from business case, through contracting and delivery, to completion, evaluation and closure, using the GLA’s project management methodology in conjunction with any relevant funding requirements.
14. Develop funding applications and business cases based on robust data, research and analysis; and secure all necessary and relevant support and approvals for new initiatives in accordance with GLA procedures and guidelines.
15. Source, select and appoint delivery partners, consultants and contractors to carry out relevant work; manage negotiations with delivery partners, consultants and contractors; manage the preparation and issuing of accurate and compliant contracts and grant agreements; all in accordance with relevant public and GLA procurement procedures and specific funders’ requirements including AEB.
16. For all projects and programmes in own portfolio, undertake ongoing and proactive management, monitoring, verification, recording, analysis and reporting of:
17. Financial, outputs and outcomes performance, to ensure achievement of target outputs and outcomes and programme objectives within budget and while maintaining overall value for money;Quality assurance and compliance, including through regular monitoring and audit of the activities and supporting evidence of delivery partners and their sub-contractors;The validity, accuracy and eligibility of claims, including ensuring external funding bodies’ management information and monitoring requirements are met;Progress against milestones, and financial and outputs and outcome targets, ensuring delivery and quality concerns are raised and tackled promptly;Risks and issues, to ensure awareness and understanding of these and implementation of appropriate and timely mitigations.
18. Develop, produce, distribute, implement and maintain project and programme documentation, systems and processes such as guidance notes, risk logs, issue logs, action lists, requirements logs, project plans, programme prospectus and application forms, team plans and work packages, ensuring standardised approaches to support and maintain best project and programme management practice and ensuring effective delivery of targets to time, cost, quality and specification
19. Hold budget accountability for all projects and programmes within own portfolio, including responsibility for accurate budgeting, forecasting and compliance with GLA approval processes and with all GLA and external funders’ financial, regulatory, audit and compliance requirements.
20. Take ownership of the management and resolution of operational, contractual and performance issues arising on projects, including implementing follow up or remedial actions if required, in all cases complying with relevant GLA procedures and appropriately escalating issues to line and team manager(s) as necessary.
21. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with applicants, delivery and funding partners, contractors, boroughs and other stakeholders within and outside the Authority to ensure successful delivery of projects and programmes, uphold the reputation of the team and the GLA, and assist in delivery of the Mayor’s policies and programmes.
22. Produce project and programme communications, sharing learning and celebrating successes, and represent the GLA, the team, our projects and programmes, to external audiences as required, ensuring a high level of visibility of our activities and of the outcomes and benefits from these for London and Londoners.
23. Prepare accurate, good quality responses to project-related questions and correspondence to the Mayor and from Assembly members, Government departments and other organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors, to agreed deadlines.
24. Work with the wider GLA Skills Policy and Strategy team and Skills Funding and Systems team to inform the development of initial priorities for a devolved Adult Education Budget, a draft Adult Education Budget Funding Statement and a draft Adult Education Budget commissioning strategy.
25. Manage resources allocated to tasks in accordance with the GLA’s policies and code of Ethics and Standards. Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
26. Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams as necessary and appropriate to ensure that opportunities for integration and inter-disciplinary working are realised.
Technical requirements/experience/qualifications
27. Demonstrable experience of developing, managing and delivering large-scale high value projects and programmes in complex organisations, and a track record of successfully delivering results on target and within budget, ideally including skills and employment projects.
28. A thorough knowledge of programme and project management and control techniques, including project planning and appraisal, financial and performance analysis and management, risk management, issue resolution, contract management, procurement and commissioning and programme evaluation
29. Evidence of well-developed IT skills, solid experience using financial management systems and processes, and excellent report writing skills
30. Demonstrable experience of using strategic research and analytical skills to support and enable project and programme development, delivery, and evaluation
31. Experience of establishing and managing complex, and sometimes hostile, stakeholder relationships to achieve positive outcomes for the Authority
32. An understanding of local and national skills and employment funding streams, associated reporting and the benefits of outcome-related funding models for both participants and funders.
Behavioural Competencies
Problem Solving
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
33. Processes and distils a variety of information to understand a problem fully
34. Proposes options for solutions to presented problems
35. Builds on the ideas of others to encourage creative problem solving
36. Thinks laterally about own work, considering different ways to approach problems
37. Seeks the opinions and experiences of others to understand different approaches to problem solving
Planning and Organising
… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
38. Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
39. Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
40. Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
41. Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
42. Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met
Communicating and Influencing
… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
43. Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally
44. Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
45. Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
46. Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
47. Persuades others, using evidence based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
Building and Managing Relationships
… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
48. Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals
49. Develops new professional relationships
50. Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
51. Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
52. Fosters an environment where others feel respected
Organisational Awareness
… is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
53. Challenges unethical behaviour
54. Uses understanding of the GLA’s complex partnership arrangements to deliver effectively
55. Recognises how political changes and sensitivities impact on own and team’s work
56. Is aware of the changing needs of Londoners, anticipating resulting changes for work agendas
57. Follows the GLA’s position in the media and understands how it impacts on work
Research and Analysis
… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
58. Proactively seeks new information sources to progress research agenda and address gaps in knowledge
59. Grasps limitations of or assumptions behind data sources, disregarding those that lack quality
60. Analyses and integrates qualitative and quantitative data to find new insights
61. Translates research outcomes into concise, meaningful reports
62. Identifies relevant and practical research questions for the future
Strategic Thinking
… is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for actions
Level 2 Indicators of Effective Performance
63. Works with a view to the future, prioritising own and others’ work in line with GLA objectives
64. Briefs and prepares team to accomplish goals and objectives
65. Communicates the GLA’s strategic priorities in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy-in
66. Balances own team’s needs with wider organisational needs
67. Identifies synergies between team priorities and other relevant agendas
More Support
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