Job Title MCS Monitoring, Evaluation & Verification Officer (MEV) Reportingto ProgrammeManager Grade StaffOfficer(NICSSOscale£37,694to£38,990) Hours 35hoursperweek Period 31st December 2028 (subject to funding) Background Maximising Community Space (MCS) is a newly developed innovative PEACEPLUS funded project which aims to prioritise the building of relationships, creating shared spaces where people can participate & collaborate regardless of cultural background or difference. Operating on both a cross-community and cross-border basis the project brings together a multi stakeholder partnership including Irish Rural Link and NI Rural Women's Network. Working with 40 rural community organisations, the programme aims to support the development of more inclusive spaces by increasing the leadership capacity of participating organisations, increasing the involvement of women in leadership roles & governance structures and developing inclusive activities thatpromote shared spaces & build connections within & between people, working collaboratively on a cross community/borderbasis. Purpose and Objectives The Monitoring, Evaluation & Verification Officer (MEV) will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation and progress of the MCS Programme and will be responsible for developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems in line with SEUPB requirements, collecting and analysing data, and providing insights to enhance project performance and outcomes within the programme. They will also be responsible for leading on the verification processes associated with the Maximising Community Space training element of the Programme, working collaboratively with the Training & Development Officer. Main Duties and Responsibilities TheMEVOfficersdetailedactivitieswillbeagreedannuallywiththeProgrammeManagerthroughanagreedworkplanwhichwillincludeoutputtargetsandidentifiedtimescales. The broad activities of the post will include: Development of a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Collaborating with the Programme Manager and other members of the Delivery Team to develop a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan aligned with SEUPB guidance issued and agreed with Steering Group Members. Designing an outcomes framework with anticipated secondary results and indicators of achievement for the various elements within the programme. Preparing a data collection plan assigning responsibilities and timelines for collection to various members within the MCS Delivery Team. Project Monitoring: Flowingfromthe plan, and in consultation with the Programme Manager, design and implement a project monitoring system, ensuring accurate tracking of participant demographics and project involvement. Liaisewithandsupportprojectstaffsinteractionwith40ruralcommunity-based organisations(20 NI/ 20Border Counties), collating andanalysinginformationas above. Collate monitoring data that will support the reporting of information to the Project Steering Group, SEUPB and JeMS, ensuring project outputs and results are monitoredinlinewithLetterofOffertargetsandidentifyanyissuesinattritionor non-compliance with funding requirements. Liaisingwithprojectdeliverystaff,maintainrecordsofmeetings,workshop/event reports, and contact engagements as necessary to meet the monitoring requirements of SEUPB. Liaise with SEUPB external evaluators as required, providing timely returns and accurate information. Evaluation Methodology: Liaising with project staff, implement a mixed-method evaluation approach, including post-training feedback surveys, exit-project surveys, interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews within all elements of the programme. Conductdataanalysisandinterpretationtoassesstherelevance,effectiveness,andimpact ofMCS supports andactivities. Prepare evaluation reports detailing findings, recommendations, and lessons learned for future programme development. Work closely with Project staff to identify and contribute to case study development and impact statements. OCN Accreditation/Verification: Reviewstudentwork/portfoliosensuringlearningoutcomeshavebeenmet& validateassessments. MonitorinternalverificationensuringthatthelearningcentreoperateswithinOCN(or equivalent) guidelines. ProvideQualityAssuranceandensureadequateresourcesareavailable. Provide guidance and support to students, staff and others working within theproject. Ensurecompliancewithfundingrequirements. Reportonverificationfindings. General AssisttheProgrammeManagerandotherstaffwiththeorganisingofevents,studyvisits and other programme activities. Participate instaffdevelopmentandtrainingevents. Carry out any other duties deemed necessary within the postholders competency to ensure the effective operation of your role within Rural Action or a role where similar experience and/or knowledge and/or skills might be required. Our Organisational Values & Expectations At Rural Action, we believe that how we work is just as important as what we achieve. Theseprinciplesguideourcultureanddefinewhatweexpectfromeverymemberofour team: Our Principles Champion our mission: Always promote Rural Action positively and help strengthen the partnerships that support our work. Actwithintegrity :Conductyourselfinatrustworthy,reasonable,andresponsible manner in all aspects of your role. Foster respect and inclusion :Promote a harmonious working environment where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and equality and where intimidation or harassment is never tolerated. Our Professional Standards Policy adherence :Abide by all organisational policies and procedures, ensuring they are implemented fully within your areas of responsibility. Safety and safeguarding : Maintain full compliance with health and safety and safeguarding requirements relevant to your role. Employee Specification The Employee Specification outlines the essential skills, knowledge, qualifications, and attributes required to successfully carry out the duties of this role. When completing your application form, please ensure you address each criterion listed drawing on your full range of experience, whether gained through paid employment, voluntary work, education,orotherrelevantsettings. Essential Criteria Qualifications Degree level qualification or 4 years relevant experience Experience Atleast2yearsexperienceinthelast5yearsofoperatinginasimilarroleasMonitoring, Evaluation & Verification Officer, to include: Designingandimplementingmonitoringandevaluationstrategiesinproject-basedenvironments. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques andtools Experienceinassessment/verificationofstudentportfolios Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to conveycomplexinformationclearlyandconcisely. ProficiencyintheuseofMicrosoftOfficepackages. ProficientinusingdigitaltoolssuchasSharePoint,Canva,etc. Comfortable navigating and updating customised management systems, databases or CRM platforms to support data capture and programme delivery. Abilitytoprioritisetasksandmeetdeadlines. Ability to work collaboratively within and across projects. Skills and Attributes Abilitytoplanwork,meettargetsandworktodeadlines Highlevelof inter-personal skills Abilitytothinkcreativelyandflexibly Highly motivated team member Able to worktoown initiative Beproactive Goodwrittenandoralcommunicationskills ICTliterate Desirable Criteria Qualifications 3rd level qualification in a related field (e.g. Business Studies, IT Data Analysis, Communications etc) Experience Experiencewithonlinemonitoringplatformsanddatavisualisation software. Understandingofruralcommunity/development Experienceofworkinginanofficeenvironmentwithvariousteams supporting community-based projects. Experienceinworkingwithprojectsthatfocusonreconciliation,promoting good relations, and cross-border peacebuilding. Familiarity with a range of other project, data and people managementsoftware e.g. JEMS, Miro, Trello etc. Able to adapt quickly to new technologies and digital workflows, with aproactive approach to learning and problem-solving. Other Factors Accesstotransportisessential WillingandabletotravelwithinNI,Irelandandoccasionallyfurtherif required. Willing and able to work occasional extended hours if required. Conditions of Service The successful applicant will play a key role in helping Rural Action deliver its strategic plan, and as such, a flexible and proactive approach to work is essential. This post is based in Cookstown, with Rural Action currently operating a hybrid working model.Uponsuccessfulcompletionoftheprobationperiod,thepostholderwillhavethe opportunitytoworkflexiblywithinthismodel.However,duetothecollaborativenature of the MCS programme, regular face-to-face engagement with colleagues and partners will be required. Access to personal transport is essential, as the role involves travel across Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland, and occasionally further afield to attend meetings andevents. Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo an Access NI check. This post is subject to funding and is confirmed until 31stDecember 2028. Benefits We pride ourselves in beinga flexible, family-friendlyemployer and try tooffer the best terms and conditions for our employees to enable them to achieve a healthy work/life balance. Ourbenefitsinclude: - 25daysannualleave(increasingto30after5years service)plus12bankand public holidays (based on 35hrs per week, pro-rata for part-time positions) Enhancedsickleavepolicy Enhancedmaternity/paternity/adoption/sharedparentalleavepolicies Paidcompassionateleave Employerpensionscheme Flexibleworkingpolicy MileageallowanceattheprevailingHMRCRate Timeoffinlieu(TOIL)policyforadditionalhoursworked Training&developmentpolicy Freeon-sitecarparking Early finish on Fridays Onsuccessfulcompletionofprobationaryperiod: Lifeassurance Healthinsurance Hybrid working model to enable working from home Additional Information Equal Opportunities Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Application Process The closing date/time for submission of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 22ND October 2025 Please ensure your form and any requested supporting documentation is emailed, You will need to apply directly by clicking the link. CVs are not accepted Please Note: We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time. Guidance Notes on Applying for this role Please ensure you complete the application form in full. Rural Action will not make assumptions from the title of your post(s) or the nature of any employing organisation(s) as to your skills and experience gained. If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet any eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected. ONLY the details provided by you in your form will be used for determining your eligibility for the post/shortlisting purposes. A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)