Assistant Sports and Recreation Development Officer Job ref: ST 12905 | Job type: Permanent Location: Londonderry Park Pavilion, Newtownards | Salary: Scale 6, SCP 20 - 23, £32,597 - £34,434 pro rata per annum Quantity of Posts Available: 1 Closing date: Thursday 05 Mar 2026 16:00 Job summary The post holder will assist the Sports and Recreation Development Officer with the promotion, development, and administration duties associated with sport and recreational activities throughout the Borough of Ards and North Down, in partnership with NCLT/Serco. They will coordinate activities that promote increased participation, promote the excellence of Sport in the Borough and assist individuals, clubs, coaches, officials and governing bodies to create the opportunities for improvement and development along recognised sporting pathways. They will assist in the organisation, delivery and promotion of sporting events in the Borough. Please note There is 1 permanent post working 18 hours on a job share basis. The working hours are Monday to Wednesday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm The post is based in Londonderry Park Newtownards, however successful candidates will work throughout the Borough A reserve list may be kept from this recruitment exercise It is anticipated that interviews will be scheduled mid-April Applicants must be flexible to work outside normal working hours or to work at other sites within the Borough if required. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of a medical questionnaire Applicants must consent to a pre-employment ANI Enhanced check with Childrens barred list All correspondence in relation to the job vacancy will be completed by email and phone. Therefore, it is important that applicants ensure a valid e-mail address and mobile number are provided and entered accurately when filling out the application form Applicants should ensure they check their emails including junk folders regularly PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Pathways 1. To assist schools and clubs in developing appropriate pathways and achieving excellence within their chosen sport. 2. To assist the Sport and Recreation Development Officer in the facilitation of the Sports Forum. Responsible for providing a secretariat and administrative support service to the Forum including the operation and supervision of the Sports forum grants scheme. 3. To assist the Sport and Recreation Development Officer in the administration and delivery of the Capital Grants scheme. 4. To oversee the administration duties associated with the annual online Sports directory. Participation 1. Organisation and delivery of sport and recreational programmes, in particular programmes targeting young people and underrepresented groups, for example, after school programmes, primary school sports series, special population programmes. 2. Assist the Sports and Recreation Development Officer in identifying, pursuing and managing all external funding for delivery of sports and recreation development initiatives, on behalf of the Council and other partner organisations, when applicable. 3. To assist the Sports and Recreation Development Officer in the administration and delivery of major events including Sports Awards. General 1. To contribute and assist with the development and achievement of the Sports and Recreation Action Plan and in partnership with NCLT/Serco. 2. To assist with developing a co-ordinated and an effective service with emphasis on creating, enhancing and promoting sporting and participation opportunities for residents of the Borough. 3. To assist with developing partners and work in co-operation with internal/external agencies in the promotion and development of sport and recreation within the Borough. 4. To provide advice, support, and sports education training to local sports clubs towards attracting new members and the achievement of Clubmark/accredited schemes. 5. To carry out annual audit of the sports development equipment and upkeep of the inventory. 6. To promote sport and recreational activity locally through the production and distribution of relevant material and literature. 7. To maintain and update the Councils Sports Development Website page. 8. To deputise for the Sports and Recreation Development Officer in his/her absence. 9. To cover for the other Assistant Sport and Recreation Development Officer during periods of absence or assist during peak times. 10. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post which may include evening or weekend working as required. 11. To ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, Council policies and procedures in all aspects of the sports development programme. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Level 3 qualification in Sport/Recreation/Leisure OR 3 years relevant experience as outlined below if qualification is not held AND National Governing Body Level 2 sport specific or fitness qualification EXPERIENCE Applicants must be able to demonstrate by providing specific examples that they have at least 2 years experience OR 3 years experience if a level 3 qualification is not held, in the following: Working in sports development to include assisting with project delivery Coaching within a community environment/ sports club or National Governing Body Relevant administrative experience which includes organising and prioritising a demanding workload Applicants must be able to demonstrate by providing specific examples, that they have at least 1 years experience in: Administration, record keeping and attention to detail Organising and prioritising a demanding workload and working to deadlines Strong ICT skills using MS Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES Sound communication and inter-personal skills Ability to work on own initiative or in team situations OTHER REQUIREMENTS Applicants must consent to a pre-employment ANI Enhanced check with Childrens barred list A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post* To be flexible to work outside office hours if needed. DESIRABLE Level 4 or higher qualification in Sport/ Recreation/ Leisure/ Community OR equivalent Additional NGB sports specific qualifications At least 1 years experience monitoring and evaluating projects At least 1 years experience in grant management Benefits Employees have access to a wide range of benefits at Ards and North Down Borough Council. In addition to a competitive salary, the Council supports all staff in their career aspirations through learning and development opportunities. Current key benefits include: 35 days of annual leave (including bank/public holidays), rising to 38 days after five years of service, and 41 days after 10 years of service (pro rata). Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme (Council contributes 19% of salary). Health benefits: Westfield Healthcare Scheme; Leisure Centre Membership; Cycle to Work Scheme. Flexi time/ Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) Education / qualifications support after qualifying period Plus much more