Local Government Jobs

London Borough of Havering is advertising this post on behalf of the Census. Successful applicants will not be employed by or at the London Borough of Havering. Any and all queries regarding this post should be directed to Capita.

What does the role involve?
As an Area Manager, you will be responsible for managing and co-ordinating the census operation in an area averaging 500,000 people. The primary focus of your role is to ensure the maximum number of people return their census questionnaires (complete coverage). Initially you will focus on establishing links with local authorities and community groups within your area and engaging with specific target populations.

You will also focus on publicity and media liaison work, for which media handling training will be provided. You will be the primary contact for all local media enquiries in your area and will act as a local media census spokesperson, when appropriate. Once the operational period of the census starts your role will become more focused on managing and monitoring your team of Field Staff, through effective workforce planning and resource allocation and reacting quickly to make changes to meet operational needs.

Your team will have up to 15 Census Co-ordinators (COs) who will each manage teams of up to 15 comprising: Census Distributors, Special Enumerators and Census Collectors. You will be responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of your team and overseeing any disciplinary, grievance and dismissal procedures. To help you carry out this work to a high standard you will receive detailed instructions and training. Capita Resourcing will be responsible for the recruitment of your team.

You must be prepared to use your home as an office and be able to travel throughout your area in order to deal with issues, attend meetings with staff and stakeholders and handle other requirements of the role. In some areas it would be desirable for you to hold a current full UK driving licence and/or have the use of a motor vehicle (insured for business use) for which a mileage allowance will be paid.

Please also note that field staff will be working evenings and weekends, so you will need to be flexible in the hours you work in order to manage your staff and your workload.

Essential qualities and skills
•proven managerial experience, including effectively leading and motivating a diverse team and reporting on progress
•excellent organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines
•a flexible approach to the allocation of resources and dealing with priorities
•excellent written and oral communication skills with experience of dealing with people at all levels
•proven ability to recognise and develop networks and communicate effectively with various stakeholders such as local authorities, communities and community groups using a wide range of techniques, including presentations
•a proven track record of making evaluated judgements, taking a pragmatic approach to finding a solution
•well-developed IT skills with experience of using a variety of software; demonstrable ability to analyse information, produce reports and communicate with others as well as troubleshoot basic IT problems

•knowledge of the local area
•ability to communicate in languages in addition to English, including sign language
•media handling and/or interview experience

What are the working hours and pay?
Employment is expected to be from 2 August 2010 to 10 June 2011 (10 months). This is a full time post (37 hours per week). Payment (made via Capita Resourcing) will consist of a basic hourly rate between £14.55 and £18.19 per hour, depending on location, which will be paid throughout the period of employment. Hours must be claimed on a weekly basis. Reasonable and necessary expenses will also be reimbursed.

Area Managers are employed throughout England and Wales and cover geographic areas of varying sizes. See the recruitment website www.censusjobs.co.uk for complete details.

How do I apply?
For more information and to apply, visit www.censusjobs.co.uk. You will be able to search for Area Manager vacancies based on your post code, region or local authority. If you are unable to apply online or do not have access to the internet, please contact the Capita Census Recruitment Team at 0845 6044 013.

What is the census?
In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) every ten years. Every household is asked to complete a census questionnaire. This information is used by ONS to provide population estimates which government, local authorities and other organisations use to fund, plan and deliver public services such as healthcare, education, housing and transport.

Future recruitment
Recruitment for the census will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. You can register your interest in management and field staff roles via the recruitment website www.censusjobs.co.uk. You will automatically be reminded to formally apply when we begin accepting applications for the role(s) you are interested in.