Project Engagement Officer

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you passionate about nature, community, and making a real difference in Lewisham’s parks and open spaces? We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Project Engagement Officer to lead inclusive, on-the-ground community engagement for Lewisham’s National Lottery Heritage Fund - Nature Towns & Cities (Nature Neighbourhoods) project. This is a unique opportunity to empower residents to actively participate in nature and heritage activities, celebrate biodiversity, and shape the future of Lewisham’s green space.

What’s the role?

• Deliver the project’s engagement plan by working directly with residents, schools, tenant associations, and local groups.
• Plan and deliver inclusive and diverse events such as volunteering and cultural heritage celebrations.
• Facilitate workshops to gather community input for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.
• Work with partners including Glendale, Housing Association, young people VSO
• Manage small budgets for events and activities and help administer the Community Grant Fund.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

• Experience in community engagement, especially with diverse and underrepresented groups.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver inclusive events and workshops.
• Knowledge of greenspace management, biodiversity, and urban sustainability.
• Experience in planning, leading and managing volunteers
• Experience in working with and managing a wide variety of Stakeholders

Location

The post will have an office base in Laurence House, Catford, but many of the posts duties will be carried out in the Lewisham’s Open Spaces and with the parks service based at Wearside Service Centre, Ladywell.

Special conditions

• Frequent evening and weekend work is required.
• A significant portion of duties will be outdoors; the post-holder should be comfortable working outside in various weather conditions.
• Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled candidates.
• DBS Disclosure Required: Yes
• a driving licence will be required for this role.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact (Rachel Pierce, rachel.pierce@lewisham.gov.uk)

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£44,235 - £45,852 per annum (PO1)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response

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