Project Assistant - South West Peatland Partnership

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) brings together 22 partners to deliver vital peatland restoration across Devon and Cornwall. Hosted by South West Water as the lead partner, the partnership manages a range of funding streams, including Natural England’s Nature for Climate Fund.

As our SWPP Project Assistant
, you’ll play an important role in keeping the partnership organised and running effectively. Reporting to the SWPP Project Manager, you’ll support everything from financial administration and funding compliance through to procurement, meetings, office coordination and future funding opportunities.

It’s a varied role where strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to build effective working relationships will be key.

Interviews will be held on the 17th November in Okehampton.

In this role, you’ll:

• Gather, check and coordinate financial information for quarterly funding submissions.

• Lead on audit requirements, keeping financial records and project documentation organised and audit-ready.

• Coordinate funding partner reports and monthly South West Water reporting.

• Manage purchase orders from initial request through to final filing.

• Process invoices and work with the South West Water finance team to follow up outstanding payments.

• Support the day-to-day running of the Okehampton office and act as a central point of contact for administrative requirements.

• Monitor supplies and coordinate the purchase of PPE and technical equipment for field teams.

• Organise team and partner meetings, including scheduling, agendas, minutes and logistical arrangements.

• Support the Education and Engagement Officer with signing up new volunteers.

• Help the SWPP Project Manager identify and apply for grant funding to support the future growth of the partnership.

• Support wider SWPP objectives through other reasonable duties as required.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, dependable and comfortable managing a varied workload. You’ll have an eye for detail, be confident working with financial and administrative information and be able to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

You’ll bring:

• At least five years’ experience maintaining budgetary records or working in financial administration.

• At least five years’ experience in an administrative or project support role.

• At least two years’ experience in grant claim administration.

• Experience managing multiple priorities and working to strict deadlines.

• Experience successfully applying for grant funding.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.

• GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as email and calendar systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a busy workload.

• Confidence in managing issues and finding constructive ways forward.

• The ability to develop…