Project Officer

Overview

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Project Officer - Service:
International

We are seeking a skilled and motivated International Officer to support the delivery of Sheffield City Council’s International Strategy 2025–2028.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Council’s global engagement, supporting senior leadership, developing international partnerships, and helping position Sheffield as an outward‑looking, globally connected city.

The postholder will work as part of a small, high-performing team to coordinate international activity, provide informed advice, and support the delivery of strategic priorities across a wide range of stakeholders.

• Support the development and implementation of the Council’s strategic direction and policy priorities relating to international activity
• Provide briefing, advice and operational support to Elected Members, senior officers, and leadership on international matters
• Facilitate effective partnership working, both within the city and with international counterparts
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with Sheffield’s Principal Partner Cities
• Contribute to the design and delivery of international programmes, projects, and initiatives aligned with the Sheffield International Strategy

• Support the development and delivery of city-to-city partnerships, working with local and international stakeholders to generate mutual benefits
• Promote Council-to-Council collaboration, sharing best practice and supporting service improvement opportunities across partner cities
• Work with Council services and partners to identify and develop opportunities arising from international engagement

• Support the planning and delivery of inbound and outbound international visits, which may include the involvement of:
  Lord Mayor, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Senior Members and Officers
• Coordinate visits from foreign delegations, including diplomats, officials and international partners
• Ensure activity is professionally managed, aligned to Council priorities, and delivers measurable outcomes

• Monitor and assess national policy developments relating to international relations
• Identify, capture, and disseminate good practice and intelligence to inform Council activity and decision-making

• Has experience of working in international relations, partnership development, or public policy
• Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including working with senior leaders
• Is able to coordinate complex activity involving multiple partners and competing priorities
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality briefings
• Understands the role of local government in international engagement and economic/cultural diplomacy
• Can work independently, use initiative, and operate effectively in a politically sensitive environment

• The opportunity to play a key role in delivering Sheffield’s international ambitions
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance
• Access to learning and development opportunities within a large public sector organisation

• This role may require occasional out-of-hours working and occasional international travel
• The postholder will be expected to work flexibly to support civic and international activities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.