Location
Okehampton, Devon

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£30,000 per annum

About the Role
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 grants from Defra's Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme administered by Natural England, Duchy of Cornwall, National Trust, Environment Agency and Cornwall National Landscapes. In this new role as SWPP Project Assistant, you will play an important part in keeping the partnership organised and running effectively. Reporting to the SWPP Project Manager, you will support financial administration, funding compliance, procurement, meetings, office coordination and future funding opportunities. This varied role requires strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to build effective working relationships. Interviews will be held on 17th November in Okehampton.

Key Responsibilities
- 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 liaise with South West Water finance team to follow up outstanding payments
- Support day-to-day running of the Okehampton office and act as central point of contact for administrative needs
- Monitor supplies and coordinate purchase of PPE and technical equipment for field teams
- Organise team and partner meetings including scheduling, agendas, minutes and logistics
- Support the Education and Engagement Officer with volunteer sign-ups
- Assist the SWPP Project Manager in identifying and applying for grant funding to support partnership growth
- Support wider SWPP objectives through other reasonable duties as required

About South West Water
South West Water provides safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset. As part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, South West Water is committed to a greener future through initiatives such as planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. The company offers opportunities for career development within a purpose-driven and ambitious environment.

South West Water Benefits
- 23 days annual leave excluding bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Holiday buy and sell scheme for flexible leave management
- Competitive pension scheme with company contribution matching
- Life Assurance and Group Income Protection
- Competitive family leave policies including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
- Health cash plan at discounted rates
- Free flu vaccination
- Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support
- Free on-site parking at headquarters
- Cycle to work and car share schemes
- Onsite canteen at Exeter headquarters
- Give as You Earn charitable donation scheme
- Volunteering Day to support community or charity
- Retail discounts with thousands of deals and savings

Additional Information
Interviews are expected to be held around 17th November. The vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received, so early application is encouraged. The successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of onboarding. South West Water values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can be themselves and contribute fully.

Experience
- 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

About You
You are organised, dependable and comfortable managing a varied workload. You have an eye for detail, confidence working with financial and administrative information, and the ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. You demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. You have strong organisational skills, can prioritise a busy workload, and are confident managing issues and finding constructive solutions. A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for your work are essential. An interest in and understanding of peatlands is desirable.

Qualifications
- Essential GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as email and calendar systems
- Knowledge of national and local grant funding sources