Economic Development Officer

Hackney Council is seeking a dynamic and motivated economic development officer to join the Economic Development Team, which is part of the award winning Regeneration service. We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual who wishes to pursue their career in economic development and help deliver on the Council’s ambitious inclusive economy and net zero ambitions.

This is an exciting time to join the team as we are finalising a new Economic Development Plan, have clear ambitions cutting across that and our Climate Action Plan on the circular economy and have a political mandate to support the growth of social enterprises and cooperatives in the borough. All this is part of the Council’s clear priorities to address the local economic impact of the cost crisis and longer-term systemic economic inequality in a fair and environmentally sustainable way.

The team’s responsibilities are diverse and our collaborative approach is to share responsibilities across roles. Together we will need to:

* Deliver and monitor economic development interventions that support delivery of the commitments in the Labour Party manifesto, the aspirations of the Inclusive Economy Strategy, the Strategic Plan, the emerging Economic Development Plan and economic elements of the Climate Action Plan;

* Improve how we gather, analyse and use data and perspectives about the economy to inform our work and understand impact; and

* Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with businesses, internal and external stakeholders and the wider public sector to inform both our understanding of the business landscape and to ensure our interventions are realistic.

As part of the Economic Development Team, you will support the Economic Development Manager to deliver and continuously improve a coherent approach to economic development. Our approach has to be contextually relevant to Hackney within the London economy as we seek to support sustainable, equitable growth that enables enhanced economic opportunities for our local businesses and residents. 

The diverse nature of the team’s work means we will need to deploy our different individual strengths to deliver on our responsibilities. If you are flexible and adaptable then this presents a great opportunity for a varied, interesting but challenging role where you will be able to enhance your current skills and gain new ones in a supportive, learning team environment. 

Hackney is one of the UK’s highest performing local authorities, serving one of London’s best places to live and work. We have achieved a huge amount: our services, our schools, our public spaces are all amongst the very best. We have changed the reputation, not just of the Council, but of Hackney itself. Bringing jobs and investment into the borough, securing the legacy from the 2012 Games, and making this a place of which we can all be proud. 

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, you will be required to respond to a question about your suitability for the role.  It is essential that you complete the application question, using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency question or any part of the application form.

Closing Date: 6 May 2024 (22:59 pm)

Interview Date:  21 and 22 May 2024

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk