Job title

Assistant Information Officer

Grade

Executive Officer (Band C)

Job reference

IRC64167

Business area

DWP

Location

North East – Newcastle

Hours

37 hours per week Mon – Fri (Flexible)

Salary

£23,720 - £29,070 a year

Closing date

27/11/2009

Term of contract

Fixed Term Appointment for 12 months with the possibility of extension or permanence

Description

Applicants successful at the sift stage will be invited to a Government Communications Network (GCN) Assessment Centre. For more information about GCN go to www.comms.gov.uk

We are looking to recruit a web developer to deliver, develop and maintain the Department's Intranet sites using a variety of technologies. You will work in our in-house web development team (part of the DWP Internal Communications team) ensuring web publishing solutions and applications meet Departmental standards.

You will work closely with DWP colleagues both within Internal Communications and throughout the network of Intranet publishers and users, to advise them on how the Intranet can work for them and their area of work, and to ensure that the Intranet Strategy aims and goals are met.

We're looking for highly skilled web developers with a relevant degree, or relevant experience of delivering a wide range of online products. You'll need to have strong technical web development skills and an ability to produce high-quality online products.

A solid working knowledge of current best practice issues, such as accessibility and usability is essential. Good written and verbal communication skills would be an advantage for briefing colleagues and liaising with site sponsors and service suppliers.

We work in a fast-paced, challenging and fun environment - with plenty of scope for your thoughts and ideas. In return for your talent and commitment, we'll invest extensively in your own career development. As one of the largest communications teams in government, we offer unrivalled opportunities to realise your ambitions - whether up the leadership ladder or across the full range of communications disciplines.

Main objectives:

Work in partnership with communications colleagues and stakeholders to produce creative and engaging websites that meet business needs and accessibility standards

Maintain existing websites, their publishing schedules and the Department's Web Content Management System (WCMS) system

Develop new web functions (e.g. RSS, wikis) that integrate seamlessly and support the Department's Intranet Strategy

Key tasks:

Activity - Work with other e-Comms areas to deliver web solutions to the DWP business areas
Output - Tailored re-usable solutions that enable communications to be better delivered via the Intranet.
Activity - Development of Intranet websites in response to DWP needs and the needs of the Intranet Strategy
Output - High quality web sites produced that facilitate our customers- e-communication needs.
Activity - Mentoring and education of contributors during site builds
Output - Self-reliant customers who can successfully maintain their own sites.
Activity - Continuous research into identifying emerging e-communications technologies and processes for the Department to achieve greater effectiveness and provide better e-communications
Output - A more efficient and forward-looking Intranet is achieved
Activity - Provision of consultancy based on specialist knowledge of web applications/development when required. This information will be targeted at the correct level required.
Output - Provision of specialist advice to ensure our customers and management are correctly informed.
Activity - Ensuring system problems are identified, logged and taken forward.
Output - A stable Intranet for our customers or if not the ability to take the problems forward with service providers.
Activity - Ensure all development work is undertaken in accordance with both the DWP Standards and our legal obligations. Also to ensure that knowledge of our responsibilities is kept up-to-date.
Output - Production of an intranet that is freely usable by all.

Essential skills:

• GCN Core Skills at Essential Level Core skills for Government communicators
• Solid web developer experience, ideally in a large organisation or government department
• A good understanding of how web developments can aide communications delivery.
• The ability to explain technical requirements and restrictions to non-technical staff.
• Possess a good understanding of the elements of effective online graphic design and publishing techniques, and of branding.
• A strong understanding of how web standards inform and mould the delivery of websites and the benefits they deliver.
• Knowledge of wider industry and e-communications online standards, techniques and best practices.
• Very effective customer services skills and have extensive experience of Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience of Web Content Management Systems
• A high standard of HTML and ASP, and experience of their use in a working environment.

Desired

• Knowledge of XML / XHTML and VB Script
• A good understanding of DWP business and its logistics.
• IT Network experience in a large organisation.
• Knowledge of Information Architecture specific to online content.
• Knowledge of editorial processes and standards, and its importance to online content.
• Knowledge of JavaScript and CSS scripting.
• Knowledge of Database Development (ASP / SQL)
• Experience of using the Stellent Suite of Applications in both version 6.2 and knowledge of 7.5
• Experience of working in internal communications in a large organisation or government department

How to apply

Notes on how to apply:

To apply for this position please send:

• A full CV with your education and professional qualifications, full employment history, nationality and contact details for two referees.
• A covering letter, of no more than two sides of A4 in 12pt font, summarising your suitability for the role - including examples which illustrate your relevant experience and skills

Also include

• the job title or reference
• an address, email address and telephone number for communications and
• whether you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme
• Nationality

For more information contact Ian Urwin on 0191 216 8540.

Closing date 18 November 2009

Applications should be emailed to comms.vacancies@dwp.gsi.gov.uk including the vacancy reference number in the email title.

Flexible starting pay may be available within the published bandwidth depending on qualifications and previous experience.    

Please include reference IRC64167 and your name in the subject box. We cannot accept applications without the job reference number in the subject line of the email.

This email address is for application forms only, we will not reply to any other correspondence sent to this email address.