Orkney’s ‘ASPIRE’ vision for economic recovery seeks programme manager

A dedicated post to coordinate the ‘ASPIRE’ vision for Orkney’s economic recovery is being advertised this week.

The ASPIRE vision holds that to recover from the pandemic, and build a better future, Orkney must aspire to be: Ambitious, Sustainable, Prosperous, Inclusive, Resilient, and Enterprising.

The vision was born out of the challenges of the onset of the COVID19, through the Economic Recovery Steering Group (ERSG) - a short life working group sitting under The Orkney Partnership and formed to create robust and responsive, rapid joint working between the Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the Orkney business community.

Chair of the Economic Recovery Steering Group and of Aspire Orkney Ltd, Glen McLellan, said recruitment of the ASPIRE Programme Manager post will be a key milestone to providing additional dedicated support to pursue work on the county’s economic recovery.

“The postholder will play a pivotal role in helping with communication across all those involved in the Economic Recovery efforts and assist in ensuring that the collective programme of national, regional and local economic recovery work is connected up, efficient, moving at pace and making a measurable difference to Orkney’s community.”

The post is fully funded by financial support of up to £250k agreed by Orkney Islands Council in November last year, from the Council’s existing £5 million pound Coronavirus Business Hardship Fund, to enable delivery of the ASPIRE programme.

Mr McLellan added: “We’re looking for someone with a track record of collaborative working in complex, multi-stakeholder programmes, who can work well with people across our business community and navigate the complexities of partnership working – so we’re looking for strong leadership skills, the ability to take ownership, drive delivery and innovate.

“The role is Orkney-based and therefore local experience and understanding are preferable. We would welcome applications from those looking for employment or self-employment and can offer flexibility on hours for the right candidate.”

Leader of Orkney Islands Council, James Stockan, said: “We’re absolutely delighted a business-led approach to economic recovery is being taken in Orkney and wholeheartedly support the ASPIRE vision - the work of the group is vital and so we’re pleased to see recruitment begin for this post.”

Graeme Harrison, HIE Area Manager said: “HIE is appreciative of the considerable volunteer input made by members of the business community towards the development of the ASPIRE vision to date. This post will be key to ensuring that the views of the business community are fully taken account of in future joint working, which is going to be required now more than ever to ensure a strong post-COVID economic recovery across Orkney.”

The position of Programme Manager with Aspire Orkney Ltd – recently formed to strengthen the work of the Orkney Partnership’s Economic Recovery Steering Group - is being offered on a 2-year full time, fixed term contract or self-employed contract basis, with remuneration of up to £45,000 per annum.

For further information about Aspire Orkney and to download an application pack and form, please visit the Aspire Orkney website.

The closing date for applications is 6 April.