Digital and Connectivity Officer

Advert

INTERNAL VACANCY

ENTERPRISE AND SUSTAINABLE REGENERATION

Strategic Development and Regeneration

Digital and Connectivity Officer

35 hours per week

Permanent

£36,072 - £39,412 / £19.77 - £21.60 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance)

This post is only applicable to current Orkney Islands Council employees.

This vacancy is an exciting opportunity to make a positive contribution to Orkney’s economy and its communities.

As an Officer based in the Enterprise Service you will play a key role in the Council’s aspirations to maximise and grow digital connectivity across Orkney. In particular, the post is a dedicated resource assisting the public and business community to take advantage of Government delivery programmes looking to improve digital connectivity including:

• The Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) and

• Project Gigabit funded by the UK Government.

In addition, a range of other digital development projects will be supported such as:

• Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) Switch Off:

• Mobile phone coverage

• Scottish Govt 4G infill programme

• Shared Rural Network.

• RTS Switch off

These will require the post holder to be engaged with the local community, the Telecomms and Service provider sector and a range of public agencies.

The Officer will provide expertise across core enterprise functions including a leading role in the field of Artificial Intelligence that includes supporting improvements in public and business awareness and where pertinent enabling development and adoption. This will also include research, policy development and engagement work; supporting other Council services.

The Orkney economy continues to face a considerable challenge in digital connectivity reaching all parts of the region, against a complex backdrop of government backed initiatives with private sector delivery. The Council plays a vital role in supporting a vibrant and healthy local economy and this new role seeks to enable a transition to a digital economy for all.

The successful candidate with be highly motivated with the ability to work on their own initiative. You should be an articulate and persuasive communicator with good interpersonal and negotiating skills and have the ability to relate well with others. We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to team working but who can also take the lead on projects/work using their own initiative.

Working knowledge of IT applications, particularly in relation to Microsoft Office is essential along with experience of digital infrastructure and related technology developments.

You should hold a qualification at SCQF 8/9 i.e. SVQ4, HND, General Degree, Higher Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship, or Have a minimum of 5 years previous relevant experience, also Evidence of training or background in Digital and/or Artificial Intelligence specialisms.

This post is subject to level 1 Disclosure Scotland clearance.

You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.

Prospective applicants are invited to discuss the post by contacting Stuart Allison, Economic Development Manager on 01856 873535 or email: stuart.allison@orkney.gov.uk.

Closing Date: 23:59 on Monday 5 May 2025

Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.