Programme Support Officer Review

The role includes me working across a range of projects including work on biodiversity, the circular economy and climate change. Each day is different but the main tasks involve writing reports, organising and partaking in working groups with external stakeholders, or the creation of supporting materials for events. I report to my line manager who ensures that the workload is appropriate and also highlights other opportunities for development such as courses on ways to collaborate.

I have learnt many new skills so far particularly the ability to collaborate with many different groups, external stakeholders (e.g. the UN, WWF or OECD). This ability to collaborate also stems from the skill of communication, both written and verbally, with presentations and reports being a common task. Due to my involvement in many different projects, it has also been vital I can prioritise different tasks and deadlines; a skill I continually refine.

Despite having no experience within the mining sector I've been provided responsibility since day one. This included organising calls or the preparation of speaking material and reports. Whilst there is always support from my line manager, I feel I have been sufficiently pushed out of my comfort zone with this building my confidence and enabling a greater responsibility. For instance, I am now accomplishing tasks I would never have thought possible on day one.

Due to the relatively small size of the team at ICMM I am able to receive support consistently both from my allocated line manager and also from others with who I worked on projects. This meant I am always able to ask questions and don't feel uncomfortable asking for more information. I also have weekly catch-ups with my supervisor to ensure my workload isappropriate and I had no issues with tasks.

The company culture focuses on collaboration and the creation of an environment for support. This is fostered through monthly social events outside of work enabling colleagues to get to know each other. Although working from home (flexible working) could lead to a lack of atmosphere, calls with different members of the team creates a friendly working environment with lots of support.

I am thoroughly enjoying my placement year so far. Whilst it is a big shift moving to an office I have had huge amounts of support from all the team and have been encouraged to throw myself into different working environments. The projects I've been involved with feel topical and useful in society, with my role feeling rewarding and meaningful. The placement has also led to my exposure to many different organisations and topics.

Yes

Ensure that you read the application sheet properly to ensure you exemplify all of the necessary skills required. I would also encourage applicants to think about what they can bring to ICMM as the sustainability sector constantly needs new ways of thinking and approaches to solve topical issues. It must be made clear this placement is not dependent on mining jargon or knowledge but softer skills of collaboration and an interest in sustainability.