MATCHING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

SAMPLE STUDENT COURSEWORK – Please see the relevant section from the Cover Letter

 Proven similar work experience ideally in a related field, e.g. grant distribution, project planning and
management, heritage sector/s

I worked as a Programme Management Officer at … Development Agency which is a grant agency specialised
in programmes for social development and technological advancement of the city of…. I was responsible for
identifying the application, eligibility and evaluation criteria for grants, assessing the suitability of proposals
received for funding at the agency, assisting the Head of Programme Management Unit in the administration
of the agency supported programmes to ensure effectiveness, adherence to pre-defined objectives, and
budgetary control. I also provided administrative support during the project life-cycle and ensured all relevant
project documentation is up to date. In order to ensure that the NGOs in … receive the optimal support from
the agency, I organised meetings to introduce the grant programmes and the application process. Also, I
communicated with relevant departments to ensure the programmes are effectively marketed. I compiled
reports and analysed data as necessary, in order to enhance senior management decision making. I conducted
occasional field visits in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation plan and in coordination with other
programme management team officers. I facilitated regular communication with grantees, maintained
cooperative partnerships between the Agency and the grantees and other possible stakeholders.

During my time at the Agency, I managed a 1-year high budget programme called Innovative Solutions to
Social Problems, two 4-month Direct Activity Support programmes and five 2-month Technical Support
programmes. Until then, a very detailed assessment sheet was used to assess a relatively small support of
£5000. This sheet of questionnaire was a serious time waste for the programme management officers, so I
decided to change the way we evaluate the applications. Maintaining the most important parts of the
assessment, I trimmed down the questionnaire to something more concise. My manager thanked me for the
effort and I and my colleagues could spend the time saved on other more significant applications.

 An understanding of the issues involved in the distribution of lottery funded grants including risk,
project planning and long term benefits

Having worked in a grant distributing organisation before, I am familiar with all the risks and benefits
associated with the sector. Especially, the risk of granting funds to a below-the-average application or missing
a worthwhile project is a central risk in a Grants Officer’s work. A Grants Officer should conduct cost/benefit
analysis thoroughly before deciding and also should have an attentive eye to distinguish a good project among
many others.

 Experience of report writing and collating/summarising information and statistics

At Ankara Development Agency I was a member of “Impact Evaluation Group” which conducted research on
10 past successful projects in order to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Agency grants.
Therefore, I used and improved my researching, analysing and report writing skills in grant distribution sector.

 Ability to understand and analyse complex numerical and written data

In addition to analysing impacts of successful projects, I compiled data on patents, utility model and industrial
design applications and registries in … since 1980s, analysed this big data and written an in depth report in
terms of industries and sectors. This report helped senior management in devising next technology
programmes. I also based my dissertation thesis on a numerical analysis of the economic and political reasons
for US democracy interventions throughout the history.

 Clear and effective oral and written communication skills together with a courteous and helpful
manner with a wide range of people

At the Agency we had meetings with people from different sectors and backgrounds. Throughout my career as
a Programme Management Officer I built and maintained successful professional relationships with a wide
range of people. And I also had been appreciated many times for my efforts in assisting potential applicants.

 Evidence of presentation skills

After announcing a call for proposals, we organised introduction meetings all over ... I presented Innovative
Solutions to Social Problems programme with all its particulars from objectives of the programme to eligibility
criteria in 5 different occasions. In addition to this, I delivered project drafting training in which I taught Project
Cycle Management and Logical Framework Approach modules to potential applicants. Therefore I am
confident with public speaking and presentation.

 An organised approach to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Since I am a fast and accurate editor, with a keen eye for detail, I was responsible for the proofreading of the
department’s publications at the Agency. In addition, I am responsible for editing the minutes, agenda,
newsletters, invitations and other letters of Norwich … Events Committee.

 Ability to prioritise a variety of tasks and deliver work to agreed deadlines within a busy environment

At the Agency, I had tasks that I had to complete and report on my own and other tasks which should be
completed so that a colleague could take on the rest. Prioritising and meeting deadlines among these tasks
had never been an issue for me and in my entire academic and professional life I had never once missed a
deadline.

 Flexibility and an ability to work well in a team

I changed several cities and environments in my life and almost every time I adapted my new situation in just
several days. I am flexible with new social and professional environments and welcome any new opportunity.

 Computer literate with a comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office (word processing,
spreadsheets, e-mail, PowerPoint) and the use of databases

I am computer literate with a 6 month software development and database management training. I have used
all the Microsoft Office programmes during my education and work experiences. I also use Prezi effectively for
my presentations since my undergraduate education.

 Demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity supporting the organisational corporate objective
to enhance diversity in grant giving; governance and the workforce

Coming from a different background, I value and understand diversity. I have worked as part of multicultural
teams for the last five years and contributed to the overall effectiveness of these diverse teams in academic
and business settings.

 Occasional travel, site visits and overnight stays may be necessary

I have no commitment that may prevent me from travel, site visits and overnight stays. I attended 2015 CeBit
Exhibition in Hannover, Germany with a colleague and represented the Agency during the week. I produced
and presented a report on our contacts during the event.