Project Officer - Scotland

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.  

Samaritans is entering an important period of change as we strengthen how we provide emotional support to people across Scotland and make sure our services can reach people when and where they need us most. 

We’re looking for a Project Officer to help us coordinate and deliver this work across Scotland. Working closely with our Programme Manager, you’ll help turn plans into action. Your work will include supporting new local volunteering and outreach activity, working with volunteers and branches, coordinating training and engagement, and helping us build strong relationships with partners and communities. You’ll play an important role in keeping activity organised and moving forward. This will include coordinating meetings and actions, tracking progress, helping identify issues or risks, and making sure colleagues and volunteers have the information they need. 

Building good relationships will be central to the role. You’ll work with volunteers, staff and external partners across Scotland and will be an important point of contact for branches and volunteers involved in the work. You’ll also help make sure people are kept informed as plans develop and changes are introduced.  

This is a varied role for someone who is organised, enjoys working with people and is confident turning plans into practical action. You’ll need to be comfortable working across different pieces of work at the same time, building relationships and helping others stay connected to what is happening. 

It’s an opportunity to contribute to an important period of development for Samaritans in Scotland and to help shape how we support people and communities in the future. 

Contract terms: 

• £32,000 - £34,000 per annum, plus benefits  

• 24-month fixed term contract  

• 35 hours per week (full-time) 

• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

• Hybrid, linked to our Edinburgh (Scotland) office. The role will require frequent travel throughout Scotland. 

• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 1 day a week in Edinburgh. 

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays 

• This role will require occasional evening and weekend working 

What you'll be doing: 

Support the development of detailed project plans  

Coordinate and monitor the delivery of the project plan  

Create and maintain up to date project documentation 

Support the development and establishment of Community Teams in Scotland 

Support testing and development of a clearer national model for outreach in Scotland 

Coordinate activity across different workstreams  

Organise and lead meetings, workshops and engagement sessions  

Support with communications to relevant internal and external stakeholders 

What you’ll bring: 

Experience providing support to projects, ideally within a large-scale transformation programme 

Experience of coordinating and leading meetings, workshops or engagement sessions  

Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively manage competing priorities 

Great communication and relationship building skills 

Ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with a wide range of stakeholders 

Experience of working in a volunteer-led organisation is desirable 

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification 

Why Samaritans? 

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. 

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure. 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation. 

Apply now 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV.If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.  

Applications close:09:00am on Monday 26th October 

Interviews: 

1st stage interviews will be held on Thursday 12th November (online). 

2nd stage interviews will be held in-person at our Edinburgh office on Thursday 19th November. 

Please hold these dates in your diary if applying. 

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility,structureor grammar.