Project Assistant

Project Assistants work alongside Project Managers in order to make sure all work related to the Project in question is completed on time and to a high standard.

 The Job

Project Assistants can work on all sorts of Projects from office based work, web based work to work in voluntary and community organisations. The main responsibilities of the Project Assistant are usually dependant on the project that they are working on, but primarily include: The collation, input and analysis of a wide range of data, The provision of admin support including the preparation of documents and training material, The review and summary of research documents and sources of interest to the project, The collection of first hand feedback in relation to the activities of the project, this can include case studies and questionnaire feedback.

The main responsibilities also include the provision of information to support the Project Managers in relation to work that takes place within the project, attending appropriate networking and information events, developing a wide range of external networks and providing information to the voluntary and community sector with relation to how the project is going and any information they may find useful.
 
Skills Needed
 
A number of skills and abilities are required to carry out the role of Project Assistant successfully and include;

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Is supportive and flexible and shows empathy and understanding.
• Is able to influence and persuade others and is able to give and take constructive feedback.
• Be approachable and earn the trust of others
• Ability to administer systems and documentation competently, following procedures and written/verbal instructions.
• Well organised and confident in organising self and resources.
• Displays a disciplined and positive approach, persevering when faced with obstacles.
• Displays self-motivation, initiative and commitment, and takes responsibility and ownership for their actions.
• Displays self-confidence and presents them self in a professional manner.
• Ability to work on their own initiative.
• Keen to make use of existing business and marketing skills and suggest ideas for developing the project. Works with the Project Manager on ways to implement them as part of the overall project.

Useful Training
 
There are a number of qualifications available for people interested in becoming a Project Assistant but these are dependant on the type of Project that you are looking to become involved in. It is generally expected that people working in this role have experience of working alongside members of the public.
 
 It is possible to gain part time, support or voluntary work in this area without a qualification, and receive on the job training to help work towards a vocational qualification.

See Melissa Middleton's Case Study for more information regarding the role of a Project Assistant.