Anti-Poverty Strategy Lead

We are looking for someone who:

Passionate about tackling poverty and health inequalities.
Highly organised with excellent programme and project management skills.
Strong understanding of programme governance and experience delivering programmes with robust governance structures.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement and partnership working across public and voluntary sectors.
Ability to influence at all levels, from board members to frontline workers.
Experience of working in politically sensitive and high-profile environments.
If so, you could be just the person we are looking for. 

You will be joining an established team that is passionate about addressing the inequalities exposed and amplified by the Covid pandemic. You will be working with the Strategic Lead for the Making Manchester Fairer and Age Friendly Manchester and Programme Lead for Making Manchester Fairer to implement the Making Manchester Fairer Action Plan and the Making Manchester Fairer Anti-Poverty Strategy.


We welcome and encourage job applications from all walks of life - from different backgrounds, nationalities, ages and experience of work. We want to attract people from ethnically diverse communities and disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. 


Want to find out more?

Frequently Asked Questions

We are anticipating a lot of interest in this role and therefore have decided to develop this list of FAQs. If you have any questions not answered here, please ensure you have read the job advert and role profile, and if you have further questions, please email for a 15 min slot:

What are the current issues/challenges that this role will be working on?

Read the Making Manchester Fairer and Anti-Poverty Strategy executive summaries, linked in the job advert.

What is the work pattern and location?

There is a requirement to be in the office on a Tuesday, as this is our "theme team" anchor day. However, there will be an expectation of coming in at least 1 more day per week, if not more, as this role is high level and requires partnership working, presentations in person at high level meetings and in-person working, for example at MMF Programme Management Team Meetings. Flexibility is therefore required, and the person must be able to come into the office and meetings across Manchester when required.

Does this role involve line management?

Yes, at least one staff member. In Public Health we take a matrix management approach so it would be expected that the candidate might direct work of people not under their line management.

Please see the role profile for more information. If you'd like to have an informal chat about the role of Anti-Poverty Strategy Lead, please get in touch.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer 

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events. 
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone. 

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition

 When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

 

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [email protected]. 

What we will need from you if you're successful 

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.  

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. 

Other relevant information 

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role. 

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