We’re looking for a Programme Officer
We’re looking for a Programme Officer
Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England?
Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services?
Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential?
About us
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas.
We champion thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone.
We work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England.
Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need.
We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live.
About the Rural Housing Enabler programme
ACRE is the responsible body for the delivery of a £2.5 million programme funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that is creating of a new network of Rural Housing Enablers.
RHEs are specialists who help rural communities consider the need for affordable housing locally, connecting them with landowners, housebuilders and planners to bring about suitable schemes.
About the role
We are seeking an organised and reliable Programme Officer to join our ambitious team.
This post plays a vital role in delivering our Defra-funded Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) programme, providing support to the Programme Manager to ensure the efficient running of day-to-day operations.
Your responsibilities will include the collecting and organising of complex data, liaising with stakeholders and network members, auditing reporting data for accuracy and consistency and other tasks listed in full in the job description.
About you
You will be experienced in managing administrative processes, with an eye for detail and a methodical approach to your work.
You will have the ability to manage your own time, understanding what to prioritise and planning tasks around deadlines.
You will be a clear communicator, able to relay information and instructions clearly and concisely, responding to queries from our members promptly and professionally.
This role is a fantastic opportunity to support a vital programme helping to get rural affordable homes built across the country, helping to keep rural communities empowered, connected and sustainable for years to come.
Working at ACRE
The ACRE team is home-based.
We meet together at least once a month, generally somewhere in the London-Oxford-Bristol corridor.
Benefits include up to 30 days holiday, a contributory pension scheme, life cover and flexible working arrangements.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life.
Please note applicants will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.
How to apply
Please find the full job description below.
To apply, please email CV and covering letter (max. two sides of A4), stating your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification, to Max Banfield, Rural Housing Enabler Programme Manager, at m.banfield@acre.org.uk.
Closing date
Wednesday 22 April 2026, 23:59
Online interviews
24 and 25 April 2026. Please confirm in your application that you are able to attend on these dates.
If you have any questions or require further help, please send an email to Max Banfield, Rural Housing Enabler Programme Manager, at m.banfield@acre.org.uk.
