Programme Assurance Specialist

Help shape better investment decisions and stronger programme delivery across the West Midlands.

As a Programme Assurance Specialist, you will provide independent, second-line assurance across WMCA’s portfolio, helping decision-makers understand whether proposals are robust, risks are being managed, delivery arrangements are effective and value for money is being achieved.

Working with project teams, senior leaders and delivery partners, you will assess business cases against HM Treasury Green Book guidance and the Five Case Model, deliver risk-based health checks and provide clear, evidence-based advice. As a trusted adviser and constructive critical friend, you will recognise good practice, identify where arrangements need strengthening and drive continuous improvement in the tools, standards and methodologies underpinning Programme Assurance across WMCA.

Please note that we expect to hold interviews W/C 19th and W/C 26th October 2026.

What you will be doing.

• Provide independent, objective and authoritative second-line assurance across WMCA projects and programmes, including those delivered through external partners.
• Assess business cases against HM Treasury Green Book guidance, the Five Case Model and WMCA requirements, producing clear, evidence-based conclusions to support proportionate, Value for Money decisions.
• Deliver risk-based project and programme health checks, using document review, evidence analysis and stakeholder interviews to identify strengths, material risks and practical recommendations.
• Produce clear, authoritative assurance reports and maintain accurate management information, escalating significant or recurring issues where appropriate.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of assurance tools, standards and methodologies, applying them proportionately to the scale, complexity and risk of each project or programme.
• Provide specialist and objective advice and constructive challenge on business case development, programme delivery and assurance requirements, acting as a trusted adviser and critical friend.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams, senior leaders and external partners while maintaining the independence and professional judgement required to address difficult issues.
• Work with risk, performance, internal audit and other specialists to support an integrated approach to assurance and continuous improvement across WMCA.

What's essential.

• Experience of leading or developing assurance reviews with a view to driving organisational continuous improvement and managing risks to delivery.
• Ability to communicate, influence and negotiate across all levels and roles, including external delivery leads, and bring issues to resolution.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills, with an ability to deliver briefings and presentations and communicate challenging findings and recommendations.
• A high degree of proactivity and creative thinking when faced with challenges requiring resolution.
• Excellent written and analytical skills, with the ability to summarise complex information succinctly and clearly for senior managers and WMCA decision-makers.
• Ability to plan and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously, managing time and resources accordingly while maintaining high-quality outputs and positive outcomes.
• Specialist knowledge of assurance and project and programme management best practice, with the ability to influence and drive improvement.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at every level within an organisation, building trust and confidence in assurance activity and feedback.
• Degree level or equivalent experience.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Please note, we reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email removed]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

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