Only humans need apply

We are running a programme called Digital Durham to improve the roll out of superfast broadband in County Durham and the wider region.  Things are going very well and we have got to the point where we need to take someone else into the team.  So to get this started it’s quite simple. 

All we need to do is to write a job description detailing all of the major things that this person will get involved in.  We will then have to think about a person specification with all of the essential and preferred skills and attributes that they must possess.  These two documents will be brought together as part of the job requirements document or JRD and this will be measured against our job evaluation process to decide how much money the lucky soul should receive.  Then and only then will we be able to advertise.

But here’s the problem.  I know that we need someone, there is just too much work to do and we are missing some useful skills but I’m really struggling to define what these things are exactly.  Every time I try to write them down I am either too vague or too detailed.  I cannot get that Goldilocks middle ground.  I don’t want to write War and Peace that covers every possibility and yet I don’t want to be too ambiguous and create the wrong impression of what needs to be done.  If I get this wrong I’ll have the wrong people apply.

I am also concerned that by defining someone’s job description I will be confining them to a set role, restricting them to a fixed way of working and giving them a list of tasks outside of which they will dare not venture.  But I want the opposite.  I want an adventurer who is prepared to step onto new ground.  I want someone who knows what I asked for but understands what is really needed and I am afraid that the whole job creation process is not designed to deliver this.  After all, does anyone ever refer back to their job description?

I’m in a dilemma and this is the job advert that I would like to use:

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to make a real difference to the people of County Durham by helping us with our Digital Durham programme to bring superfast broadband to every home, business and community.

We need lots of help especially with getting us organised and any experience with European funding would be a great bonus.  Ideally we would like you to do the things that we know about already but we will also need help with the stuff we haven’t thought of yet.

We have £25k to spend every year on this role and so if you think this is you please get in touch.  Only humans need apply.

Do you think I would get any takers?