Should I be worried about the wording on this job description...

[glitterndirt]

I have a job interview next week for an office manager position in a non-for-profit organisation, I really want the job, but have only just noticed the wording on the job description. Under contract type it says Permanent (subject to continuation funding).

Is there any reason to be concerned about this?

I am in a very secure job and have been for 8 years, the hours are very flexible around my childcare but I am so bored of it. Its not the kind of job where I even have to engage my brain slightly & there is no progression either. BUT I can not afford to be in a position where I lose my income!!! Help!!!

Yes I would be concerned about it. I have just been offered a 12 month Contract that will switch to Permanent if the role is successful. I'm going to have to decline it. I can't risk being in a position to have to look for a new role in 12 months, they're few and far between

It’s as it sounds. The organisation gets money from somewhere just now to fund its business, pay staff, etc. If that funding is cut or stopped altogether, then the role will be affected by that. Worth asking at interview about funding streams, how many years the grants received cover etc

Not-for-profits often rely on funding for some positions. I would apply for the job and if you are invited for interview, use that opportunity to discuss the funding and ask how secure it is. Some funders are very reliable and have been going for years, and will have issued guarantees for say the next three years. Some funders make new strategies every single year and you can't rely on them much at all! The not-for-profit should know which kind the funder is, and be able to give you more information.

Where does the organisation get its funding? Govt? Public donations? Europe? Somewhere else. You need to check and then take a view

Yes of course, it means there is only a position for as long as they have funding but in reality all jobs are fairly fragile. Teaching posts depend on school budgets? A position in a strong multi national depends on them remaining in that market/location/country etc

It's certainly something to discuss at the interview. How long has funding been agreed for, have they been getting it for years already, is the role something that current government is supporting? etc

And I would add, how much will you worry about the funding ending.
Quite a lot to think about in my experience.

I have colleagues who have been in post 9 years, but annually they have to wait until the funding comes through, so anxious at times and can affect things like mortgage applications because of the temporary nature.
Funding is part of their own job, they find it, they complete the applications, to fund themselves. It almost feels they are self employed - no funds no job, but all on them. Ask at interview who sources/applies for funding.

Do some research about the focus of the work and source of funding. Is this likely to stop or is it a growth area?

Some funding, even in place, is time limited. So in education we have some grant funding but the source is very clear that this is not to be used to sustain staffing. It can be initially to get the project off the ground, but not in the long term.

Attached to corporation or public sector you may also find that you do have job security under employment to laws. After two years, my colleagues have the same rights as other employees. It doesn't mean they can't be made redundant though.

Thanks so much. Some really info to take to the interview with me so really appreciate it!!

I did have a look at their accounts and looks like they are part funded by the government but the majority comes from 'charitable activities'.

There's no such thing as a permanent job anymore. I've had a temporary job that lasted 5 years (was supposed to be a mat cover but the person I was covering didn't return) and a so called permanent job where they put the whole team at risk of redundancy 8 months later.

Working in HR I've even seen someone recruited into a team where management knew they were going to put everyone at risk within a very short time....shameful IMO.

But yes i would be concerned.

Having worked in the VCS yes. Funding is always precarious. Think very carefully about moving.

All jobs in charities are going to be subject to continued funding.

If you think about it, all jobs are subject to continued 'funding' from somewhere... if there isn't enough money to pay for the job whether that money comes from the government, investors or customers, then the job will be made redundant eventually.