Texas-headquartered OneSource Virtual has said it will create 289 new jobs in Derry in a multi-million investment project that will see it establish its first European operation in Northern Ireland.

The group intends to establish a human resources outsourcing, cloud-based centre in Derry and hopes to have the new jobs in place by 2017.

Brian Williams, co-founder and chief executive of the Texas company, said it will be looking for technology graduates with three-to-five years' experience.

“OneSource employees are intelligent problem solvers and creative thinkers who aspire to build long-term careers in a high performing, culture-focused company,” Mr Williams said.

The new centre will service existing OneSource customers in the US and support the company’s expansion plans for Europe.

The North's enterprise minister Jonathan Bell said the US company had carried out a "rigorous evaluation" of a number of locations before deciding to locate in Derry.

He said the city had won in the end for a number of reasons including the availability of a skilled workforce, the local higher education provision and the quality of life.

“It was down to two locations and, with the support of Invest NI, [DERRY]was chosen, securing this project for Northern Ireland.

“The new jobs will be across a range of roles including deployment, application management services, and payroll services, with most of the employees having the potential to earn £36,000 per annum. When the project is fully operational, it will contribute nearly £12 million of salaries to the economy annually,” the Minister added.

Invest NI is supporting the project with £2.9 million of financial incentives towards the new jobs and training.