Policy & Research Officer
VANRATH are delighted to be working with a small, well-established public body in Belfast city centre to recruit a Policy & Research Officer. This is a permanent, full-time role for an experienced policy professional who wants to shape strategy, influence decision-makers and make a real difference to the communities the organisation serves.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s policy influence, community advocacy and research capability, ensuring communities can contribute effectively to policy development, consultations and evidence-based advocacy. You will also help shape the direction of strategic planning, drawing on your track record in research, analysis, evaluation and policy development.
Salary: £37,000 – £39,000 (public sector pay scale, with annual increments)Hours: Permanent, full-time, 37 hours per week over 5 days, with flexitimeWorking pattern: Hybrid (office attendance is required every Wednesday plus one other rota’d day each week)Reporting to: Director of Corporate ServicesLocation: Belfast city centre
About the RoleKey Responsibilities
- Support policy advocacy, drafting consultation responses and policy briefings, and represent the organisation in key strategic forums
- Support the senior management team on policy matters, taking a lead role in preparing, monitoring and reviewing the policy suite and commissioning evidence-based documents and guidance
- Draft and analyse policy options to establish well-evidenced, legally sound positions, and prepare clear, accurate and timely briefings and submissions for senior management, sponsor departments and stakeholders
- Carry out participatory and desk-based research, translating community experience into practical policy recommendations
- Collaborate with external organisations on joint evidence studies, methodologies and commissioned research, and keep on top of emerging trends and human rights issues affecting minority cultures
- Set up and facilitate forums connecting communities with policymakers, service providers and other stakeholders, ensuring policy outputs are cohesive, evidence-based and deliverable
- Contribute to organisational learning, support community groups in policy engagement, and assist with strategic planning and evaluation
What You Will NeedEssential
- Right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available for this role)
- Educated to degree level, or equivalent work experience
- Able to demonstrate competency at Staff Officer level (Level 3) of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Competency Framework, assessed through the application form
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to persuade stakeholders at all levels
- Experience in commissioning, conducting and interpreting research, and turning evidence into practical recommendations
- Experience in setting up and facilitating stakeholder or community forums
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver at pace and manage competing priorities
Desirable
- A strong background in strategic policy development within the public or third sector
The Application ProcessCandidates are asked to complete an application pack, which includes questions on how they meet the NICS competencies at Staff Officer level, alongside their CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-hour interview in mid-November, consisting of a presentation and competency-based questions. Applications close at the end of October.
Benefits
- Salary on a public sector pay scale, with annual increments
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus 12 public holidays
- Public sector pension scheme
- Flexitime and hybrid working
- Family-friendly initiatives
- Support for health and mental wellbeing
- Training and career development opportunities
For further information on this job, apply via the link or contact the VANRATH office for a confidential chat today.
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Skills:Policy Officer Policy Research Public Sector Research Analysis Staff Officer
WHJS1_NI
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