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- Tasks: Support youth work and participation initiatives, leading the Youth Voice Network.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leading charity dedicated to supporting young people and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work and a passion for empowering young voices.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to community impact.
The predicted salary is between 28124 - 30133 £ per year.
Reference number: 22269
Location: Belfast
Contract type: Permanent (Fixed term funded post)
End date: 30/06/2028
Hours: 37
Salary: £28,124 - £30,133
Closing Date: 16 February 2026
Interview Date: 26/2/2026
Do you have experience undertaking youth work provision or participation work with young people and young adults? Are you looking for a healthier balance, with more daytime hours and only occasional evening/weekend work? Are you looking for a new challenge and want to be a part of developing an exciting new service?
Barnardo's is seeking to recruit two Project Workers who will support the delivery of the Ubuntu Project across NI. The post holder will support work across all 3 strands of Ubuntu; however, a particular focus will be on leading The Youth Voice Network focusing on youth and participation work.
Some Practicalities:
- This role involves delivering direct work across Northern Ireland, and we are flexible about where you are based.
- While there are occasional evening and weekend commitments, these are scheduled in advance and balanced with opportunities for occasional home working.
- At its busiest, the role may involve around one Saturday and up to three evenings per month, along with no more than two short residentials a year.
- However, in practice these commitments can reduce; for example, when schools are off sessions typically move to daytime, and we also combine all three groups to one large group session some months to keep connections strong.
More about The Ubuntu Project:
Ubuntu roughly translating to "I am because we are" is an exciting new project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by Barnardo's. The Ubuntu Project is focused on supporting communities and connecting voluntary and statutory organisations working directly with children, young people and families who have arrived into NI seeking sanctuary - this includes those who have arrived as refugees and those who make a claim for asylum after they arrive. The project has 3 strands: Ubuntu Youth Voice Network, Ubuntu Practitioners Network, and the Community Development Strand.
We offer a Youth Voice Network for young people aged 12+ who have arrived seeking sanctuary. The focus of this youth provision is to amplify young people's voices using a rights-based, participatory approach that empowers them to influence policy and lead change. Our Community Development work can support Community Groups and Statutory Organisations to meet the needs of those seeking sanctuary by providing training, facilitating parenting programmes, programme development, and sharing practical resources that promote integration, wellbeing, and shared learning. Alongside this, the Ubuntu Practitioners Network connects agencies regionally to share intelligence, improve systems, and advocate collectively for better outcomes. Together, these three strands create a unified model that champions belonging, builds capacity, and drives meaningful, sustainable change to improve the lives and outcomes for children, young people and their families seeking sanctuary.
Other Information to Note:
We are committed to welcoming people from a diverse background, culture, and experience to Barnardo's. When completing your application form, please refer to the skills, knowledge and experience required as detailed in the Person Specification and the Essential Criteria included in this Additional Information Sheet; your application will be assessed based on your ability to meet these criteria.
Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 30th June 2028 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 30th June 2028.
Barnardo's will be holding a waiting list of appointable people, where you may be offered similar jobs of the same grade should they come up within 12 months post interview.
Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.
Ubuntu Project Worker 2 employer: Barnardo's Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Barnardo's Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ubuntu Project Worker 2
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Ubuntu Project inside out! Familiarise yourself with its mission and values, especially how it supports young people seeking sanctuary. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Barnardo's or those involved in similar projects. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to youth work and participation. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and passion for working with young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the Ubuntu Project.
We think you need these skills to ace Ubuntu Project Worker 2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Ubuntu Project's goals. We want to see how you can contribute to youth work and participation, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community, so share your motivations and any personal experiences that fuel your passion.
Follow the Guidelines: When filling out your application, pay close attention to the skills and criteria listed in the Person Specification. We’ll be assessing your application based on these, so make sure you address them clearly and concisely.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the high volume of applications we receive, it’s best to apply as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnardo's Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Ubuntu Project Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Ubuntu Project's mission and its three strands. Understand how the Youth Voice Network operates and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of empowering young people seeking sanctuary.
✨Showcase Your Youth Work Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past youth work or participation roles that demonstrate your ability to engage with young people. Highlight any successful projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that involved advocacy or community development.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role involves occasional evening and weekend work, express your willingness to adapt to these requirements. Discuss your experience working collaboratively in diverse teams, as this is crucial for connecting with various organisations and communities.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview about the Ubuntu Project's future plans or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
