At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs activities and build relationships with key political figures in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous benefits package, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer policy and advocacy while shaping impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in public policy and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22278 - 22278 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join Cancer Research UK as our Public Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland, where you'll play a key role in ensuring beating cancer stays front and centre for decision-makers.
Grade: P3
Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications
Reports to: Senior External Affairs Manager (Devolved Nations)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time 17.5 hours per week
Salary: £22,278 pro-rated to 17.5 hours
Location: Belfast, Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment.
Recruitment process: one competency-based interview with a presentation.
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
In this dynamic and high-impact role, you'll work closely with MLAs, Department of Health officials, and influential stakeholders to champion our cause and drive meaningful change. You'll be the voice behind the scenes, building relationships, shaping conversations, and helping to turn policy into progress.
What will I be doing?
- Leading our public affairs activity across Northern Ireland and raising our profile with key political audiences
- Building strong, lasting relationships with politicians, special advisers, and civil servants
- Connecting across the charity to support our groundbreaking research, vital information work, and fundraising efforts
- Collaborating with our policy experts to bring powerful, evidence-based recommendations to life
What skills will I need?
- Significant experience in a public policy, public affairs or parliamentary role, with a proven track record of influencing senior decision-makers and opinion-formers.
- In-depth knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, including legislative processes and political dynamics.
- Strong understanding of political advocacy, lobbying standards and policy-making environments.
- Demonstrable experience developing and overseeing the delivery of public affairs strategies and operational plans.
- Ability to assess political and policy trends and identify opportunities to enhance organisational influence.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to translate policy priorities into effective influencing activity.
- Highly developed influencing, negotiating and relationship-building skills with parliamentarians, officials and senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to quickly establish credibility and productive relationships across political and sector networks.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and balancing multiple interests.
- Confident representative of the organisation with strong judgement and professionalism.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality briefings, speeches and political communications.
- Strong media engagement skills, including delivering interviews as part of an influencing strategy.
- Exceptional attention to detail, including flawless spelling, grammar and presentation.
- Effective and experienced people manager, able to work collaboratively within a job-share arrangement.
- Strong team-working skills and the ability to support and contribute to wider public affairs and campaigns teams.
- Calm, resilient and solution-focused under pressure.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer, and as a Public Affairs Manager in Belfast, you will be at the forefront of this mission. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and offers flexible working arrangements, alongside a comprehensive benefits package and ample opportunities for professional growth. Join us to collaborate with passionate colleagues and influential stakeholders, all while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Cancer Research UK’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise your answers to common competency-based questions and be ready to showcase your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to present during the interview, make it count. Use real examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve influenced decision-makers and driven change. This is your moment to shine!
✨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 our team at Cancer Research UK. So hit that apply button and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description carefully. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, and it’ll help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the work history section, highlight your relevant experience in public policy or public affairs. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read – it shows us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so hit that apply button as soon as you’re ready. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Cancer Research UK's mission and the specific role of Public Affairs Manager. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in Northern Ireland's political landscape and how they relate to cancer policy. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since the interview includes a presentation, take time to craft a clear and engaging message. Focus on how you would approach public affairs strategies and stakeholder engagement. Practise delivering your presentation to ensure you’re confident and can handle questions that may arise.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced decision-makers in the past. This will highlight your ability to connect with politicians and civil servants effectively.
✨Showcase Your Values
Cancer Research UK values boldness, credibility, humanity, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work. Share specific examples that illustrate your commitment to collaboration and making a positive impact, as this aligns with their organisational culture.
