Debates and Schools Programme Officer

Reports to:

Schools Programme Manager, Head of Global Citizenship

Terms:

Fixed term until September 2027, Full time, Hybrid (Belfast, NI)

Requirements:

Availability for occasional out-of-hours work and travel to in-person events across ROI/NI, including monthly travel to Concern’s Dublin office.

About Concern:

Established in 1968, Concern is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organisation, dedicated to the reduction of suffering and the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

Concern’s vision, our mission and our work are all defined by one goal – ending extreme poverty, whatever it takes. Concern strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression.

Our culture is values driven and we believe that our people are central to all that we do and are key to delivering on our goal of Reaching the Furthest Behind First. We are committed to ensuring a workplace where everybody feels valued and are enabled to succeed in their work and contribute to delivering on our mission.

Role Purpose:

The NI Debates and Schools Programme Officer works within the Global Citizenship Schools Team to organise and coordinate the Concern Debates all-island Programme and co-facilitate workshops and educational experiences. This supports students, teachers and other stakeholders to learn more about global development issues, develop skills, knowledge and confidence and become lifelong advocates for equality, justice and solidarity.

Responsibilities:

The Concern Debates and Schools programme, at both primary and post primary level in NI, involves 30 schools on an annual basis. Alongside colleagues on the Concern Debates and Schools Team in ROI, the NI Debates and Schools Programme Officer will be responsible for:

• Recruiting and coordinating up to 12 primary schools for the Concern Primary Debates in Northern Ireland
• Coordinating the Concern Post-Primary Debates for up to 24 schools in NI and ROI in each of the three rounds of the Concern Debates online League Phase
• Contributing to the organisation and delivery of Knock-Out and in-person rounds of Concern Debates, including Quarter & Semi Finals and the Concern Debates National Final at the Helix Theatre
• Building strong, professional relationships with teachers and a pool of volunteer adjudicators, ensuring that they have all the information and training required to participate in the Concern Debates Programme
• Supporting the Access NI vetting process
• Collaborating with the Schools Team in ROI to design, coordinate and deliver in-person and online debates training and events for teachers, students and adjudicators, while also contributing to the development of Global Citizenship Education resources, webinars and podcasts that promote critical thinking and awareness of global issues
• Supporting Concern NI engagement in community events and networks (e.g. CADA)
• Supporting the Primary Schools Officer and Global Citizenship Education Schools Officer, as well as the wider Global Citizenship Team with programme delivery and contributing to reporting on programme performance
• Maintaining accurate records of all aspects of the schools programme, including financial data, monitoring and evaluation metrics, attendance, volunteer engagement, student outcomes and feedback, to support reporting, inform program improvements and demonstrate impact.
• Ensuring adherence to Concern’s Child Safeguarding policy, GDPR requirements, Access NI Vetting, as well as relevant Data Protection policies
• All staff are responsible for upholding and promoting Concern’s values, including our workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, and safeguarding values
• All staff are required to participate and contribute as necessary towards Concern’s emergency response as and when required.

Role Holder Requirements:

• Knowledge of and experience working in or with the school system in Northern Ireland
• A relevant third level qualification (e.g. education, international development, politics)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience working as an effective and productive member of a team
• Experience delivering talks or workshops to young people aged 10-18
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently to own deadlines
• Ability to problem solve and respond flexibly to changing priorities
• Experience producing educational materials or resources
• Active commitment to promoting diversity, equality and the interests of marginalised people
• Availability to work occasional unsocial hours, occasional overnight stays, and travel to in-person events
• Interest or experience in global development or international affairs
• Successfully complete Access NI vetting
• Experience delivering professional development to teachers and/or youth workers (desirable)