Community Development Outreach Officer

Overview

Community Development Outreach Officer – Rural Community Network Northern Ireland (RCN NI). Charity Jobs NI (Part of the Happy Jobs group) is partnering with RCN NI to recruit a values-led Community Development Outreach Officer. This role is funded through the SEUPB PEACEPLUS Programme and will strengthen intercultural inclusion and good relations across rural communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

About RCN NI

RCN NI is a voluntary, membership-based organisation supporting rural communities to tackle poverty, inequality and exclusion, and to build good relations through training, action research, policy insight, facilitation and peace-building.

About the Role

You will coordinate and deliver RCN\\\’s Intercultural Cross-Border Inclusion (ICI) workstream—designing and delivering training (including Welcoming Communities sessions and an Anti-Racist Toolkit), supporting minority ethnic communities, and enabling rural groups to participate in inclusive, cross-community activity. The role blends hands-on outreach with programme coordination, monitoring/evaluation, partnership building and high-quality reporting to funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deliver and evaluate outreach, training and engagement that address racism, promote cultural diversity and encourage peace and reconciliation in rural areas.
• Build capacity and confidence within minority ethnic communities; support groups to access funding and collaborate on community projects.
• Initiate and manage events, workshops and campaigns; develop practical resources and toolkits.
• Undertake community action research; capture outcomes and produce clear reports for partners, funders, the RCN Board and sub-committees.
• Monitor delivery, keep accurate records and ensure projects meet quality, budget and funder requirements.
• Develop effective relationships across the community/good relations sector, statutory bodies and other stakeholders to widen participation—especially among those not previously engaged.

Personnel Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree-level qualification in social science or a relevant discipline, or 4 years\’ relevant experience within the last 10 years (as an alternative to a degree).

Desirable

• Qualification in community development, rural development, or equivalent.
• Recognised/accredited training qualification in community relations/political development.

Experience

Essential

• 4 years\’ experience (within the last 10 years) in a good relations role, including single-identity and cross-community work.
• 2 years\’ experience devising, developing and delivering accredited and non-accredited community-based training programmes.
• 2 years\’ relevant project coordination experience, including organising events (e.g., seminars, conferences).
• Experience developing good relations support/resource materials.
• Experience working directly with groups to provide support and guidance on good relations issues.
• Experience applying to different funding bodies for projects.
• Experience developing creative methodologies to engage communities in peacebuilding work.
• Experience undertaking research and producing research papers/reports.

Desirable

• Experience of working within a rural context.
• Cross-sectoral working experience.
• Experience facilitating reflective practice.
• Experience coordinating good relations activity and networking across sectors.
• Experience working with training/education organisations and awarding bodies/authorities.

Skills & knowledge

Essential

• Clear written and oral communication, with evidence of report writing and presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; strong facilitation and community engagement skills.
• Experience teaching/training, administering and managing accredited and non-accredited adult training programmes.
• High level of IT literacy (Microsoft 365/MS Office or similar).
• Knowledge of the voluntary, community and statutory sectors; understanding of community development values/principles and community relations values/principles; understanding of community relations issues in rural areas within a policy context.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of social cohesion, sharing and integration in a rural context.
• Knowledge of the current community/voluntary sector funding environment.
• Experience working with OCNs/awarding bodies for adult education programmes.
• Experience of marketing and communications to promote projects.

Personal

Essential

• High level of organisational ability, self-motivation, initiative and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Willingness to work outside normal hours to meet the needs of rural community groups.
• Proven ability to work as part of a highly motivated team.

Transport

Essential

• Full driving licence and access to transport for work purposes, or access to another form of transport that meets the travel requirements of the post.

Why Join RCN NI

• Make a tangible difference to inclusion, cohesion and participation in rural communities.
• Deliver meaningful outreach with supportive colleagues and strong sector partnerships.
• Opportunities for professional development within a values-driven, mission-led charity.

Hours

Full-time, with occasional evening/weekend commitments linked to community delivery.

Location

Field-based across Northern Ireland and the border counties, with an office base in Cookstown and travel across the region.

Salary

Starting at NJC Point 27 (£37,035 pro rata), with incremental yearly increases up to NJC Point 30 (£39,513 pro rata). The NJC salary scale is currently under review for 2025/2026; any updated salary based on the new scale will be backdated to the date of appointment.

Benefits

• Annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after 5 years\\\’ service, plus 11 statutory holidays.
• Employer pension contribution (NEST).
• Flexible working appropriate to community delivery; ongoing training and professional development.

Contract

Fixed-term to mid-2028, funded through the SEUPB PEACEPLUS Programme (subject to ongoing funding and confirmation).

Equal Opportunities

RCN NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your CV via our online system or email. For questions or to request the full job description, call.

Other

Applications Close: 9am, Monday 27th October 2025. Applications may be reviewed upon receipt and this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received. Early application is strongly advised.