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- Tasks: Shape public policy and advocate for rural communities in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Rural Community Network NI, a charity dedicated to empowering rural voices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rural advocacy while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in social policy or related field; two years' experience in policy or research roles.
- Other info: Applications close on 18th August 2025; early applications are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Policy and Research Officer Rural Community Network Northern Ireland (RCN NI) Charity Jobs NI (part of the Happy Jobs group) is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Rural Community Network Northern Ireland (RCN NI) to recruit an organised, analytical, and dedicated Policy and Research Officer. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape public policy and advocacy, ensuring the voices of rural communities are heard and represented across Northern Ireland. About Rural Community Network Northern Ireland: RCN NI is a regional, membership-based organisation dedicated to fostering positive change within rural communities. Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan prioritises empowering rural voices, strengthening community development, and promoting equitable, peaceful rural communities. About the Role: Reporting to the Policy Manager, the Policy and Research Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing RCN\’s policy influence, community advocacy, and research capability. You will ensure rural communities effectively contribute to policy development, consultations, and evidence-based advocacy initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Policy Development and Advocacy: Support policy advocacy efforts, draft consultation responses and policy briefings, and represent RCN in key strategic forums. Community-Led Research and Evidence Building: Undertake participatory and desk-based research, translating community experiences into actionable policy recommendations. Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Influence: Facilitate forums connecting rural communities with policymakers, service providers, and other stakeholders. Organisational Learning and Capacity Building: Contribute to internal learning processes, support community groups in policy engagement, and assist in strategic planning and evaluations. Qualifications & Experience: Essential: Degree-level qualification (Level 6 or above) in social policy, politics, sociology, community development, or a related discipline. At least two years of experience in policy, advocacy, or research roles. Strong knowledge of the Rural Needs Act and its application. Experience working with community groups or voluntary organisations. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills. Knowledge of Northern Ireland\’s political and administrative frameworks. Access to suitable transport for travel across rural Northern Ireland. Desirable: Experience facilitating community consultations or engagement. Familiarity with issues such as rural regeneration, migration, and belonging. Understanding of participatory research methodologies. Experience in evaluation and reporting for funding purposes. Skills: Policy analysis, research methodology, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, advocacy, and problem-solving. Why Join RCN NI: Impactful Work: Directly influence public policy and rural advocacy outcomes. Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, networking, and development. Supportive Environment: Collaborative and inclusive organisational culture. Hours: 35 hours per week, Full-time Location: RCN Office, Cookstown (travel across rural regions required) Salary: Starting at NJC Point 27 (£37,035 per annum) with incremental yearly increases up to NJC Point 30. 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. Contract Type: Full-time, subject to funding Benefits: Annual Leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years\’ service, plus 11 statutory public holidays. Pension: 6.5% employer contribution to NEST Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. You might currently be working in roles such as: Policy Officer, Research Analyst, Advocacy Officer, Community Development Officer, Policy Analyst, or similar. Applications Close: Monday, 18th August 2025 Please Note: Applications may be reviewed upon receipt, and this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received. Early application is strongly advised. Interested? To apply, please submit your updated CV via our online application system or email directly to Charity Jobs NI at . For an extended job description or further details, please contact our team on . Skills: Policy analysis research methodology stakeholder engagement strategic communication advocacy Benefits: Enhanced Holiday Leave Pension41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
Policy and Research Officer employer: HappyJobsNI.com
Contact Detail:
HappyJobsNI.com Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Research Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Rural Needs Act and its implications for policy development. Understanding this legislation will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups and organisations to gain insights into their needs and challenges. This hands-on experience will provide you with valuable context that can inform your approach to policy advocacy.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of policy and research, especially those who have experience in rural community issues. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in policy analysis or community engagement. Being able to articulate your experiences clearly will help you stand out during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Policy and Research Officer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in policy, advocacy, or research roles. Provide specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or initiatives, particularly those that align with rural community issues.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly demonstrate your skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Use bullet points to make these skills stand out in your CV, and provide context in your cover letter on how you've applied them in past roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that connects your background to the mission of Rural Community Network Northern Ireland. Discuss your passion for rural advocacy and how your values align with their goals, making sure to address the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at HappyJobsNI.com
✨Know Your Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current policies affecting rural communities in Northern Ireland. Be prepared to discuss how these policies impact community development and advocacy efforts, showcasing your understanding of the Rural Needs Act.
✨Demonstrate Research Skills
Highlight your experience with participatory and desk-based research. Be ready to provide examples of how you've translated community experiences into actionable policy recommendations, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Showcase your ability to facilitate forums and connect rural communities with policymakers. Prepare to discuss any past experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders and influenced policy outcomes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex policy issues. Consider preparing a brief policy briefing or consultation response to demonstrate your writing skills.
