Family Tracing & Records Officer TLNT1_NI in Belfast

Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be supporting Adopt NI with the recruitment of three Family Tracing and Records Officers. These positions will support the delivery of information recovery and family tracing services for adults linked to Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, and their pathways and practices in Northern Ireland. This is a distinctive opportunity for experienced genealogists, genetic genealogists and professional researchers to use documentary research, archive records and DNA analysis to help individuals understand their biological and family history. These roles are funded by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).

Location: Belfast, with hybrid working available. Regular in-person access to public records offices and archives across Northern Ireland will be required.

Hours of Work and Positions Available:

• One full-time position: 37 hours per week
• One part-time position: 30 hours per week
• One part-time position: 19 hours per week

Salary:

• NJC Point 23: Full-time, 37 hours: £34,434 per annum
• Part-time, 30 hours: approximately £27,919 per annum
• Part-time, 19 hours: approximately £17,682 per annum

Contract: Fixed-term until March 2029, subject to funding.

Closing Date: Friday 7th August 2026.

Proposed Interview Date: Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week beginning 24th August 2026.

Salary and Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Family-friendly policies
• 25 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays
• Workplace pension
• Induction and on-the-job training
• Regular supervision
• Parking available at the office
• Time off in lieu for additional hours worked

Annual leave entitlement and salary will be calculated pro rata for the part-time positions.

About Adopt NI:

Adopt NI is an independent registered charity established in 1989. Its main priority is to support adults impacted by the lifelong journey of adoption or care. Based in Belfast and operating regionally, Adopt NI provides confidential support and information to adults affected by adoption or separation from their family of origin. Its work is focused on improving access to information, empowering adults and providing individual, non-judgemental support throughout what can be a complex and emotional journey.

The Role:

The Family Tracing and Records Officer will work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team delivering information recovery and family tracing services. Using traditional genealogical records, archival research and genetic genealogy data, the successful candidate will help reconstruct family histories, identify biological relatives and resolve complex questions concerning kinship and family origin. The role will involve researching public and historical records, building extensive family trees, examining DNA matches and presenting findings in accurate and accessible client reports. This work must be undertaken with meticulous attention to detail, sensitivity and respect. Family discoveries may be complex or emotionally difficult, and the successful candidate must be able to communicate and work in an empathetic, trauma-informed and professional manner. The postholder will collaborate closely with Adopt NI's Advocacy and Tracing Caseworkers, particularly in cases involving family contact, intermediary support or voluntary DNA testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build accurate, multi-generational family trees using census returns, civil records, probate files, land records and other documentary evidence.
• Research digital repositories and physical archives, including Ancestry, Findmypast, FamilySearch, the National Archives of Ireland and PRONI.
• Interpret DNA results and match lists from major testing platforms, using techniques such as chromosome mapping, triangulation and What Are the Odds analysis.
• Combine documentary and genetic evidence to resolve complex adoption, parentage and family-tracing cases.
• Maintain detailed and organised research logs, recording sources searched, findings, negative searches and DNA analysis.
• Produce clear, accurate and evidence-based reports that make complex historical and genetic findings accessible to clients.
• Manage multiple research cases while maintaining high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
• Work sensitively and collaboratively with clients, advocacy colleagues, archives and relevant organisations across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the wider UK.

Essential Criteria:

Applicants must have either:

• A recognised qualification in genealogy or a related research discipline, together with at least two years post-qualification experience; or
• Another relevant and demonstrable qualification, together with at least three years post-qualification experience.

Applicants must also be able to access public records offices in Northern Ireland regularly and in person.

The Successful Candidate Will Also Demonstrate:

• Experience building ascending and descending family trees using documentary evidence.
• Knowledge of DNA inheritance, centimorgan ranges, chromosome mapping and triangulation.
• Proficiency in at least one DNA-testing platform and one major commercial genealogy database.
• Experience using family-tree software and relevant national or regional archives.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to handle sensitive information and potentially emotional discoveries with empathy, professionalism and discretion.

Additional Shortlisting Criteria:

Where required, Adopt NI may also shortlist against:

• Practical genetic genealogy experience.
• Knowledge or experience of adult adoption and family-tracing work.
• Experience researching complex parentage or unknown-family cases.

Additional Requirements:

A full current driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the travel requirements of the role. Consideration will be given to alternative travel arrangements for applicants with a disability who cannot hold a driving licence. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory AccessNI and other pre-employment checks, references and confirmation of qualifications.

How to Apply:

If you are a skilled genealogist or researcher who would like to use your expertise to help people recover important information and better understand their family history, we would love to hear from you. Click Apply now to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will then be in touch to discuss your application, provide the relevant application documents and guide you through the next steps of the process. The closing date for completed applications is 5.00pm on Friday 7th August 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week beginning 24th August 2026. Should a high level of suitable applications be received, these vacancies may close early, therefore early application is highly advisable.