At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive public affairs strategy and enhance the university's influence with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Queen's University Belfast, a prestigious institution with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public affairs while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience with 3 years in a Public Affairs role.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post-holder will report to the Public Affairs Manager and will work within the public affairs team, as well as collaboratively working with colleagues across the Governance, External Affairs and Registrar (GEAR) Section. The post-holder will play a key role in delivering Queen's University Belfast's public affairs and political engagement strategy, maintaining and enhancing the University's reputation, profile, and influence with political representatives, policymakers, and stakeholders across Northern Ireland, the UK, Ireland, and, where relevant, the EU and internationally. This post is full time (37.5 hours per week) and is subject to the University's current hybrid working policy.
Essential Criteria:
- Degree or equivalent qualification or substantial relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of 3 years' recent relevant professional experience (within last 6 years) in a Public Affairs role, including evidence of:
- Liaison with the political and policy environment.
- Use of media relations.
- Producing publications, print and digital.
- Organisation of high profile events and visits.
- Proven experience of identifying and managing opportunities to enhance organisational profile and reputation and of building purposeful relationships locally and nationally.
- Demonstrable evidence/experience of successfully introducing and implementing new ideas and initiatives that drive a public affairs function forward to meet the needs of the organisation.
- Excellent IT skills including advanced use of Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams.
- Demonstrable knowledge of workings of governments, assemblies and parliaments.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including ability to quickly draft briefing documents on complex subject matter, confidence in giving presentations and the ability to quickly and effectively engage a range of audiences and meet tight deadlines.
- Evidence of well-developed networking skills, both internally and externally, and ability to give advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, build relationships and manage expectations.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.
Public Affairs Officer (Maternity Cover 12 months) TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: IrishJobs
Queen's University Belfast is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the public affairs team. With a strong commitment to employee development, the university provides numerous growth opportunities and supports a healthy work-life balance through its hybrid working policy. Located in the vibrant city of Belfast, employees benefit from a rich cultural scene and the chance to engage with influential political and policy stakeholders, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer (Maternity Cover 12 months) TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like IrishJobs, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer (Maternity Cover 12 months) TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for IrishJobs and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with IrishJobs, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for IrishJobs.
