Project Support Officer in Belfast

Third Sector Connect was founded in 2020 and we support organisations in the third sector to maximise their impact in communities, ensuring their vision, aims, and objectives are delivered effectively, sustainably, and with focus. We work with councils across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, National Governing Bodies of Sport, charities, sports clubs, community organisations, and businesses. Our expertise helps these groups secure funding, develop strategies and action plans, build strong business cases, conduct evaluations, and provide tailored training for long-term success.

The Project Support Officer (PSO) will work closely with the Third Sector Connect (TSC) team on a variety of projects such as developing funding applications, developing strategies, action plans and business cases, and delivering programmes for community and voluntary organisations. The role will provide practical experience in research, administration, project coordination, report preparation and community engagement, while supporting the organisation’s increasing workload. The position offers a supportive learning environment with mentoring, on-the-job training and exposure to a wide range of third sector activities to help develop transferable skills and improve future employability. This role will be delivered on a hybrid basis, with a combination of home working and attendance at our office in Belfast city centre. The working arrangement will be agreed with the successful candidate and will include appropriate supervision, support and office‑based working as required.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Third Sector Connect team to support the delivery of key projects, client work and organisational development activities.
• Supporting the preparation of funding applications, basic research and gathering background information for bids and proposals.
• Helping to coordinate and organise meetings, workshops, events and capacity‑building sessions for community groups.
• Carrying out desk research to support strategic plans, action plans, business cases, club development plans, evaluations and social return on investment reports.
• Providing administrative support, including maintaining records, updating project files, tracking deadlines and contributing to client reports.
• Assisting team members with programme delivery.
• Supporting communication with clients through emails, phone calls and participation in meetings.
• Contributing to report writing by preparing draft sections, summarising research findings and formatting documents as required.
• Undertaking any reasonable duties that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation.

Skills and Qualifications

• Recognised Degree – any subject.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and online systems.
• Ability to carry out basic research and summarise information.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work as part of a small team and follow guidance.
• Interest in community, voluntary or third sector work.
• Basic experience of administrative or office‑based work.
• Experience preparing and submitting funding applications.
• Experience working or volunteering with third sector organisations including sports clubs, charities and social enterprises.
• Interest in funding, research or project work.
• Experience of supporting events, meetings or workshops.

Further Information

JobStart opportunity – working hours: standard hours up to 25 hours per week; flexible/reduced hours may be available upon approval by a work coach; additional hours may be offered depending on availability, to be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.

Application Information: JobStart is open to working age benefit claimants who are deemed eligible by a work coach. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your work coach via your journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Job sector: Secretarial and Administration, Business, Policy and Projects Area; location: Belfast; salary: £7.55–£10.00 per hour and £12.21 per hour for 21+; contract type: temporary; weekly hours: 25; published date 28/01/2026; worktime to be confirmed with employer. Area: All of Northern Ireland. Closing date: 13 Feb 2026.