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- Tasks: Lead and manage a national fostering charity's work in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Leading fostering charity in the UK focused on improving outcomes for children.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, flexible working, enhanced pay, and employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading impactful initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in children's social care and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 53836 - 59012 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and credible senior leader to provide strategic direction and operational leadership for a national fostering charity’s work in Northern Ireland.
Salary: £53,836 to £59,012 per annum
Location: This is a hybrid role, with travel to the Belfast office at least once a week.
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026
About the role
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading and delivering the organisation’s vision, strategy and impact across Northern Ireland. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, manage people and budgets, and act as a key external representative with government, regulators and sector partners.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing overall leadership and management of the organisation’s work in Northern Ireland
- Developing and delivering Northern Ireland specific strategies aligned to UK wide objectives
- Leading, managing and supporting staff, volunteers and associates
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with national and local government, regulators, fostering services and members
- Acting as a spokesperson and senior representative in Northern Ireland
- Overseeing the design, delivery and evaluation of impactful programmes for foster carers and children
- Driving robust monitoring, impact measurement and reporting
- Securing funding through grants, tenders and partnerships
- Holding and managing budgets in line with organisational policies
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, collaboration and sector improvement
- Growing individual and corporate membership across Northern Ireland
- Acting as safeguarding lead for the country and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies
About you
You will be an experienced senior leader with strong credibility across children’s social care and fostering, comfortable operating at strategic and operational levels. You will bring:
- Senior leadership and management experience within children’s social care or a closely related field
- In depth knowledge of foster care practice and policy across the UK
- Experience of working with statutory local authority services and senior stakeholders
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change and deliver strategic plans
- Experience of managing budgets and securing funding
- Strong relationship building, influencing and communication skills
- Sound safeguarding knowledge and practice
- Excellent organisational and IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Teams and Office 365
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to the organisation’s mission and values
Desirable experience includes a social work qualification, experience in the voluntary or independent sector, working across a national remit, or lived experience of foster care.
About the organisation
The organisation is the leading fostering charity in the UK, working to improve outcomes for children and young people through support, advocacy, programmes and membership services for foster carers and fostering services. It operates across all UK nations, working closely with governments, regulators and partners to influence policy and practice.
What’s on offer
- 38 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working
- A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced sick pay
- 24 hour Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension and life assurance
- Contribution to eye tests and lenses
- Season ticket loans
The organisation is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, particularly those from under represented and minoritised backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process, and job share applications are welcomed. Applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Care Leaver Covenant.
Other roles you may have experience of could include; Director of Children’s Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Regional Director, Service Director, Programme Director, Policy Director, Operations Director, Strategic Lead Children’s Services, Senior Social Work Manager, National Manager.
Country Director – Northern Ireland - Belfast employer: NFP People Limited
Contact Detail:
NFP People Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Country Director – Northern Ireland - Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and children's social care sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and understand their mission and values. We want you to be able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or managed change in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve made an impact in your past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Country Director – Northern Ireland - Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in children's social care and fostering. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Country Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership experience!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've led teams or secured funding. We love numbers and results, so if you can quantify your achievements, do it!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also passionate about fostering and making a difference. Share your motivations and what drives you in this field.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People Limited
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the fostering charity thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
As a Country Director, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare for questions about how you would develop and deliver Northern Ireland-specific strategies. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led similar initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires strong relationship-building abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your influencing and communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your understanding of safeguarding practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience in this area and how you would ensure compliance with safeguarding policies within the organisation.
