At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Ubuntu Project, empowering young people and communities seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Barnardo's, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on meaningful change and community integration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and families while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work or youth support is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28124 - 30133 £ per year.
Barnardo’s is seeking to recruit two Project Workers who will support the delivery of the Ubuntu Project across NI. This role offers the opportunity to draw on individual strengths while supporting activity across all three Ubuntu strands.
Posts Available:
- Post 1: Permanent (fixed term funded) to 30th June 2028. Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 30th June 2028 and therefore if this funding is not extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement.
- Post 2: Fixed term starting 18th August 2026 to 24th September 2027 (maternity cover).
Each role involves delivering direct work across Northern Ireland, and we’re flexible about where you’re based. While there are occasional evening and weekend commitments, these are scheduled in advance and balanced with opportunities for occasional home working. At its busiest, the role may involve around one Saturday and up to two evenings per month, along with no more than two short residentials a year. However, in practice these commitments can reduce, for example, when schools are off sessions typically move to daytime.
More about The Ubuntu Project:
Ubuntu roughly translating to “I am because we are” is an exciting new project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by Barnardo’s. The Ubuntu Project is focused on supporting communities and connecting voluntary and statutory organisations working directly with children, young people and families who have arrived into NI seeking sanctuary – this includes those who have arrived as refugees and those who make a claim for asylum after they arrive.
The project has 3 strands: Ubuntu Youth Voice Network, Ubuntu Practitioners Network and the Community Development Strand. We offer a Youth Voice Network for young people aged 12+ who have arrived seeking sanctuary. The focus of this youth provision is to amplify young people’s voices using a rights‑based, participatory approach that empowers them to influence policy and lead change. Our Community Development work can support Community Groups and Statutory Organisations to meet the needs of those seeking sanctuary by providing training, facilitating parenting programmes, programme development, and sharing practical resources that promote integration, wellbeing, and shared learning. Alongside this, the Ubuntu Practitioners Network connects agencies regionally to share intelligence, improve systems, and advocate collectively for better outcomes.
Together, these three strands create a unified model that champions belonging, builds capacity, and drives meaningful, sustainable change to improve the lives and outcomes for children, young people and their families seeking sanctuary.
When completing your application form, please refer to the skills, knowledge and experience required as detailed in the Person Specification and the Essential Criteria included in this Additional Information Sheet; your application will be assessed based on ability to meet these criteria. Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible. Barnardo’s will be holding a waiting list of appointable people, where you may be offered similar jobs of the same grade should they come up within 12 months post interview. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Access NI with Child and Adult Barred list check.
Ubuntu Project Worker x 2 Barnardo's employer: NIFRS
Barnardo's is an exceptional employer that champions a supportive and inclusive work culture, particularly through the Ubuntu Project, which focuses on empowering children and families seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and development, Barnardo's fosters an environment where staff can thrive while contributing to vital social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ubuntu Project Worker x 2 Barnardo's
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Ubuntu Project inside out! Familiarise yourself with its three strands and how they impact the community. This will help you stand out in interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past employees of Barnardo's on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your skills align with the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Practise your responses so you can deliver them confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! The sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances are of getting noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen!
We think you need these skills to ace Ubuntu Project Worker x 2 Barnardo's
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Ubuntu Project:Before you start writing, get familiar with the Ubuntu Project and its goals. This will help you tailor your application to show how your skills align with what Barnardo's is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have that relates to working with children, young people, or community development. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a positive impact in similar roles.
Follow the Person Specification:When filling out your application, refer directly to the skills and knowledge listed in the Person Specification. This shows us that you understand the role and are serious about meeting the criteria.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the high volume of applications, it’s best to apply as soon as possible through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at NIFRS
✨Know the Ubuntu Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Ubuntu Project and its three strands. Familiarise yourself with how it supports communities and connects organisations working with children and families seeking sanctuary. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with the project's goals.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your experience, focus on any work you've done that relates to community support, youth engagement, or advocacy for vulnerable groups. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in similar roles, as this will show your potential value to the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt your approach or collaborate with others to achieve a goal. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and families shine through. Share why this work matters to you personally and how you envision contributing to the Ubuntu Project. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates and resonate with the interviewers.
