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- Tasks: Create impactful communications and conduct vital research to support union objectives.
- Company: Join NIPSA, one of Northern Ireland's largest trade unions, representing over 43,000 members.
- Benefits: Gain experience in a dynamic environment with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in workers' rights while developing your skills in research and communication.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in research or communications, strong analytical skills, and a passion for advocacy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and networking within the trade union movement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Communications and Research Officer plays a key role in supporting NIPSA's strategic objectives by producing high-quality research, policy analysis, and compelling communications. The post-holder will provide evidence-based support for collective bargaining, campaigns, and advocacy, while ensuring clear, effective communication with members, stakeholders, and the wider public.
Key Responsibilities
- Communications and Media
- Develop clear, accessible communications for members, including newsletters, website content, briefings, and social media posts.
- Translate complex research and policy findings into engaging content for a non-technical audience.
- Support campaign communications, including drafting timely messaging, press releases, and promotional materials ahead of key events, ballots etc.
- Assist with media relations, including drafting statements, commentaries, and responses to press inquiries.
- Maintain and update digital platforms in line with the union's communications strategy.
- Research and Policy
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on workplace, labour market, and socio-economic issues relevant to members.
- Prepare briefings, reports, policy papers, and submissions to inform collective bargaining, campaigns, and public policy interventions.
- Monitor legislative, political, and industrial developments affecting members and the wider trade union movement.
- Analyse data from surveys, official statistics, and internal sources to support union priorities.
- Support union negotiators and officers with evidence-based arguments and background research.
- Campaigns and Member Engagement
- Support union campaigns through research, messaging, and evaluation.
- Assist in the design and analysis of member surveys and consultations.
- Work with organisers and officers to ensure communications reflect members' experiences and priorities.
- Help promote events, training, and union initiatives to members and activists.
- Network with branches, other trade unions and campaign groups.
Essential
- At least 2 years' proven experience in a similar role.
- Experience of research, policy analysis, or communications in a trade union, NGO, public sector, or campaigning organisation.
- Experience of digital communications and social media management.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and policy documents.
- Excellent written, verbal communication and IT skills, with the ability to write for different audiences.
- Understanding of trade union values, workers' rights, and industrial relations including familiarity with collective bargaining, employment law, or labour market statistics.
- Experience of supporting campaigns or media work.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable
- Trade union membership or experience working with union structures.
NIPSA is one of the largest Trade Unions in Northern Ireland representing over 43,000 members, employed across the whole of the public service, in organisations such as the Northern Ireland Civil Service and its Agencies, Local Government, Education, Health and Social Care, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as well as a host of Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDBPs). NIPSA also represents a significant number of members in the community and voluntary sector.
PLEASE NOTE
Applications packs will be provided in digital format only, to be returned by email. To request an application pack, please contact Lynsey Hudson at NIPSA Headquarters no later than 2.00pm, Wednesday 11 February 2026. The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is 4.00pm, Thursday 12 February 2026. Shortlisting will take place on Monday 16 February 2026. Interviews will take place on Monday 2 March or Tuesday 3 March 2026. It will not be possible to offer alternative dates. If you have a disability which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss. NIPSA is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all.
Communications and Research Officer employer: Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA)
Contact Detail:
Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications and Research Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the trade union scene, especially those connected to NIPSA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-project or a case study related to current issues in the labour market or trade unions. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your communication style! When you’re chatting with potential employers, make sure to adapt your language to match their vibe. Use clear, engaging language that reflects your understanding of their audience and mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to NIPSA's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: When crafting your application, remember that the folks at NIPSA are looking for clear and engaging communication. Tailor your language to resonate with their values and mission, showing you understand their work and the importance of effective communication.
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in research, policy analysis, or communications. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully tackled similar challenges and contributed to campaigns or media work.
Be Concise and Clear: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and complex language; instead, focus on making your skills and experiences easily digestible. Remember, clarity is key when communicating with a non-technical audience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in NIPSA's objectives and the role of a Communications and Research Officer. Brush up on recent campaigns, policy changes, and any relevant socio-economic issues. This will help you demonstrate your understanding and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you can translate complex research into engaging content. Bring examples of your previous work, like newsletters or social media posts, that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with different audiences.
✨Research is Key
Be ready to talk about your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research. Think of specific instances where your research has supported campaigns or collective bargaining efforts. This will show you can provide evidence-based support, which is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with trade union values and workers' rights. Be prepared to discuss how these principles align with your own beliefs and experiences. Showing your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will resonate well with the interviewers.
