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- Tasks: Lead impactful policy research and advocacy for small businesses in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join the UK's largest grassroots business organisation, FSB Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape public policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for small businesses and influence key decisions at all government levels.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and proven experience in policy or research roles.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About FSB Northern Ireland
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK's largest grassroots business organisation and leading business campaigner, representing small businesses and the self-employed across every nation and region of the UK. FSB Northern Ireland is the largest business membership organisation in Northern Ireland, representing around 6,000 business owners. We work to ensure that the voice of small businesses is heard clearly and effectively at Stormont, Westminster and local government level, underpinned by rigorous, evidence-based policy research and impactful advocacy. Recent FSB policy work has delivered tangible results for small businesses, including major interventions on the Windsor Framework, late payment reform, tax thresholds, National Insurance contributions and access to finance.
The Role
FSB Northern Ireland is now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy, a senior leadership role that will lead the organisation's research, policy development and policy influence agenda. Reporting to the Head of FSB Northern Ireland, the Head of Policy will be the principal staff lead for policy, research and evidence-based campaigning. The role involves close engagement with elected representatives, civil servants, policymakers, think tanks, media and stakeholders across Northern Ireland and the wider UK. This is a pivotal and high-profile role, offering the opportunity to shape public policy that has a direct impact on the day-to-day operation and future success of small businesses.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Policy Development
- Lead and deliver a strategic annual research programme for FSB Northern Ireland
- Design, commission and oversee bespoke surveys and research projects
- Manage relationships with external research partners and institutions
- Ensure NI perspectives are reflected in UK-wide FSB research and consultations
- Respond to consultations from the NI Assembly, NI Executive and other bodies
- External Affairs & Advocacy
- Provide evidence to NI Assembly Committees, Ministers and officials
- Represent FSB Northern Ireland in Westminster and other forums as required
- Build and maintain senior relationships across government, civil service, think tanks and representative bodies
- Monitor political, economic and social developments and assess their impact on small businesses
- Act as a spokesperson for FSB Northern Ireland in broadcast and print media when required
- Leadership & Management
- Lead, manage and mentor the Senior Policy Advisor and Policy Advisors
- Support continuous professional development within the policy team
- Deputise for the Head of FSB Northern Ireland when appropriate
- Communication & Reporting
- Draft policy briefings, consultation responses, reports and manifestos
- Produce content for internal and external publications
- Contribute to business planning, reporting and organisational intelligence
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Proven experience leading and managing a research or policy programme in a business-facing, public affairs or policy environment
- Demonstrable policy experience gained in at least one of the following: Civil Service or related public body, Think tank or research institution, Public affairs or policy role within a representative, membership or third-sector organisation
- Strong understanding of political processes at Stormont, Westminster and local government level
- Knowledge of regional economic development policy and practice
- Proven people management and mentoring experience
- Excellent analytical and research skills, including survey design and data analysis
- Ability to translate complex research into clear, persuasive policy positions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and travel
Desirable Criteria
- Postgraduate qualification (Master's or PhD) in a relevant subject
- Experience of small business or SME policy
- Experience within a membership organisation
- Experience of political campaigning
- Media handling and broadcast interview experience
- Knowledge of EU institutions and policy processes
Head of Policy in Belfast employer: Staffline Recruitment Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Staffline Recruitment Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent policy work. Familiarise yourself with their key issues and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Policy role. Highlight your relevant experience in research and policy development, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've influenced policy or led successful projects in your previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this pivotal role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at FSB Northern Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffline Recruitment Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key issues affecting small businesses, especially in Northern Ireland. Brush up on recent FSB policy work and be ready to discuss how these policies impact local businesses. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely care about the organisation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead research and policy programmes. Highlight any experience you have with public affairs or working with government bodies, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on current political, economic, and social developments that affect small businesses. Be prepared to discuss how these factors influence policy decisions and what strategies you would implement to advocate for small business interests.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of communication, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Consider doing mock interviews or presenting your thoughts on policy issues to friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
