At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with communities and stakeholders to shape impactful policies and funding initiatives.
- Company: Join the National Lottery Community Fund, dedicated to strengthening communities and improving lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular travel across Northern Ireland and a hybrid working approach.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy engagement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. To help us in supporting communities in Northern Ireland, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context in Northern Ireland, and the environment in which our grantholders operate.
You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy Engagement in Northern Ireland, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Northern Ireland to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
- Be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight.
- Provide insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach.
- Maintain a broad understanding of the policy and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities.
We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society. Regular travel around Northern Ireland is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.
Interview Details:
Date: 1 October 2026
Format: In Person
Location: Belfast - We have a hybrid approach to working
How to apply:
Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.
Essential criteria
- Experience of engaging with government, public sector, VCSE or funding stakeholders.
- A strong grasp and knowledge of the policy environment and the developing issues and themes relevant to our Missions and grantholders in Northern Ireland.
- Experience of analysing and interpreting policy and political developments.
- Demonstrable strategic influencing skills.
- Strong communication including written communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to strategic planning and development.
- Understanding of the use of digital tools and systems to manage relationships, share information and support policy development.
- Experience of project management.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed. We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment.
Policy Engagement Manager in Belfast employer: TNL Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive hybrid working model, primarily based in the Midlands but flexible across various UK locations. Join us to make a meaningful impact while being part of a compassionate team that values equity, diversity, and innovation in our financial strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Engagement Manager in Belfast
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Engagement Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at TNL Community Fund
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from TNL Community Fund.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show TNL Community Fund that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
