At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in policy development and represent the Union across various media platforms.
- Company: Join the Ulster Farmers Union, a key player in Northern Ireland's agri-food sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and engagement with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agricultural policies while growing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38180 - 38180 £ per year.
Location: Antrim Road, Belfast
Contract Type: full-time, permanent
Starting salary: £38,180 p.a.
Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026
About the Role: The Ulster Farmers Union is seeking to recruit a Policy Officer primarily based out of our Head Office in Belfast. This will be a challenging and wide-ranging job working as part of the UFU Policy Team. Full access to a car is essential, as you will need to attend meetings that will occasionally take place during evenings or weekends.
The job involves assisting with:
- Policy Development & Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- The servicing of Union Policy Committees
- Representing the views of the Union across a range of media
- The lobbying process
- Collaborating with other teams in the organisation to support the wider UFU priorities
The ideal candidate should have the following skills and experience:
- Have a degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as policy, economics, agriculture, politics, communications or related field
- Have a good knowledge of or interest in Northern Ireland Agriculture, rural affairs or food systems
- Have good communication skills including briefing and report writing
- Have experience with either; policy development/research and/or stakeholder engagement and/or communications/advocacy work and/or public affairs/political processes
- Be computer literate
- Hold a driving licence and have full access to a car
What you'll gain:
- Exposure to high-profile policy issues affecting the agri-food sector.
- Direct engagement with decision-makers, industry leaders and key stakeholders.
- Opportunities to develop expertise across a broad and evolving policy portfolio.
- A dynamic working environment with significant scope for professional growth and development.
Benefits & Salary:
Benefits include: 25 days annual leave exclusive of public and bank holidays; employer contribution to private pension scheme; car mileage for travel; flexible benefit scheme; cycle to work scheme; employee assistance programme. The starting salary will be £38,180 p.a. The Ulster Farmers Union operates a salary scale which is reviewed annually.
How to apply: The closing date for the role is Friday 19th June 2026. To apply, please email your completed application and monitoring form quoting Policy Officer application in the subject line. Please ensure you have clearly demonstrated on your application how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. You can download the full job description as well as the monitoring and application forms by clicking Apply and you will be redirected to our website. Please note the monitoring form is 2 pages long. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date, all shortlisted candidates will be notified as soon as possible. We aim to hold the interviews within 10 days of the closing date.
Policy Officer in Belfast employer: Ulster Farmers Union
The Ulster Farmers Union is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Belfast that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on high-profile policy issues in the agri-food sector, employees benefit from direct engagement with industry leaders and decision-makers, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and a private pension scheme. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the agri-food sector, especially those connected to the Ulster Farmers Union. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current policy issues affecting Northern Ireland agriculture. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the sector. Being able to discuss recent developments will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s briefing or report writing, make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to refine your delivery and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team. Make sure to highlight how your experience aligns with the role in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for policy and agriculture shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the impact it can have on the agri-food sector.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see how you meet the essential criteria.
Follow the Instructions:Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Make sure to quote 'Policy Officer application' in the subject line and include all required forms. We want to make this process as smooth as possible for you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ulster Farmers Union
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on current agricultural policies and issues affecting Northern Ireland. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the agri-food sector will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas, whether through briefing documents or stakeholder engagement. This role requires strong communication, so be ready to demonstrate your skills with clear, concise examples.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about past experiences where you've engaged with stakeholders or represented an organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated different perspectives and built relationships, as this is key for the Policy Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Agriculture
Share your enthusiasm for agriculture and rural affairs during the interview. Whether it's through personal experiences or academic interests, showing that you're passionate about the field will resonate well with the interviewers.
