At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and analyse policies, engage with stakeholders, and represent the Union's views.
- 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 development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agricultural policy while engaging with industry leaders.
- 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 Newtownabbey 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 strong focus on policy issues affecting 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer in Newtownabbey
✨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. Bring your A-game with examples of how your skills align with the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow the Ulster Farmers Union and other relevant organisations on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your insights on policy matters to get noticed by decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! Make sure your application highlights your experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills mentioned in the job description – we want to see how you fit the bill!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for agriculture and policy shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the issues affecting Northern Ireland's agri-food sector.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use specific examples from your background that demonstrate your expertise in policy development or stakeholder engagement.
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 include all required documents and mention 'Policy Officer application' in the subject line when emailing us. It helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ulster Farmers Union
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current agricultural policies and issues affecting Northern Ireland. Brush up on recent developments in the agri-food sector, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key for a Policy Officer, prepare to demonstrate your briefing and report writing skills. Bring examples of your previous work or be ready to discuss how you would approach stakeholder engagement and representation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle policy development or stakeholder engagement scenarios, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so be prepared to discuss your experience working with different teams. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in policy-related contexts.
