Disability Rugby Officer (Maternity Cover) in Belfast

Role Purpose: To provide rugby development services for Disability groups in clubs, Primary schools, Secondary schools and Community groups throughout Ulster.

Location: The post holder will be based at Affidea Stadium but required to travel throughout the rest of the province.

Operational Manager: Participation Rugby Lead

Functional Manager: Head of Rugby Development

Key Relationships: Department for Communities, Disability Sport Northern Ireland (DSNI), Regional Rugby Staff, Club Officers & Members, School staff & pupils, Community organisations, other Ulster Rugby Officers.

Contract Type: 35 hours per week, specified purpose contract to provide maternity cover from date of commencement until 31st March 2027.

Renumeration: In the region of £27,000 - £29,000 gross per annum (plus £4,000 car allowance).

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver Programme KPI’s relating to enhanced participation in disability rugby.
• Deliver rugby participation programmes within community-based settings and encourage linkages back to rugby clubs throughout the Province.
• Support curriculum & extra-curricular based rugby modules in Schools.
• Work with disability clubs to support volunteers and assist them with on-field development.
• Assist with club development activities to grow the capacity of clubs to cater for disabled participation.
• Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken.
• Under the guidance of the PRM, deliver blitzes, extravaganzas & competitions.
• Completion of regular reports in a timely, accurate & competent manner.
• Submission of these fully completed reports within agreed timescales.
• Maintain effective relationships with those detailed in Key Relationships.
• Portray a competent & professional image of the IRFU (Ulster Branch) at all times.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records on all aspects of work.
• Raise the profile of work carried out in terms of disability rugby using various promotional channels available through the IRFU (Ulster Branch) / Ulster Rugby.
• Fulfil all coaching & development obligations throughout the term of the contract.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties to meet the needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience: Demonstrable experience of coaching participants with a disability.
• Knowledge: Understanding & commitment to the IRFU Safeguarding policy.
• Skills & Abilities: Ability to interact positively with colleagues, club volunteers, school teachers & children, good communication skills, good organisation and time management skills, good administration skills with the ability to produce written reports to deadlines.
• Behaviours: Proven ability to work unsupervised, can appropriately use own initiative, self-motivated, good team player.
• Circumstances: Able to work flexible hours, including weekends & evenings, access to a form of transport that will permit the post holder to meet the requirements of the post in full, be prepared to undertake an Access NI check.

Desirable Criteria:

• Qualifications: IRFU (or equivalent) coaching qualification at stages 1, 2 or 3 of the IRFU coaching pathway, Disability Inclusion training.
• Experience: Previous experience in the delivery of sporting programmes to colleges, clubs & schools, previous experience delivering disability participation programmes, previous experience of organising, managing & evaluating events.

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the short online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on 18th May 2026.

Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation.

If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.