At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recruitment, organising, representation, bargaining, and campaigning across branches.
- Company: Join UNISON, the UK's leading public services trade union.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual subsistence allowance, and a permanent contract.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade unions, excellent communication, and presentation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48787 - 48787 £ per year.
This is a key organising role in UNISON and involves working in and across branches to support recruitment, organising, representation, bargaining and campaigning activity.
Location: Belfast
Closing date: 3 September 2026
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Weekly hours: 35
Contract length: Permanent
Starting salary: £48,787 per annum, plus £3,629 Annual Subsistence Allowance
The role includes:
- Developing and delivering recruitment and organising initiatives and campaigns in our branches.
- Training and developing stewards.
- Undertaking case work.
- Advising, supporting and mentoring branch officers and stewards in representation and negotiation.
You will have excellent presentation skills and communication skills, both face-to-face and on paper. A sound understanding of trade unions and their objectives is essential along with a good understanding of UNISON's policies and objectives. You will need to be able to travel within the region for meetings/training as required.
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full requirements to apply.
To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the area and local organiser application form, referring to the job description and person specification. Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.
The completed application form, along with the NI Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form, should be sent by email to Michele Bradford and quote reference R5/10. Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference. Completed application forms must be received by no later than 5pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
In-person interviews will be held in mid-September. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the date and time of their interview by email.
About UNISON: UNISON is the UK's leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services. We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland. UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.
Area Organiser employer: UNISON
UNISON is an excellent employer that prioritises diversity and inclusion, fostering a collaborative work culture where every voice is valued. With a strong commitment to employee growth, UNISON offers numerous opportunities for professional development within the not-for-profit sector, making it a meaningful place to contribute to impactful projects in IT infrastructure. Located in a vibrant community, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Organiser
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by UNISON.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like UNISON.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at UNISON.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at UNISON. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Organiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of UNISON. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Area Organiser, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNISON
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of UNISON. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
