Local Organiser (Research & Development) in Belfast

The Northern Ireland region is currently recruiting a part time, permanent Local Organiser (Research & Development). The role will include undertaking research and project work and supporting policy development.

Location: Belfast

Closing date: 3 September 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Weekly hours: 18

Starting salary: £36,820 per annum (pro rata) plus £3,629 annual subsistence allowance (pro rata)

Job reference: R5/38

The role

Working with the Regional Management Team in Northern Ireland your role will involve undertaking research and project work, providing information and supporting policy development in accordance with the Regional Plan. This translates into a wide range of activities supporting the union internally and externally, including:

• Working with the senior team, the whole staff team, union activists and, where appropriate, direct assistance to branches and supporting a range of organising, bargaining, campaigning and policy issues.
• Investigating, compiling and analysing policy and statistical data, and communicating these in appropriate ways, written and oral, to different internal and external audiences.
• Providing background research for use in the drafting of policy statements, sectoral publications, responses to government and public sector consultations, campaign materials, briefing papers and speeches.
• Investigating, researching and collating information through primary sources such as member case studies and conducting members surveys.
• Taking a lead research role on specific projects, such as the unions Just Transition framework to secure workers rights and combat climate change.
• Supporting the organisation of UNISON conferences, seminars, lobbies and attending internal and external meetings as appropriate.
• Developing up to date materials for publication on the UNISON website, and social media.
• Supporting regional and UNISON-wide organising, recruitment and campaign activities.

You will be committed to the principles and policies of UNISON in particular and the trade union movement in general. You will have excellent research and communication skills, and an understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and democracy. You will have the ability to travel as required.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full requirements for this 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 R5/38. 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 UKs 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.