Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate employability and skills programmes to boost local economic growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Earn £21.65 per hour with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities to attend engaging community events.
- Why this job: Be part of strategic initiatives that strengthen the local labour market and support businesses.
- Qualifications: Degree or 4 years' experience in economic development; strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
VANRATH are delighted to be assisting our major Public Sector client, a large organisation with the recruitment of an Economic Development Officer to join their team based in Newtownabbey.
What's in it for you?
- £21.65 per hour
- Opportunity to lead strategic employability and skills initiatives
- Exposure to major regional growth programmes and stakeholder partnerships
- Involvement in externally funded economic development projects
About your next employer
You'll be joining a forward-thinking local authority within its Economic Development function, supporting programmes that drive skills development, employability and business growth across the borough. Working closely with businesses, education providers, government departments and community stakeholders, the team delivers strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the local labour market and support regional economic growth.
About you
- Degree qualification (or equivalent) OR at least 4 years' relevant experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience in economic development activities
- Experience delivering skills, employability or workforce initiatives
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Experience working with externally funded programmes (desirable)
- Knowledge of grant funding and programme compliance processes
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Full driving licence (or access to suitable transport)
- Flexibility to attend evening meetings and engagements when required
What you'll do
- Lead and coordinate employability and skills programmes across the borough
- Develop and manage partnerships with businesses, education providers and stakeholders
- Support the establishment and coordination of labour market partnership initiatives
- Identify funding opportunities and support grant application processes
- Monitor programme performance, outcomes and compliance requirements
- Organise and support business engagement events, workshops and consultations
- Prepare reports, action plans and committee documentation
- Contribute to economic development strategies, research and policy initiatives
For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence.
Economic Development Officer - Local Authority in Belfast employer: VANRATH
Contact Detail:
VANRATH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Officer - Local Authority in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the economic development field. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more you engage with stakeholders, the better your chances of landing that Economic Development Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience in delivering employability and skills initiatives. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Officer - Local Authority in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Economic Development Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in economic development activities and any specific projects you've managed that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your project management and organisational skills. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve successfully delivered skills and employability initiatives, as this will really catch our eye.
Engage with Stakeholders: Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, mention any experience you have working with businesses, education providers, or community stakeholders. This shows us you understand the importance of collaboration in economic development.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to process it quickly. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Economic Development Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in economic development, especially those relevant to local authorities. Be ready to discuss your experience with skills initiatives and how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of projects you've managed, particularly those involving externally funded programmes. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensured compliance with grant funding processes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've developed partnerships in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in engaging businesses or education providers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like identifying funding opportunities or monitoring programme performance. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies.