At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support youth programmes, mentoring young people and volunteers.
- Company: Join eduSOIL, a dynamic organisation focused on youth leadership and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a global movement empowering youth to create meaningful change.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in education, youth work, or community development preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours, collaborative environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
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eduSOIL CIC is the lead partner for Design for Change programmes in Northern Ireland. We are seeking a Design for Change Northern Ireland (DFC NI) Programmes Director (PD) to provide delivery-led senior leadership for our Northern Ireland portfolio during an initial 12-month term. Our work integrates wellbeing, creativity, youth voice and global citizenship through school and community-based programmes.
This is a hands-on senior leadership role combining documented delivery, partnership development, mentoring and strategic contribution. The postholder will work closely with the Founder & CEO and collaborate with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, as well as eduSOIL’s global wellbeing programmes Director.
The role is ideal for someone who wants to contribute at both strategic and grass-roots level, mentor young people and volunteers, and grow their own leadership capacity within a respected global movement.
Key responsibilities include:- Providing leadership for NI programmes including MEtime for Change, Design for Change, Virtual Youth Exchange, Be The Change and Student Council Leadership
- Supporting funded delivery with schools, artists, teachers and young people
- Mentoring youth participants, youth employees and volunteers
- Building and maintaining relationships with schools, universities, funders and strategic partners
- Supporting funding development, reporting and evaluation
- Contributing to national visibility and storytelling through stories of change
- Representing Northern Ireland within the global Design for Change network
- Participating in shared leadership, wellbeing practice and safeguarding processes
The role combines strategic contribution with hands-on involvement in programme delivery, partnerships and mentoring. It is not a trustee or purely advisory role. The Programme Director works closely with the Founder & CEO and is part of a peer leadership group with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, contributing to shared learning and international collaboration.
What are we looking for?We are seeking a committed, values-led individual with experience across education, youth work, community development, arts, social enterprise or related sectors.
You should have:
- At least 5 years’ professional experience in a related, relevant or complementary field/sector
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Experience supporting or managing projects or programmes
- Confidence mentoring young people and volunteers
- An interest in wellbeing-informed leadership and reflective practice
- Experience working with schools, young people, educators or community organisations either through professional roles or in a voluntary capacity.
You do not need prior experience with Design for Change, but you should be open to learning and working within an established global methodology. You also do not need to have a background in Education or the Community Sector, yet should have experience with young people, prior voluntary experience in any field and must have a commitment to connect with and collaborate with underserved communities.
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
- Are based in Belfast
- Bring lived experience of migration, cultural transition or integration
- Have experience in arts, mindfulness, yoga or wellbeing practice alongside professional expertise
- Are motivated by equity, youth voice and ethical leadership
This role suits someone who wants to actively contribute and who is excited by working at both local and international levels.
What difference will you make?This role is critical to eduSOIL’s ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable youth leadership programmes across Northern Ireland. By having a dedicated DFC NI Programmes Director, eduSOIL can:
- Strengthen relationships with schools, universities and education stakeholders
- Increase programme reach, consistency and quality across NI
- Better support young people and volunteers through mentoring and leadership
- Deliver funded programmes effectively and responsibly
- Build a stronger pipeline of partners, funders and future leaders
- Ensure NI voices and practice are represented within a global movement
The Programme Director plays a key role in bridging strategy and delivery, ensuring that wellbeing-centred youth leadership is embedded in practice, not just policy. Their contribution directly supports young people to lead meaningful change while strengthening the long-term sustainability and visibility of the organisation.
All Programme Directors participate in eduSOIL’s wellbeing-informed leadership framework, including:
- Weekly guided reflective practice
- 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme
All work operates under eduSOIL safeguarding policies.
How can you apply?Apply directly on this platform. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 days of applying. They will be invited to complete an online application form, provide contact details for two referees and be invited to attend an online interview with the Founder/CEO within 5 days of our reply. The next stage involves background checks which will be carried out through Volunteer Now and consent sought for us to contact referees. This stage can take 1 - 2 weeks. Agreement to participate in Mindfulness and safeguarding training, which are mandatory for this role must be provided prior contractual confirmation. We aim to finalise placements on a first come first served basis, based on our organisational needs. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online conversation with the Founder & CEO.
Tasks and responsibilities- Lead and support virtual Design for Change programme delivery for NI youth
- Ensure safeguarding, consent and ethical boundaries in all onsite and online youth spaces
- Support trauma-aware facilitation and wellbeing-informed practice
- Mentor educators, youth facilitators and volunteers working remotely as well as onsite
- Coordinate virtual youth exchange and international collaboration
- Strengthen partnerships with schools, EA, charities, funders/partners
- Contribute to funding readiness, documentation and learning evidence
- Support quality assurance, reflection and programme consistency
- Escalate safeguarding or wellbeing risks appropriately and promptly
- Adaptability
- Brand Development & Messaging
- Business Development & Sales Management
- Capacity Planning
- Communication Skills
- Community Development
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Planning
- Fundraising
- Interpersonal Skills
- Legal (General)
- Mental Health
- Mentoring
- Problem Solving
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
- SWOT/GAP Analysis
- Self Awareness
- Strategic Planning
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Youth Activities Management
Onsite Youth Mentors – Northern Ireland in Belfast employer: Volunteer Now
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Now Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Onsite Youth Mentors – Northern Ireland in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for jobs to be posted; reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest. A well-timed email can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the organisation, understand their values, and think about how your experiences align with their mission. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Onsite Youth Mentors – Northern Ireland in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who is passionate about youth work and community development, so share your story and what drives you. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application process outlined on our website. Make sure you provide all the necessary information and documents. It shows us that you can follow guidelines and are serious about the opportunity.
Proofread Your Application: Before hitting send, give your application a good read-through. Typos and errors can distract from your message. We want to see your best work, so take the time to polish it up!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Programme Director and the specific responsibilities it entails. Familiarise yourself with the Design for Change methodology and eduSOIL’s mission. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring is a key part of this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully mentored young people or volunteers. Highlight the impact you made and how you fostered growth in others.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with schools, community organisations, or other stakeholders in the past. This shows you can effectively engage with partners and enhance programme delivery.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Ethical Leadership
Given the focus on wellbeing-informed leadership, be prepared to discuss your approach to ethical leadership and how you incorporate wellbeing practices into your work. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these values.