Programme Link Officer
Location: Northern Ireland-wide, with an office base at Rural Community Network, Cookstown or Volunteer Now, Belfast
Salary: £24,849 per annum (pro rata to £14,199 for 20 hours per week)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st August 2028, subject to funding
Hours: Part-time, 20 hours per week. Reasonable hours outside this may be required to fulfil the obligations of the post.
The Inspiring and Strengthening Volunteers Project is funded by Dormant Assets NI and delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.
About the Organisations
Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be supporting Volunteer Now and Rural Community Network with this recruitment.
Volunteer Now promotes, develops and supports volunteering across Northern Ireland. It provides information and support to volunteer-involving organisations on volunteer management, governance and safeguarding.
Rural Community Network is partnering with Volunteer Now to deliver the Inspiring and Strengthening Volunteers Project, which provides dedicated support to six eligible organisations each year to strengthen their volunteer involvement.
The Role
The Programme Link Officer will support the delivery of the Inspiring and Strengthening Volunteers (ISV) Project, acting as a key point of contact for participating organisations and helping each develop a programme of support tailored to its needs. The postholder will coordinate training, networking and other events, work with colleagues and partner organisations, and help monitor the programme’s progress and impact.
This is a varied opportunity for an organised and collaborative person with an interest in volunteering, community development and supporting organisations. The role may also suit someone with experience as a Volunteer Programme Officer, Volunteer Support Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Volunteer Development Officer, Programme Co-ordinator, Project Support Officer or Training and Events Co-ordinator.
Key Responsibilities
- Liaise with Rural Community Network to identify participating groups and share key information, dates and invitations.
- Coordinate training, networking and other events, including room hire and catering.
- Act as a point of contact for participating groups, responding to support requests and ensuring their needs are recorded and addressed.
- Work with Volunteer Now colleagues and Rural Community Network to develop tailored support programmes for each organisation.
- Coordinate meetings, governance and volunteer health checks, and monitor progress against agreed areas of work.
- Maintain expenditure, budget, monitoring and evaluation records, and compile reports on the programme.
- Provide administrative support, maintain contact and file management systems, and share relevant materials with groups.
About You
You will be organised, methodical and able to work effectively with a range of people and organisations. You will be able to demonstrate:
- The ability to use a range of Microsoft packages and other computerised programmes or systems.
- The ability to work methodically and plan and organise your workload effectively.
- The ability to contribute to the successful planning and organisation of events, conferences or training.
Candidates will also be assessed against Volunteer Now’s core competencies: Delivering Excellence, Thinking Outside the Box, Working Together and Getting Things Done.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with a Northern Ireland-wide remit and an office base in Cookstown or Belfast.
- Annual leave starting at 22 days per annum, pro rata, plus statutory/public holidays. Annual leave rises to 25 days after one year’s service, then by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Pension contributions of 4.5% of gross salary per annum, available after successful completion of probation.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
How to Apply
If you’re organised, enjoy bringing people together and are motivated by helping organisations strengthen their volunteer involvement, we’d love to hear from you.
Simply apply now with your CV to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to discuss your application and guide you through the next steps of the process.
Closing Date: Friday 16th October 2026 at 4.00pm
Interviews: Week commencing 26th October 2026 (subject to change)
Volunteer Now is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be supporting Volunteer Now and Rural Community Network with this recruitment.