Job Title

Community Development Officer

Location

Belfast

Salary

£14,238.65 per annum (£28,477.30 full-time equivalent)

Contract Type

Part-time, 19 hours per week / 2.5 days per week, offered on a job-share basis.

Fixed-term contract to 31 March 2027, with continuation into 2027/28 subject to funding.

The Role

Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be representing Market Development Association (MDA) in the recruitment of a Community Development Officer.

This is a varied, hands-on community development role supporting MDA’s work across the Market area of Belfast, with a particular focus on community events, resident engagement, volunteer development, policy research and local regeneration priorities.

Working closely with residents, volunteers, the MDA Committee, statutory agencies and community partners, you will help develop practical projects, strengthen local participation and build positive relationships across the community.

The role will also play an important part in MDA’s involvement in major cultural and community initiatives including Féile na haBhann and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, alongside developing the annual Market Festival programme.

With its blend of community engagement, events, volunteering, regeneration and project delivery, this opportunity may particularly suit someone currently working as a Community Development Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Community Project Officer, Community Development Worker, Community Coordinator, Outreach Officer, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Events Officer, Community Regeneration Officer, Project Coordinator or similar community-focused role.

About Market Development Association (MDA)

Market Development Association has been working at the heart of Belfast’s Market community since 1995, promoting the wellbeing of local residents and helping to create a vibrant and sustainable community where people want to live, work and socialise.

Using a community development and rights-based approach, MDA works alongside residents, statutory agencies, government departments and other partners to address local priorities, encourage active citizenship and support positive social and economic change.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate MDA’s Market Festival plan, including activities, venues, budgets and funding requirements.
Work with the MDA Committee, volunteers and partners to co-design and deliver inclusive community events.
Support Irish cultural activity across MDA’s festival and events programme.
Coordinate MDA and Market community involvement in Féile na haBhann and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Build effective relationships with Belfast City Council, An Droichead and other relevant cultural and community partners.
Organise volunteer recruitment activity and workshops to strengthen community participation.
Identify, develop and pursue suitable funding opportunities for community projects and events.
Provide a welcoming and professional point of contact for residents through MDA’s front office and direct enquiries appropriately.
Review the Belfast Agenda and relevant council and government policies, identifying opportunities connected to MDA’s work.
Produce clear research, briefings, recommendations and written updates for MDA management and Committee.
Support data analysis and wider work relating to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector.
Develop and maintain MDA’s volunteer database, including training and accreditation records.
Research best practice in volunteer recruitment, induction, training and development.
Help develop a volunteer training and accreditation structure, including relevant entry-level training.
Maintain accurate records, action plans and reports.
Work collaboratively with residents, volunteers, colleagues and external partners while promoting equality, inclusion and good relations.

The role requires some flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend work linked to meetings, festivals, volunteer workshops and community engagement.

Person Specification / About You

We are looking for an approachable, organised and community-focused individual who can combine practical project delivery with relationship building, research and coordination.

Essential experience and skills include:

Experience of festival, event or project planning.
Experience of volunteer coordination, training or accreditation systems.
Experience working with communities, residents, volunteers or community organisations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of people.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, meetings and deadlines.
Ability to produce clear written plans, reports, briefings and recommendations.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and digital record-keeping systems.
Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and good practice when working with residents and volunteers.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a small team.

Desirable experience includes:

Knowledge of Belfast community planning, regeneration, policy or voluntary sector structures.
Experience of funding research, community consultation or partnership working.
An interest in Irish cultural activity, local heritage and inclusive community participation.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute directly to community development and regeneration in Belfast’s Market community.
A varied role combining community engagement, events, volunteer development, research and partnership working.
Access to relevant professional development opportunities supported by MDA.
Potential access to funded PRINCE2 project management training, where appropriate and approved.
Opportunity to work alongside residents, volunteers and partner organisations on major community and cultural initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about community development and would welcome the opportunity to support residents, volunteers and local partners in creating positive community activity across the Market area, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Apply now and a member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to talk you through the next stage of the process.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 4th September 2026.

Charity Jobs NI is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this vacancy.

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