Policy and Research Officer - Rural Community Network Northern Ireland (RCN NI)

Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Rural Community Network Northern Ireland (RCN NI) to recruit an organised, analytical, and dedicated Policy and Research Officer. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape public policy and advocacy, ensuring the voices of rural communities are heard and represented across Northern Ireland.

About Rural Community Network Northern Ireland:

RCN NI is a regional, membership-based organisation dedicated to fostering positive change within rural communities. Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan prioritises empowering rural voices, strengthening community development, and promoting equitable, peaceful rural communities.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Policy Manager, the Policy and Research Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing RCN’s policy influence, community advocacy, and research capability. You will ensure rural communities effectively contribute to policy development, consultations, and evidence-based advocacy initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy: Support policy advocacy efforts, draft consultation responses and policy briefings, and represent RCN in key strategic forums.
Community-Led Research and Evidence Building: Undertake participatory and desk-based research, translating community experiences into actionable policy recommendations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Influence: Facilitate forums connecting rural communities with policymakers, service providers, and other stakeholders.
Organisational Learning and Capacity Building: Contribute to internal learning processes, support community groups in policy engagement, and assist in strategic planning and evaluations.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:
Degree-level qualification (Level 6 or above) in social policy, politics, sociology, community development, or a related discipline.
At least two years of experience in policy, advocacy, or research roles.
Strong knowledge of the Rural Needs Act and its application.
Experience working with community groups or voluntary organisations.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
Knowledge of Northern Ireland’s political and administrative frameworks.
Access to suitable transport for travel across rural Northern Ireland.
Desirable:
Experience facilitating community consultations or engagement.
Familiarity with issues such as rural regeneration, migration, and belonging.
Understanding of participatory research methodologies.
Experience in evaluation and reporting for funding purposes.

Skills:

Policy analysis, research methodology, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, advocacy, and problem-solving.

Why Join RCN NI:

Impactful Work: Directly influence public policy and rural advocacy outcomes.
Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, networking, and development.
Supportive Environment: Collaborative and inclusive organisational culture.

Hours: 35 hours per week, Full-time

Location: RCN Office, Cookstown (travel across rural regions required)

Salary: Starting at NJC Point 27 (£37,035 per annum) with incremental yearly increases up to NJC Point 30. The NJC salary scale is currently under review for 2025/2026; any updated salary based on the new scale will be backdated to the date of appointment.

Contract Type: Full-time, subject to funding

Benefits:

Annual Leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus 11 statutory public holidays.
Pension: 6.5% employer contribution to NEST Pension Scheme.
Flexible working arrangements.

You might currently be working in roles such as:

Policy Officer, Research Analyst, Advocacy Officer, Community Development Officer, Policy Analyst, or similar.

Applications Close: Monday, 18th August 2025

Please Note: Applications may be reviewed upon receipt, and this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received. Early application is strongly advised.

Interested?

To apply, please submit your updated CV via our online application system or email directly to Charity Jobs NI at hello@charityjobsni.com. For an extended job description or further details, please contact our team on 028 9248 2205.

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Policy and Research Officer