Community Learning & Engagement 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 a dynamic, creative, and motivated Community Learning & Engagement Officer. This role offers an exciting opportunity to strengthen rural community organisations, enabling collaboration, skills development, and meaningful engagement across Northern Ireland.

About Rural Community Network Northern Ireland:

RCN NI is a regional, membership-based organisation committed to supporting inclusive rural communities. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2030 emphasises community empowerment, sustainable rural development, and promoting peace and good relations across diverse rural contexts.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Community Development Manager, the Community Learning & Engagement Officer will lead impactful training initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver meaningful programmes promoting community relations, good governance, and peacebuilding, particularly in rural areas shaped by legacy and identity.

Key Responsibilities:

Training & Capacity Building: Design and deliver annual programmes, workshops, and accredited courses including the Diploma in Community Development Practice (in partnership with Galway University), embedding inclusive methodologies and reflective practices.
Programme Development & Evaluation: Conduct annual needs assessments, gather and analyse data for programme planning and funder reports, and ensure comprehensive documentation and continuous improvement.
Strategic Networking & Engagement: Maintain RCN’s membership database, build strategic cross-sector relationships, organise networking and learning events, and represent RCN at policy forums.
Community Relations & Peacebuilding: Coordinate targeted programmes addressing legacy issues, facilitating dialogue and inclusive development particularly within Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist (PUL) communities.
Organisational Learning & Collaboration: Support fundraising, strategic planning, advocacy, and organisational learning through collaborative approaches and practical insights.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:
Minimum 3 years’ experience in community development and capacity-building.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in Community Relations, Good Relations, or Peacebuilding.
Deep understanding of the rural context in Northern Ireland.
Proven report-writing skills.
Excellent organisational, planning, and communication abilities.
Commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Desirable:
Relevant third-level qualification.
Experience delivering accredited training.
Knowledge of fundraising and funding landscapes.
Insight into social and community issues impacting rural Northern Ireland.
Strong facilitation and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of voluntary, community, social enterprise (VCSE), and public sectors.

Skills:

Capacity building, facilitation, strategic networking, peacebuilding, programme design, and evaluation.

Why Join RCN NI:

Community Impact: Directly contribute to strengthening rural communities across Northern Ireland.
Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous professional growth and sector engagement.
Supportive Environment: Collaborative, creative, and supportive organisational culture.

Hours: 28 hours per week (part-time)

Location: RCN Offices, Cookstown (regional travel required)

Salary: Starting at NJC Point 27 (£37,035 pro rata), with incremental yearly increases up to NJC Point 30 (£39,513 pro rata). 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: Fixed-term until March 2027 (subject to funding)

Benefits:

Annual Leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years' continuous service, plus 11 statutory public holidays (pro rata).
Pension: 6.5% employer contribution (NEST).
Flexible working arrangements.

You might currently be working in roles such as:

Community Development Officer, Training Coordinator, Capacity Building Officer, Engagement Officer, Peacebuilding Coordinator, Community Relations Officer, or similar.

Applications Close: Tuesday, 26th 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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Community Learning & Engagement Officer