Regeneration Officer - Market Development Association (MDA)

Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be exclusively partnering with the Market Development Association (MDA) to recruit a proactive, community‑minded Regeneration Officer. Funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), this role will help put the Market area on a firm strategic footing during a period of significant change and development.

About MDA

MDA is a community‑led organisation serving the Market area, building partnerships that improve local housing, infrastructure, safety and opportunities. The Regeneration Officer will be based in the Market Community Centre, working closely with residents, partners and stakeholders.

About the Role

You’ll lead the development and delivery of a bespoke Regeneration Plan for the Market community, organise regeneration, planning and community wealth building programmes, and support the strategic development of new and existing projects aligned to community priorities.

Key Responsibilities

· Plan development: Coordinate, draft and deliver a community‑owned Regeneration Plan covering housing, road safety, infrastructure and inclusive economic growth.

· Programme delivery: Organise neighbourhood improvement schemes and education/capacity‑building initiatives linked to regeneration priorities.

· Participation and advocacy: Facilitate meaningful participation in the planning system and strengthen community organising and campaigning.

· Partnerships and funding: Build cross‑sector partnerships and contribute to funding applications, reporting and compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

· Qualifications/experience route: Third‑level qualification in a relevant discipline and at least four years’ relevant experience in each area below; or, without a third‑level qualification, at least five years’ relevant experience in each area.

· Urban development knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of planning, roads, housing and economic regeneration, and how these impact an inner‑city working‑class community.

· Social and economic insight: Understand links between systemic inequalities, lived experience and the built environment; awareness of community‑based economic regeneration, including social economy and community wealth building.

· Delivery experience: Work in a regeneration and/or community development setting; experience of new housing developments; managing cross‑sector partnerships with residents, statutory agencies and community partners; community organising and campaigning.

· Funding and research: Successful funding applications and grant management with effective reporting; conducting and reporting community‑based research; working across sectors to deliver strategic priorities.

· Aptitudes: Knowledge of working in areas of deprivation; ability to engage effectively with community, statutory agencies and housing associations; leadership and teamworking; able to use own initiative.

· IT and reporting: Competent with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, email/internet).

· Communication: Able to motivate and encourage others; prepare, write and present reports/strategies; present to different audiences.

· Flexibility: Able to work evenings/weekends as required.

Desirable

· Qualifications: Third‑level qualification in Community Development, Urban Planning, Regeneration or related.

· Local knowledge: Knowledge of the Belfast regeneration landscape; awareness of challenges and strengths of working‑class communities; knowledge of funding bodies.

· Monitoring and communications: Experience writing evaluation/monitoring reports to funders; ability to utilise social media platforms to progress work.

Why Join MDA

Make a tangible impact on place‑making and opportunity in an inner‑city community, working alongside committed residents and partners to deliver positive change.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Market Community Centre (office‑based)

Salary: £28,203.29 per annum (gross)

Contract: Fixed‑term to 31 March 2026, with strong likelihood of 12‑month extension (subject to funding)

Anticipated Start: October 2025

Applications Close: 12pm, Friday 19th September 2025

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

You might currently be working as: Regeneration Officer, Community Development Officer, Urban Regeneration Officer, Planning & Engagement Officer, Programme Coordinator, or similar.

Interested?: Submit your CV via our online system or email hello@charityjobsni.com. For questions, call 028 9248 2205.

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