Your new company

A public sector organisation with a strong commitment to human rights, trauma-informed practice, and survivor-centred engagement, the organisation is at a pivotal stage in delivering key legislative and policy outcomes. Based in Belfast, the team operates a hybrid working model, with office-based collaboration currently on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Your new role

As Policy and Research Officer, you’ll be central to shaping evidence-based policy and research that informs the organisation’s strategic direction and public advocacy. Reporting to the Head of Policy and Engagement, you’ll lead on developing policy briefings, consultation responses, and research programmes that support the organisation’s statutory duties.

Key responsibilities include:

• Producing policy papers, briefings, and submissions for government and statutory bodies

• Leading the rollout of consultation findings on service provision

• Designing and managing qualitative and quantitative research projects

• Identifying data gaps and reviewing international best practice

• Presenting findings to internal and external stakeholders

• Supporting legislative and policy responses, including Ministerial briefings

• Ensuring all work is rights-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred

What you'll need to succeed

You’ll bring at least three years’ experience in a policy or research role, ideally within a rights, justice, or accountability context. You’ll be confident managing research projects, writing for diverse audiences, and navigating complex policy environments.

Essential criteria:

• University level degree in a relevant area including law, social policy or social science

• Proven experience leading policy/research projects

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience producing policy documents and managing data ethically

• Ability to work at pace and respond to short-term requests

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field

• Experience commissioning research

• Familiarity with public procurement processes in Northern Ireland
  
  

What you'll get in return

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful societal change while developing your expertise in policy and research. You’ll join a supportive, purpose-driven team and benefit from:

• Competitive salary aligned to NICS SO scale

• Hybrid working model, 3 days working from home

• Opportunity to extend beyond initial 12-month contract

• Based in Belfast City Centre

• Exposure to high-impact policy work and stakeholder engagement

• Supportive team environment and strong culture

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.