Research and Information Officer – Ballymena.

We have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our client, based in Ballymena as a full-time Research and Information Officer

Our client is Northern Ireland’s Leading Public Sector Employer.

Administrator Pay Rate: £19.59 per hour

Start Date: As soon as possible 

Benefits working with NICS:

• On the job training provided
• Gain valuable skills and progress your career
• Diverse and inclusive employer with active social mobility policies
• Flexible Working & Hybrid Working

Hours of Work: 

• Monday to Friday
• 9am – 5pm

• The post holder will support the development of policy proposals aimed at strengthening rural communities at Local and Regional Level, as part of Rural NI: Our New Approach.
• This proposal focuses on strengthening the role of voluntary and community groups in rural areas, helping to ensure rural voices are heard, represented and reflected in future policy development, service design and decision-making across government.
• The role will involve supporting policy development, stakeholder engagement, evidence gathering and the preparation of advice to help shape a long-term, strategic approach to investment in the rural voluntary and community sector. This will include work to build the sustainability, skills, capacity and influence of groups operating at grassroots, local and regional levels.

• Support the development of policy proposals, including reviewing existing policy, rural research and evidence, and identifying emerging issues affecting rural voluntary and community groups.
• Assist in defining policy problems, developing options and shaping practical proposals to strengthen rural voices and improve inclusive engagement.

•  Support engagement with voluntary and community organisations, local government, rural stakeholders and other partners to help inform policy development.
• Assist in coordinating engagement activity to ensure a wide range of rural perspectives are reflected, including at grassroots, local and regional levels.
• Help identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration, representation and advocacy across rural communities.

• Draft briefing papers, submissions, correspondence and advice for senior officials, Ministers, the Assembly and the Permanent Secretary.
• Provide support to Policy Leads and the Head of Branch in progressing key deliverables.
• Represent the Department, where required, in internal and external stakeholder meetings.
• Support monitoring, reporting and governance requirements, including updates to the Branch Balanced Scorecard.
• Carry out other duties consistent with the grade as required by management.

Essential Experience &Qualifications required: 

The post holders must demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communications skills as well as good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A good knowledge of using software packages e.g., Microsoft office.
• They can acquire knowledge in an area, absorb the key issues and to work with others with a focus on achieving key deliverables.
• They are responsive, open to change and can adapt to a changing environment.
• They are innovative and able to suggest ideas for improvements.
• They create and maintain positive working relationships to achieve business objectives.
• They can plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• A degree with a minimum of 12 months’ experience

The post holders will be expected to work on their own initiative and provide a positive contribution to the overall success of the team.

Desired Experience and Qualifications: 

• Previous experience and knowledge of working in central or local government in a policy role, or experience supporting voluntary and community sector policy, stakeholder engagement, grant funding, rural development or community capacity-building work, would be desirable.

An Access NI will be required for this role

• A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position.
• The UK Recruitment Co. Ltd has policies on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and the Secure Handling, Use, Storage, and Retention of Disclosure Information, copies of which can be made available upon request.

Please apply via link or send your CV to kerri.kyle@therecruitmentco.uk