Rural Policy Research Officer – Ballymena.

  • Ballymena
  • £24.59

Rural Policy Research Officer – Ballymena

  • Ballymena
  • £24.59
  • Posted June 23, 2026

We are currently recruiting for an Rural Policy Research Officer based in Ballymena. The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork, ANI clearance has been completed.

Start date: ASAP

Duration: 6 Months with a possibility of extension

Rate of pay: £24.59

Hours of work: Full time 9 – 5pm Mon to Fri

Key Responsibilities:

Assisting in the implementation of the new rural policy proposals, particularly those relating to the outcome of the Understanding Rural Communities co-design working group which may include conducting a Rural Audit of Northern Ireland and supporting the development of a monitoring and evaluations framework & model.
Research into, and potential development and delivery of, a monitoring and evaluation framework for rural policy interventions.
Supporting and developing the Rural Affairs Thematic Board.
Identification of rural research requirements.
Commissioning and management of research projects within AFBI and other relevant institutes.
Presenting relevant research to allow officials to engage across NICS departments and champion the needs of rural communities.
Preparing submissions, briefings and responses in respect of Ministerial, Executive and AERA Committee correspondence, Assembly Questions etc.
Undertaking line management responsibilities.
Leading and developing staff working on rural evidence and evaluation, ensuring appropriate skills in analysis, data interpretation, and evaluation methods.
Assisting with the administration and management of the branch including in relation to budget, finance and corporate returns as required.
Contributing to a rural research repository, including drafting and sharing content and knowledge via internal newsletters/bulletins.
The duties listed above are not exhaustive. However, they provide a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties may vary over time according to business needs and the post-holder may be required to carry out other duties consistent with the grade as allocated by management.

Essential Criteria applicants must have:.

• The post-holder is required to hold a degree and have a minimum of 12 months’ experience

• Research & Analysis – Ability to analyse complex evidence in collaboration with other NICS departments and in consultation with experts which is evidence informed in respect of meeting rural need.
• Report Writing – Ability to draft complex information to Minister, Executive, AERA Committee, Assembly and SMT providing concise and up-to-date information often within very tight timescales for consideration.
• Communication – Ability to actively encourage ideas from a wide range of sources and stakeholders and use these to inform future thinking. Ability to invite challenge to help build engagement and present robust recommendations. Use appropriate communication methods and know when to stand ground when needed.
• Management skills – ability to lead staff and work with teams to provide a timely, well organised, quality service to customers and other branches within the division, working at pace and to a high standard to deliver agreed goals and objectives.
• Ability to be able to deliver results at pace and to manage work against agreed timescales and management of competing priorities.
• Well-developed leadership and management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, senior officials in DAERA and other stakeholders within Rural Policy.
• Ability to work on own initiative, delivering results and managing work in a complex, cross-cutting and fastmoving environment and subject to competing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience of providing written reports to senior management, including preparing and inputting to briefings.

A degree with a minimum 1-2 years experience

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

Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven ability to use own initiative.

Please send your CV via the link or to Jack.Knox@therecruitmentco.uk

Apply for this job.

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