We are currently recruiting a Senior Communications, Research and Training Consultant for our client based in Ballykelly. The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork and ANI completed.

Start date: ASAP

Location: Jubilee House, Ballykelly however, working location is flexible with Rural Affairs staff headquartered at other locations such as Academy House, Ballymena.

Rate of pay: £24.59ph

Hours of work: 37 Full time 9 – 5pm Mon to Fri

Key Responsibilities:

The post-holder will provide specialist communications, research, training and implementation support to Rural Legislation Advisory Branch in preparation for the implementation of the Review of the Schedule to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
The Review has recommended the inclusion of additional public authorities within the Schedule to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. Subject to legislative approval, these organisations will become subject to the existing statutory duty to have due regard to rural needs.
The post-holder will support the Branch in preparing for the onboarding of newly listed public authorities through the development of guidance, training material, stakeholder communications and customer-focused support resources. This work will help ensure that public authorities are equipped to understand and implement their obligations under the Act in a consistent and proportionate manner. The Department’s implementation approach anticipates guidance, engagement and training support for newly listed bodies
The post-holder will:
•    Support the development and delivery of a structured implementation and onboarding programme for public authorities proposed for inclusion within the Schedule to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
•    Undertake research and information gathering to identify implementation requirements, training needs and stakeholder support requirements.
•    Prepare clear, accessible and customer-focused training materials, presentations, guidance documents, frequently asked questions and supporting resources for public authorities.
•    Support the development of communication products that explain statutory requirements in a practical and accessible manner.
•    Assist with stakeholder engagement activities involving public authorities, Rural Needs Co-ordinators and other relevant stakeholders.
•    Develop briefing material and communication products for senior officials and Ministers as required.
•    Support the preparation of guidance and training materials consistent with agreed policy positions, approved legal advice and statutory requirements.
•    Assist in the development of communications plans and implementation materials associated with the expansion of the Rural Needs Act framework.
•    Identify common implementation issues, user requirements and support needs and contribute to practical solutions.
•    Support the development of customer-focused support materials and communication channels for newly listed public authorities.
•    Assist with quality assurance and consistency checks across guidance, training and implementation material.
•    Work collaboratively with policy, legal, digital, communications and operational colleagues to support successful implementation of the Review’s recommendations.
•    Provide research, communications and project support across wider Rural Needs Act implementation activities as required.
The duties listed above are not exhaustive. The emphasis on individual duties may vary according to business needs and implementation priorities.

Essential Criteria applicants must have:

Degree

The post holder must demonstrate:

1.    The post holder must hold a degree and have at least 1 to 2 years experience.
2.    Experience of developing and delivering communications, engagement or information products for a range of audiences.
3.    Experience of developing training, guidance, briefing material or other learning resources for stakeholders, customers or service users.
4.    Experience of researching and analysing complex information and presenting findings in a clear and accessible format.
5.    Excellent written communication skills with experience of producing high-quality reports, guidance, briefings or other written products.
6.    Experience of working effectively with multiple stakeholders and building productive working relationships.
7.    Experience of delivering work to agreed timescales while managing competing priorities.
8.    Ability to communicate complex legislative, regulatory, technical or policy information in a clear and user-focused manner.
9.    Experience of supporting organisational change, programme implementation, stakeholder engagement or service improvement initiatives.
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.
Desired Criteria

•    Experience of public sector communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or policy implementation.
•    Experience of designing and delivering training programmes or learning materials.
•    Experience of developing customer guidance or support resources.
•    Experience of working with legislation, regulatory frameworks or statutory guidance.
•    Experience of project or programme implementation.
•    Knowledge of Northern Ireland public sector structures and public authorities.

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.