Policy & Public Affairs Officer

Looking for a role where you can influence public policy, engage with decision-makers and ensure the voluntary and community sector is heard on the issues that matter?

NICVA is the membership and representative body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. We support organisations to do their best work and ensure the sectors voice is heard where it matters. We have recently launched an ambitious new five-year strategy focused on strengthening the sectors resilience, leadership, skills and sustainability in a changing political, economic and social environment.

As part of NICVAs Policy & Insight team, you will help develop and communicate NICVAs policy positions on issues affecting voluntary and community organisations and the people they support. You will monitor political, legislative and public policy developments, assess their implications for the sector and identify opportunities for NICVA and its members to influence emerging decisions.

Working closely with NICVA members, colleagues and sector partners, you will gather views and practical experience from across the voluntary and community sector and turn them into clear, credible policy messages. You will prepare consultation responses, policy briefings, submissions and other materials that make a persuasive, evidence-informed case for change.

You will build constructive relationships with elected representatives, government departments, public bodies and other key stakeholders. You will also support meetings, events and engagement with decision-makers, represent NICVA in relevant forums and help ensure that the sectors priorities are understood within government and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The role would suit someone who is politically aware, an excellent communicator and comfortable working in a fast-moving policy environment. You will be able to understand complex issues quickly, exercise sound judgement and communicate clear and persuasive positions to different audiences. You will also bring strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to influencing public policy in a non-party-political and evidence-informed way.

Whats in it for you?

• The opportunity to influence public policy affecting the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland
• Direct engagement with government departments, elected representatives, public bodies and sector organisations
• The chance to represent the experiences and priorities of NICVAs members
• Varied work spanning policy development, public affairs, consultation responses and stakeholder engagement
• Blended working between home and NICVAs Belfast offices
• Generous annual leave, pension and wellbeing support
• A collaborative and values-driven working environment

To apply

Our preferred application route is online.

Please complete the digital application and Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms using the links below and submit both forms by5.00pm on Monday 24 August 2026.

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