Economic Development Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local partnership organization in Belfast is seeking an Economic Development Worker under the JobStart Initiative. This position involves promoting training and employment opportunities to strengthen the local economy. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a keen interest in community regeneration. This temporary role offers flexible working hours and pays according to age, ranging from £7.55 to £12.21 per hour.

Qualifications

• Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Basic IT and social media skills are necessary.
• Must be aware of the economic challenges in areas of deprivation.

Responsibilities

• Promote the Resilient West Belfast App for Economic Inclusion.
• Encourage usage of the app for accessing support.
• Provide guidance on local procurement opportunities.
• Help manage community wealth-building events.
• Assist in promoting campaigns for fair employment practices.

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Basic IT and social media skills

Awareness of economic challenges

Ability to work collaboratively

Knowledge of local support organisations

Experience in community projects

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: WEST BELFAST PARTNERSHIP BOARDThe West Belfast Partnership Board is one of four Area Partnerships in Belfast. Its mission is to "involve people who live and work in West Belfast in generating social, economic and physical development and to ensure West Belfast contributes to and benefits equitably from, developments in the city as a whole". West Belfast Partnership has established close links with government departments, Belfast City Council, elected representatives, the community and voluntary sector, the private sector and the wider local community to encourage, develop and support a range of economic, social and physical regeneration projects in the west Belfast area. Key areas of work include Education; Housing, Planning and the Environment; Health and well-being; Economic Development; Community Planning and Neighbourhood Renewal. West Belfast Partnership is committed to collaborative partnership working to make a real difference to people's lives in west Belfast and across the city.This role is part of the Department for Communities Job Start Initiative, designed to give young people meaningful work experience and training. As an Economic Development Worker (Job Start), you will support efforts to strengthen the local economy in West Belfast. You will help promote employment, training, and enterprise opportunities, and assist in delivering initiatives that encourage economic participation and resilience. You’ll work closely with local businesses, community organisations, and residents to build a more economically vibrant, skilled, and connected community.

Responsibilities

• Promoting the Resilient West Belfast App for Economic Inclusion
• Encourage residents and local organisations to use the app to access employment, training, and enterprise support.
• Provide guidance on how to find local procurement opportunities, cooperative support, and financial well‑being resources.
• Help manage and share updates about community wealth‑building events and services.
• Assist in promoting campaigns that raise awareness of fair employment, local business support, and inclusive economic practices.
• Share information about local services such as job coaching, cooperative development, and ethical finance.
• Help design and distribute promotional materials, including posters, leaflets, and social media content.
• Help plan and deliver job fairs, cooperative showcases, and financial wellbeing events.
• Engage with attendees to help them access services or learn about community wealth building opportunities.
• Collect feedback to improve future events and outreach efforts.
• Support efforts to address economic challenges such as unemployment, cost‑of‑living pressures, and lack of access to fair work.
• Work with partner organisations to share accurate information and promote inclusive economic opportunities through community networks.
• Take part in training on community wealth building, communication, and event organisation.
• Learn from experienced mentors about inclusive economic development, digital engagement, and public service delivery.
• Gain valuable work experience for future roles in economic development, community work, or local government.

Skills and Qualifications

• Awareness of economic challenges in areas of deprivation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic IT and social media skills.
• Interest in economic justice, employment, or community regeneration.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the West Belfast area and local support organisations.
• Experience volunteering or working on community or economic projects.

Further Information

The Employer is: WEST BELFAST PARTNERSHIP BOARDJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours InformationStandard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Job Sector Education and Training, Carers and Support Workers Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 15/10/2025 Closing date 25/11/2025 Worktime To be confirmed with employer