Policy Officer

Ufuni; Belfast; On-site; GBP 34,362 - 41,998; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Employer contribution to private pension

Car mileage for travel

Flexible benefit scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Ufuni is seeking a qualified candidate to engage in policy development and represent the Union's interests across various media. This position requires excellent communication skills and a degree in a relevant field.

The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in Northern Ireland's agriculture and food systems, along with experience in stakeholder engagement. The role offers 25 days of annual leave, a pension contribution, and a starting salary of £38,180 p.a.

Qualifications

• Have a degree in a relevant discipline such as policy, economics, agriculture, or communications.
• Knowledge of Northern Ireland agriculture, rural affairs or food systems.
• Experience with policy development, research, engagement, communications, or advocacy work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze Union policies and represent views across media.
• Engage stakeholders and attend meetings during evenings or weekends.
• Collaborate with teams to support wider priorities.

Skills

Communication skills

Policy development/research

Stakeholder engagement

Interest in agriculture

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

• Policy Development & Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
• The servicing of Union Policy Committees
• Representing the views of the Union across a range of media
• The lobbying process
• Collaborating with other teams in the organisation to support the wider UFU priorities
• Full access to a car is essential, as you will need to attend meetings that will occasionally take place during evenings or weekends.
• Attend meetings during evenings or weekends as required.

Candidate qualifications and experience

• Have a degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as policy, economics, agriculture, politics, communications or a related field
• Have a good knowledge of or interest in Northern Ireland Agriculture, rural affairs or food systems
• Have good communication skills including briefing and report writing
• Have experience with policy development/research and/or stakeholder engagement and/or communications/advocacy work and/or public affairs/political processes
• Hold a driving licence and have full access to a car

What you’ll gain

• Exposure to high-profile policy issues affecting the agri-food sector.
• Direct engagement with decision-makers, industry leaders and key stakeholders.
• Opportunities to develop expertise across a broad and evolving policy portfolio.
• A dynamic working environment with significant scope for professional growth and development.

Benefits and Salary

Benefits include: 25 days annual leave exclusive of public and bank holidays; employer contribution to private pension scheme; car mileage for travel; flexible benefit scheme; cycle to work scheme; employee assistance programme.

The starting salary will be £38,180 p.a. The Ulster Farmers’ Union operates a salary scale which is reviewed annually.