Senior Specialist – Governance and Sustainability

Early Years - the organisation for young children; Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen, Omagh, Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early childhood organization in Northern Ireland seeks a Senior Specialist – Governance and Sustainability. You will engage with community stakeholders to enhance early learning services. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid work conditions, and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree, experience in community support, and strong business development skills.

Benefits

36 days of annual leave (pro-rata)

Contributory pension scheme

Access to healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• Relevant degree qualification in Sociology, Social Policy, or Community Development.
• Two years' experience in the community and voluntary sector.
• Experience in business development and capacity building activities.
• Ability to write reports for various audiences.
• Full driving license for Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Influence sustainability and resilience in early learning and care services.
• Engage with Early Years sector and identify support needs.
• Work with stakeholders to promote high-quality outcomes for children.

Skills

Experience delivering business development

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Financial management knowledge

Community sector support experience

Education

Relevant degree in Sociology or related field

Job description

6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT12 6TA United Kingdom

Senior Specialist – Governance and Sustainability Enniskillen, Omagh, Londonderry Full Time NJC Scale point 29-32, (£38,626-£41,511) per annum pro rata

Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Senior Specialist – Governance and Sustainability

Location:Office base will be within the Western Health and Social Care Trust (office locations include: Enniskillen, Omagh, Londonderry) - working across Health and Social Care Trust areas within Northern Ireland, a hybrid working policy is in place.

Hours: 37 hours

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

As Senior Specialist – Governance and Sustainability you will work with Early Years staff and other relevant external stakeholders to influence sustainability and resilience of community based settings delivering early learning and care services.

The postholder will focus on enhancing the capacity and contribution of the community, voluntary and independent early years sector to deliver upon high quality outcomes for children.

You will directly engage with the Early Years sector and Pathway Fund projects to identify their support needs.

We're looking for people who:

At the closing date have:

At the closing date applicants, must have:

1. A relevant degree level qualification or equivalent in an area of study related to or incorporating Sociology or Social Policy or Community Development or Business Development.

2. Two years’ experience working within or supporting the community and voluntary sector.

3. Experience delivering business development and/or capacity building activities, particularly in areas such as financial management, employee relations, or external funding, preferably over a period of two years.

4. Demonstrable experience of writing reports for a range of audiences and proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

5. A full current driving license enabling the holder to drive in Northern Ireland/ROI and have the use of vehicle for official purpose OR have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

An information pack containing the job description and personnel specification is available by clicking here .

Please note, the information pack will not be available after the job posting closes therefore you may want to download it.

As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the criteria as outlined above and, on the personnel specification, and provide a copy of your CV.

Shortlisting will be completed based on the information contained with the application form, therefore it is important to clearly outline how you meet the criteria.

Please note that your CV will only be used to support your application in assessing employment history. Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 25 August 2025.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Tuesday 9 September 2025.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.

Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.

Salary NJC Scale point 29-32, (£38,626-£41,511) per annum pro rata

Contact email [e-mail] Contact phone [phone]