Women's Development Officer (Maternity Cover) - Community Foundation NI

WF Risk Group; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 37,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity to empower women in local communities through a dynamic role focused on community development and advocacy. As a Women’s Development Officer, you will lead initiatives that enhance the visibility and voice of women, ensuring their equitable involvement in decision-making processes. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact while working flexibly in a hybrid environment. Join a passionate team dedicated to creating a fair and equitable society, where your efforts will help shape a better future for women in Northern Ireland.

Qualifications

• Experience in community development and working with marginalized women.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop resources and workshops to engage women in decision-making.
• Advocate for a Women’s Health Strategy and manage program evaluation.

Skills

Community Development

Communication Skills

Budget Management

Organizational Skills

Microsoft Office

Facilitation Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Relevant Third Level Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Willis HR Consulting is advertising this position on behalf of Community Foundation NI

Job title: Women’s Development Officer (Maternity Cover)

Responsible to: Director of Programmes

Hours: 21 hours per week (the post holder will work flexibly to meet the needs of the post – occasional evening and weekend work will be required)

Salary: NJC Points 26-28 (£36,124 - £37,938) - starting on point 26 (£36,124). This is a part-time post, so the salary will be pro rata.

Duration: Maternity Cover - Mid February 2025 - Mid August 2025 (the post could be extended to mid Feb 2026)

Location: The Foundation currently has a hybrid working approach, and your place of work will include both the office location and home-based working. You will be expected to travel extensively across Northern Ireland.

Role Description

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is an independent grant-making trust. Our vision is for a fair and equitable society for everyone, working hand in hand with communities to build a better future. We are passionate and ambitious about what we do, and we act with integrity.

This is an exciting role aimed at engaging, supporting, and empowering women from local communities through our programme: Nothing About Us Without Us, Amplifying the Voice of Grassroots Women. This post is key in helping us achieve this.

The aim of the programme is to create a society in NI where women are visible, vocal, and valued, and where they are proportionately and equitably involved in decision-making that affects and matters to them.

Anticipated Programme Outcomes:

1. To increase the knowledge, confidence, skills, and capabilities of 400 women from grassroots communities in NI to raise their voice and influence decisions on issues that affect them.
2. To improve collaboration between women and decision-makers for more proactive engagement on issues that matter to them.
3. To connect grassroots women with others to broaden their worldview, build networks, and amplify their voice.
4. To work with local women to lobby government for a Women’s Health Strategy that reflects their needs.

About You

You will be an approachable, dynamic, and driven individual who wants to help lead and develop this important area of the Foundation’s work. You will be motivated and committed to our values and vision, interested in creating a society where women are visible, vocal, and valued.

You will have experience working with local women to build their aspiration and capacity using various methods. You will have experience in community development approaches and managing programmes aimed at women’s development.

You will possess strong oral and written communication skills, be a team player, and be passionate about the work of the Foundation. You will excel at managing relationships and be able to work both in teams and independently.

We expect you to have strong administrative and financial skills, be highly organized, and able to manage your time effectively.

Main Responsibilities

Your tasks will be directed by the prevailing context and changing needs. Broadly, you will be expected to:

Programme Development and Delivery

• Develop resources to improve awareness and capacity of women to engage with decision-makers.
• Develop an ongoing programme of issue-based workshops designed to connect and engage women on relevant issues.
• Support grassroots women to raise their voices in campaigns.
• Lead efforts to advocate for a Women’s Health Strategy.
• Develop a bursary programme in conjunction with the Grants Directorate.
• Build networks to improve collaboration between women and decision-makers.

Strategy

• Support the implementation of the Foundation’s strategy.
• Lead on research and evaluation relevant to women’s health and community development.
• Contribute to other strategies and initiatives relevant to the programme.

Communications & Networking

• Work with the Foundation’s Public Affairs, Policy & Communications Directorate to build the programme's brand.
• Represent and promote the Foundation at meetings and events.
• Organize events showcasing the programme's work and impact.

Knowledge & Learning

• Lead on programme evaluation.
• Develop impact reports as required by the Funder.
• Share learning and inform policy and practice.

General:

• Carry out work in accordance with the organizational culture and values.
• Comply with all Foundation policies and procedures.
• Manage workload effectively and maintain confidentiality.
• Attend staff meetings and relevant training.

This Job Description is not intended to comprehensively list all responsibilities but indicates the main areas essential to the role.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

A relevant third level qualification and three years’ paid experience in a similar role, or at least five years’ paid experience in a similar role.

Significant work experience in:

• Working within local communities using community development approaches.
• Working with urban and rural women, especially those most marginalized.
• Establishing good working relationships within and between community groups and statutory agencies.
• Building leadership capacity of local women.

KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of issues affecting women from local communities.
• Adaptable facilitation skills for engaging women on relevant issues.
• Effective budget management.
• Clear oral and written communication skills, including report writing.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and IT systems.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Available to work outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends. Full driving license and access to transport required.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Experience working on policy issues related to women.

How to apply

To request a recruitment pack and application form, please register your interest by clicking apply now. A recruitment pack and application form will be sent to you by email shortly afterwards.

Application Forms must be completed in full, signed (electronic signature accepted), and returned by email to Natalie Duncan. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 8th January 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered. CVs will not be accepted.