The Role:

The Engagement Officer post will enable the project to enhance the cross-border capacity of advice sector workers. By fostering a network of advisors, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration, and responding to their training needs the Engagement Officer will help embed cross-border information into the mainstream advice organisations in both jurisdictions.  

Responsibilities:

Working closely with the project team, especially the Social Policy Officers, the Engagement Officer will:

• Convene monthly online meetings of the project’s advice sector network, share cross-border information with members, and encourage knowledge sharing.
• Expand membership of the network by reaching out to relevant organisations.
• Conduct regular training needs analysis of the network and, liaising with expert cross-border colleagues, develop a training programme to meet the identified need.
• Foster cross-border collaboration between network members using an online discussion platform and populate it with cross-border information helpful to the network. (SLACK platform training will be provided.)
• Oversee the moderation of the Border People Discussion Forum for citizens and circulate information suitable for workers and people with cross-border lives.
• Prepare cross-border information suitable for the Border People website and Facebook Group.
• Record the cross-border issues encountered and note emerging trends that may require departmental or government action.
• Monitor relevant project activities, prepare monthly updates for the Project Steering Committee, and assist in the preparation of regular reports for the funder (SEUPB).

Essential Criteria:

Right to work in the UK from February 2026 until February 2029 – if you are unsure, please check your status https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Education:

• Honours Degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline AND 2 years’ demonstrable relevant experience OR
• 5 years’ demonstrable relevant experience.

Competencies:

• Detailed knowledge of the advice sector in Ireland and/or Northern Ireland.
• Experience of organising online meetings using MS Teams and Zoom.
• Experience of leading meetings and encouraging attendee dialogue.
• Experience of using MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams).
• Experience of preparing progress reports for management teams. 

Disposition and motivation:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Readiness to work cooperatively and supportively, and to strict deadlines, as part of a small, dynamic team.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the requirements of the post.

Special factors:

• Willingness and ability to travel to meetings and events in Ireland and Northern Ireland
• Access to a car or other suitable form of transport (if it is necessary to meet the essential requirements of the post).

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working in the advice sector.
• Experience of coordinating networks or groups.
• Experience of conducting training needs analysis and developing training plans.
• Experience of using or managing Facebook Groups.
• An understanding of cross-border issues encountered by workers and / or employers.
• Experience of working with externally-funded projects.
• Experience of working on cross-border projects.
• Strong commitment to and understanding of the value of cross-border and all-island co-operation, and a strong belief in the value of such cooperation as a key part of the movement towards peace and reconciliation in Ireland and Northern Ireland.