Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Programmes
Location: Belfast (Hybrid) and regional travel required
Hours: 35 hours per week
Duration: Permanent (subject to funding)
Salary: Equivalent to NJC S01 £34,434

Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working available 5% contributory pension scheme
• Access to Health Care Plan
• Wide range of discounts available through Blue Light Card
• 25 days annual leave, plus 1 additional extra day at Christmas in addition to recognising 12 public/bank holidays. Pro rata
• Training/ CPD opportunities

Job Purpose

To develop and communicate evidence-based policy positions that strengthen the voice of the homelessness sector and influence decision-makers across Northern Ireland. The postholder will monitor policy and political developments, analyse their impact on homelessness, and engage with government, elected representatives, statutory bodies and partners to promote meaningful change.

The Officer will work closely with members, people with lived experience of homelessness, and strategic partners to shape policy, respond to consultations, and contribute to public debate. The post also leads on public affairs and policy communications to raise the profile of Homeless Connect as the authoritative voice on homelessness in Northern Ireland.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Policy Development and Analysis

• Monitor, analyse and interpret policy, legislative and public affairs developments relevant to homelessness, housing, health, justice and poverty.
• Develop organisational policy positions based on evidence, member experience, and engagement with people with lived experience.
• Lead the preparation of consultation responses, policy briefings, legislative commentary and strategic submissions.
• Identify emerging issues and opportunities to influence policy and practice, advising senior staff and members accordingly.
• Engage members and service users to ensure their experiences inform policy development and decision-making processes.
• Contribute to research, data gathering and evidence-based projects supporting policy advocacy.

Public Affairs and Representation

• Build and maintain effective relationships with MLAs, MPs, special advisers, government departments, NI Housing Executive, councils, and voluntary sector partners.
• Represent Homeless Connect and its membership at external meetings, events, working groups, and forums.
• Provide written and oral evidence to NI Assembly Committees and All-Party Groups, ensuring the sector's voice is clearly communicated.
• Develop and deliver presentations, briefings and stakeholder engagement activities to influence policy and public debate.
• Support advocacy strategies aimed at shaping political agendas and building support across political parties.

Policy Communications and Media

• Work with the communications team to develop clear, consistent policy messages and translate complex policy issues for wider audiences.
• Prepare reports, articles, blogs, social media content and other written materials to disseminate policy information.
• Draft and issue press releases/statements on policy matters, acting as spokesperson when appropriate.
• Respond to media enquiries, providing accurate and timely policy information.
• Support the management and updating of policy-related website content, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Oversee events related to policy and public affairs, including launches, roundtables and policy workshops.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers (e.g., designers, web agencies) for policy communications outputs.

Engagement and Co-Production

• Promote and facilitate the involvement of people with lived experience of homelessness in policy development and public affairs activity.
• Work collaboratively with members to gather evidence, identify challenges, and develop shared policy positions.
• Support co-production approaches that ensure policy proposals reflect real-world experience and insights.

General Requirements

• Adhere to all compliance and confidentiality policies, ensuring legislative requirements are met
• Carry out duties in line with the organisations equality and diversity policy.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and effective team working environment.
• Participate in supervision, appraisals, professional development and training.
• Undertake any other duties relevant to the post as requested by the Head of Policy and Programmes and CEO.

For a full job description and both application and monitoring forms, click the APPLY icon.

Please return the completed application form by email to:

To be considered your completed application form must be returned no later than 12 noon, 12 January 2025.

We gratefully acknowledge the support from NIHE towards this role.