Head of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

We have a newly created opportunity for a Head of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to join us at RBL to promote, advocate and champion for our vital work and connections across NI&ROI.

It is an exciting time to join RBL as we commence work on our new 10 year strategy. Much of our work already revolves around the connections made across our communities and wider society. But with the creation of three new roles we aim to lead this work across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and ROI, in order to better harness the power of those connections to support our communities in the most effective way possible and promote our important role in bringing people together.

This role will see you as Head of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, where you will be RBL’s key representative and point of contact in NI&ROI, building and sustaining networks and connections with key stakeholders and partners, including senior military, government ministers, charity partners and senior leadership.

The role places significant emphasis on matrix working internally, building connections across NI&ROI and will see you as RBL’s spokesperson providing a public face for the charity, attending events (eg Islandbridge) and meetings, speaking to the media and engaging widely across the region.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our Executive Director: Membership, key responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the Membership Council Representative, to act as the point of contact, focal point and voice for RBL as well as representing the unique needs of NI&ROI to RBL
• Liaising regularly with the NI&ROI Governments, elected representatives, the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, military bases, Reserve and Cadet Force Associations and charity partners
• Maintaining a good knowledge of all RBL activity in NI&ROI, acting as reference point for Services, Fundraising, Remembrance, Public Relations, Membership and Campaigns, Policy and Research
• Promoting and advocating RBL’s strategy in a way that is responsive to the specific context of NI&ROI and play a significant leadership role in the development and delivery of an organisation wide NI&ROI plan.
• Provide leadership and guidance on NI&ROI matters to the RBL Executive Board

You will be an experienced strategic leader, with excellent networking and communication skills and the ability to build strong strategic partnerships and influence at senior level. You will have a strong understanding of the political, cultural and social landscape in NI&ROI, with experience as a spokesperson or figurehead with media skills and exposure.

This role is 28 hours per week, to be worked as required by the role, with the ability to work flexibly (including evenings and weekends). You will be expected to travel regularly in the course of your work, including regularly across NI&ROI. You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling.

Employee benefits include –

• 28 day’s paid holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
• Private Healthcare
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
• Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.