Policy research officer jobs in Cardiff, wales

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 our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed 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.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.

Theatr Iolo are looking for a Marketing & Communications Manager to be responsible for devising and implementing all marketing, audience development and engagement strategies and campaigns for all aspects of the company’s work to deepen engagement and diversify our audience.  If you share our passion for theatre, for nurturing imaginations and creating stories that will last a lifetime, we want to hear from you! This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team and build on our incredible history, shaping the company for the future.

If you’d like to apply for the post of Marketing & Communications Manager, we will ask you to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form and send us a copy of your CV and a letter of application  We will also accept a BSL application or short video recording of less than 5 mins. We are looking forward to hearing why you are interested in this post, and what skills and experience you would bring to the company, referring to the job description and person specification. 

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 20 March 2026 and initial interviews will be held on Thursday 23 April 2026 in Cardiff. We will confirm receipt of your application by email.