Policy and research assistant jobs in Belfast

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is the national platform for open knowledge, bringing together practical and policy expertise about Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Delivering impact of over 1 billion views each year and engaging thousands of people through advocacy, education, outreach and partnerships, Wikimedia UK demystifies and drives engagement in open access to information.

Role Overview

This is a new and exciting role that will be critical to the organisation’s leadership and governance. The Executive & Governance Assistant will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and ensure the smooth running of Wikimedia UK’s governance processes, including board meetings, subcommittees and the Annual General Meeting.

You’ll play a key role in supporting effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement, working closely with trustees, senior staff, and external partners. This position is ideally suited to someone with substantial experience supporting senior executives - who is highly organised, discreet, and confident managing complex schedules and governance processes.

Key Responsibilities

Governance Support

• Support the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Schedule board and subcommittee meetings in line with the annual business cycle.

• Coordinate board and subcommittee meeting logistics, including video calls, calendar invites, and in-person arrangements.

• Book travel and accommodation for trustees as needed.

• Collate, prepare, and distribute meeting papers efficiently and accurately.

• Produce and circulate clear, concise, and timely meeting minutes.

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting, working closely with staff and trustees.

Membership Administration

• Manage all aspects of Wikimedia UK’s membership programme.

• Process new member applications promptly and accurately.

• Maintain up-to-date membership records in the charity’s CRM (training provided).

• Develop and oversee systems for managing renewals and membership engagement.

• Coordinate membership communications and contribute to campaigns to grow and retain members.

Executive Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the CEO.

• Manage the CEO’s calendar, prioritising effectively and scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate travel and accommodation for national and international commitments.

• Support expense claims and credit card reconciliations.

• Conduct desk research, prepare correspondence, and assist with presentation materials as required.

• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Competencies

• Substantial experience of providing high-level administrative support to a Chief Executive, Director, or senior leader, gained within the not for profit sector.

• Proven experience of charity or public sector governance, including supporting the preparation and distribution of board papers, providing logistical support for meetings, and producing accurate, well written minutes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Highly organised, with strong time management and the ability to prioritise effectively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.

• Excellent IT skills, including confident use of digital tools and software for scheduling, document management, and communication.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of supporting leaders in managing stakeholder relationships

• Knowledge of Google Workspace (particularly Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides)

• Familiarity with CRM systems and/or charity membership management.

• Familiarity with the open knowledge movement

Personal Attributes

• Discreet, diplomatic, and professional at all times.

• Calm and confident when managing multiple priorities.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.

Alignment with Wikimedia UK’s open knowledge mission and its values of equity, inclusivity, collaboration, creativity, and boldness.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Are you a people-focused fundraiser who loves building relationships and bringing ideas to life? Humanimal Trust are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and highly organised Fundraising Officer to support our fundraising activity and help deliver inspiring campaigns and events that make a real difference. 

About the role: 

Reporting to the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting fundraising activity across the charity, helping to deliver events, campaigns and supporter communications while ensuring our supporters feel valued, informed and inspired.  

This is a part-time, remote role (20 hours per week), with occasional UK travel for meetings and events. 

As our Fundraising Officer you will: 

• Support a programme of fundraising events, including research, planning, logistics, budgeting and evaluation 
• Assist with the development of new fundraising initiatives and campaigns 
• Deliver first-class supporter care and respond to fundraising enquiries 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters and volunteers 
• Maintain accurate supporter data and generate reports to support fundraising strategy 

You’ll bring 

• Relevant experience and a genuine interest in fundraising and supporter engagement 
• Confidence working with databases and digital platforms, particularly Salesforce 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills 
• Strong organisational and administrative skills 
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a remote working environment 

What’s in it for you? 

• A flexible, part-time role (20 hours per week) 
• Remote working, with occasional UK travel 
• Salary of £28,000 FTE (£14,000 pro rata) 
• The opportunity to be part of a passionate, supportive team 
• The chance to make a tangible impact through meaningful fundraising work