5 Social researcher and advisor jobs in Belfast

Please note: this role can be worked either hybrid working in London (minimum 4 days per month in the office) or Homebased.

Independent Age isthe national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life.  

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK. We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in povertyand campaign for change.  

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey. 

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery and ongoing evolution of our ambitious Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, securing transformational five- and six-figure grants that will drive our long-term impact and growth.

We're looking for an exceptional relationship-builder and communicator with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from Trusts and Foundations. You'll be confident translating complex data into compelling funding propositions and using your outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills to inspire support for our mission.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the Careers Page of our website. 

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate

Closing Date: Sunday, 4 October 11:59pm

Interview Dates: First-round interviews will take place on Tuesday, 13 October (remote); second-round interviews will take place on the Tuesday, 20 October (in-person in our London office)

Science Policy Advisor (European Union)

Position Objective:

To lead policy and research projects related to animal testing in order to support PETA’s advocacy for animals used in experiments

Term of Employment:

Full-time, temporary (maternity cover)

Location:

Remote, preferably based in Belgium, but the UK is also an option.

Salary:

Up to €5000 per month, depending on experience

Reports To:

Director, Science Department

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Independently research and interpret a variety of scientific, political, policy-driven, and other issues related to animal testing in order to further PETA’s goals
• Build networks and coordinate meetings with key policymakers and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Science Department’s director and other science policy advisors to decide on and obtain the necessary information for writing factsheets, white papers, reports, correspondence, and other literature
• Collaborate with other departments within PETA UK and other PETA entities, including PETA US’ Regulatory Toxicology Department and PETA Science Consortium International e.V.
• Build relationships and maintain communication with key audiences, particularly decision-makers in the legislative and administrative arenas
• Lead meetings with parliamentarians, companies, and legislators and present at conferences
• Develop expertise in non-animal testing methods and draw upon the expertise of others
• Respond to correspondence regarding issues related to animal testing
• Conduct analyses of technical papers and legislation and translate scientific and legal terminology into lay terms for use in research projects
• Identify opportunities to make public comments that promote non-animal testing approaches and lead the writing and presentation of these comments
• Represent PETA at public-speaking engagements, in debates, to the media, and to the general public
• Communicate PETA’s philosophy to the public
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Degree in a related field
• Demonstrable experience with regard to the functioning of the European Parliament and European Commission
• Familiarity with the use of animals in laboratories, associated European legislation, and non-animal methods
• Proven ability to maintain awareness of relevant political, social, and economic developments
• Proven ability to brief colleagues and other relevant stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research
• Proven excellent writing and research skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, and ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to make sound, independent judgments
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of scientists, parliamentarians, industry representatives, the public, and other stakeholders
• Exceptional public-speaking and networking skills
• Fluency in a second European language desirable
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality at all times
• Willingness and ability to travel, as needed
• Professional appearance
• Support for PETA’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for the group’s position on issues in a professional manner
• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation

If you are passionate about making a difference for PWS families in Northern Ireland, we want to hear from you!
PWSA UK is a small charity providing lifelong support to all those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). PWS is a rare genetic condition causing an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as learning and physical disabilities. We provide a dedicated helpline, a comprehensive information hub, a network of peer support groups, a varied programme of community events, training for professionals working with those with PWS, and support for vital research. Our aim is to help our amazing community overcome the challenges and live life to the full with PWS.
We are looking for a part time PWS Specialist Adviser for Northern Ireland to support the PWS community in Northern Ireland. PWS is a rare and isolating condition and our ambition it to reach families in Northern Ireland to provide impactful advice, support, information and training. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth working knowledge of health and social care systems and education in Northern Ireland as well as a belief in the potential and value of people with Prader-Willi syndrome. 
You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as being self-motivated and able to engage with families, health care professionals and policy makers. You will build on the excellent work of our existing support worker to continue engage and enable the PWS community. 
The position is part time (14 - 18 hours a week) and is home based and ideal for someone living in Northern Ireland

Come and join our team!

We are looking for an exceptional individual(s) to join our busy team at LimeCulture, the UK’s leading sexual violence training and consultancy organisation. 

LimeCulture has extensive experience of supporting sexual violence service providers and commissioners to deliver safe, effective, and survivor-centred services. We work collaboratively with organisations to strengthen coordination, address gaps in provision, and embed trauma-informed practices. Our support includes independent service reviews and evaluations, delivery of specialist training, and consultancy support to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements.

As the UK’s leading provider of training for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), we deliver accredited development and continued professional development (CPD) programmes that build confidence, competence, and capability across this specialist workforce.

We are seeking a National ISVA Coordinator(s). The postholder(s) will provide an initial point of contact, undertake initial risk and needs assessment, provide trauma-informed information and support, and coordinate onward referral and handover to appropriate local ISVA and specialist services.

A key focus of the role will be providing initial support to adult and child survivors affected by group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (GBCSAE), as well as other forms of sexual violence. The role will involve working effectively with police and other agencies, helping individuals navigate complex review, criminal justice and support pathways, while promoting choice, control and informed decision-making.

The role is a national coordination function and is not intended to replace ongoing local ISVA casework where appropriate local provision is available.