Strategic development officer jobs in Belfast

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organised individual with either registered healthcare status or an experienced commissioner of healthcare services and a passion for supporting people with long-term health conditions like ME.

As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery and development of our Healthcare Services. As our CQC Registered Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the team and assuring effective and safe services for people with ME of all ages and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will also play a pivotal role in developing our services, drive performance and optimise processes, and enhance service delivery to take action with impact to better support individuals living with ME.

Job Purpose   

Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s clinical Healthcare Services, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.  

At present, Healthcare Services is a small team with two physiotherapists and one doctor (specialist GP), with plans to recruit more.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in contributing to, and delivering, the strategy for our Healthcare Services.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.  
• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.   
• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.  
• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.  
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.  
• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.  
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.  
• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting the team with clinical decision-making.  
• Designated Safeguarding Officer for Healthcare Services.   
• Represent Action for ME at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.   

Person specification
All criteria noted below are essential requirements of the role.

Qualifications

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance. 

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.  
• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.  
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.  
• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.  
• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.  
• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems.

Attitudes

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.  

We believe that change for people affected by ME won't just happen; it must be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

As Communications Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, impactful communications that advance Action for ME’s work, improve understanding and recognition of ME and support fundraising efforts

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the communications strategy, leading a team of two other communications staff. You will work closely with colleagues across the fundraising, policy, research and services departments, delivering clear and compelling storytelling, and maximising visibility across media, digital platforms and key stakeholder networks.

Key duties

Leadership and Management

• Work to ensure that people with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of communications and marketing.

• Contribute to the development of, and then lead implementation of, the Communications Strategy, ensuring the appropriate involvement of key stakeholders, scoping, evaluating, and improving our practice.

• Maintain a data-insight led approach to the communications work providing regular management information and key performance indicator reports.

• Work as a member of the Extended Leadership Team.

• Line manage Communications Team members, supporting them to set and achieve performance objectives through regular one-to-ones and 12-monthly appraisals.

• Be responsible for Communications budget and the relationship with services providers required for the production of the charity’s digital and printed information and support resources.

Communications and Marketing

• Raise the profile of the impact of ME, and of Action for ME and its work, to enable the organisation to reach more people and better support need, by establishing a regular cadence of appropriate but innovative product across all main social media channels.

• Ensure fundraising is supported by embedding clear calls to action around donations and membership growth as a matter of course.

• Under the direction of the Director of Fundraising, develop all website, press and social media content for charity appeals.

• Market the charity’s Support and Healthcare services, including key digital and printed information and support resources, to the ME community and the professionals working with them, working closely with respective service leads.

• Contribute to income generation by working closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop the communication and marketing materials needed to implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy.

• Coordinate the charity’s response to any crisis communications, including developing appropriate crisis management plans and working outside of office hours as required.

• Establish effective systems/processes for gathering, supporting, maintaining, and managing case studies for a range of purposes (including press and media opportunities, public affairs and policy work, and fundraising).

• Draft and issue press releases and media statements and ensure appropriate follow-up by telephoning journalists, contacting picture desks etc. as appropriate.

• Alongside the CEO and any commissioned agency, develop relationships with key press, media and communications stakeholders to enhance the charity’s work.

• Oversee the production of the annual report, on budget, to schedule, taking overall editorial responsibility for content.

• Oversee the ongoing development of our digital engagement including our website and social media and being the point of contact on website issues.

• Fulfil the role of brand gateway keeper, ensuring all digital and printed communications, including information and support resources, adhere to brand guidelines, house style and organisational tone.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and oversight of how ME and related key issues (e.g. Long Covid) are discussed in the media and wider ME community.

• Build networks to enhance the charity’s strategic communications and marketing work.

• Build and maintain an effective social media monitoring regime, ensuring fit for purpose rules of engagement are in place and applied consistently.

Other Key Accountabilities 

• Ensure that all relevant service standards are met including compliance with best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal standards.

• Ensure best value in all our work.

• Undertake any other duty within your ability and within reason, as may be required, from time-to-time, at the discretion of your line manager.

• On occasions, provide management support and cover within the organisation, as needed.

• Act as an advocate for the charity and its work.

Person specification

Experience, Knowledge and Understanding 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a communications management role

• Experience of developing integrated, insight and audience-led communications plans including social media

• Experience of website and brand management

• Experience of delivering successful campaigns

• Experience of engaging with press and/or media including writing press releases and media briefings

• Experience of working collaboratively with different teams/departments

• Experience of working in charity communications (desirable)

• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable)

• Experience of integrating fundraising with communications (desirable)

Skills, Behaviours and Values

• Adaptable and highly organised with an ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload, use your own initiative, work independently, and work well in a team.

• Strong MS Office skills including the ability to use Word, Excel, databases and web-related programmes and software.

Location: UK – Open to remote arrangement (Only candidates who are eligible to work legally without work visa sponsorship in the UK will be considered.)

Contract Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE / 20 hours per week), Permanent contract

Hiring Salary: GBP 46,474 per annum (before taxes, to be pro-rated to 0.5 FTE)

Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Closing Date: 8 July 2026 23:59 BST

This job advert is for an existing vacancy.

About Right To Play:

For more than 25 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering millions of children each year to rise above adversity through the power of play.

We offer programs in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, reaching millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.

This work is supported by our two global offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK; and seven National Offices in North America and Europe.

Right To Play UK is a charity registered in England and Wales and in Scotland that works in partnership with Right To Play International to raise funds and awareness across the UK and Ireland.

Benefits Highlights:

• Connect and collaborate with a global team who are passionate about protecting, educating and empowering children and youth using the power of play!
• Culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care, and be playful)
• Flexible work arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Competitive benefits such as Income Protection and Life Assurance
• Learning opportunities and 5 learning and development (L&D) days per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
• More information on what we offer is available on our website.

Application Method:

Apply with your resume and cover letter in English via the application link.

Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We strongly encourage groups who have been historically disadvantaged with respect to employment to apply for positions at Right To Play.

As part of our selection process, final candidates will be required to complete security checks and Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent criminal record check as a condition of the offer. More details about our recruitment process are available here. Safeguarding information is available here.

As part of our recruitment and selection process, Right To Play uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted tools to support the assessment of candidates or applications. This may include but not limited to generating and editing of job adverts, assessment and interview questions, scheduling, translation, transcription, note taking, etc. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), VidCruiter, also use AI-powered ChatBot to answer candidates' enquiries. These tools are used only to assist human reviewers in evaluation and do not make selection or screening decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. All AI-assisted processes comply with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR and PIPEDA. For more information, please refer to RTP AI Policy and our Best Practice: Use of AI in Recruitment.

We value and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing accommodations to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process, and thereafter. Please reach out to the People & Culture team by email. All information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.

Job Description:

Job Title:  Finance and Operations Manager

Grade: 7

Reports to: Executive Director, UK and Global Strategic Initiatives

Reports Technically to Director, Finance HQ

Location: UK (open to remote arrangement)

Direct Reports: NA

Department: Finance

1- Purpose:

The Finance and Operations Manager ensures the effective financial, administrative, and operational functioning of Right To Play UK and support the establishment of Right To Play Ireland by overseeing accurate financial records, coordinating people and legal processes, and continuously improving business systems and practices to support and enable successful fundraising outcomes.

2- Accountability & Responsibilities:

Finance (90%)

• Lead financial management, compliance, budgeting and reporting for Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland by ensuring accurate and timely recording of all expenses and revenue connected with the operation of the offices
•  Ensure revenue is appropriately captured and coded and reconciled with bank.
• Oversee liquidity/cashflow, procurement, payroll, audits, tax reporting, and external financial relationships
• Deliver reliable management and statutory reports to leadership, Boards, HQ, and authorities.
• Lead for staff payroll and benefits, HRIS data accuracy, payroll coordination, contracts, insurance and benefits administration, and employee records to ensure compliance, efficiency, and strong organisational support
• Supporting global finance in finance related initiatives, as needed
• Where applicable, ensure compliance on all governance requirements

Operations (10%)

• Direct office operations, administration, IT, and legal coordination by establishing efficient administrative processes, managing office infrastructure and IT security, coordinating vendors and service providers, monitoring licenses and compliance requirements, and supporting organisational risk management and legal obligations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

3-Scope (geographical and/or functional), Impact and Autonomy

The incumbent operates with significant autonomy, holding delegated authority over financial management, systems, and office operations, including safeguarding all funds received, and preparing supplier invoices for payment. They operate with high trust and independence and is expected to safeguard assets and ensure full statutory, fiscal, and HR data compliance.

4-Leadership and Staff management

The role exercises functional and collaborative leadership with no direct reports, providing guidance and influence across Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland. Leadership is demonstrated through setting standards and supporting teams to work effectively within organizational policies and financial controls, by providing authoritative guidance to the offices on financial policies, internal controls, and risk management; escalating material risks and recommending mitigation actions to the Executive Director and HQ Finance. The incumbent is expected to operate effectively in a low segregation environment due to small staff size by implementing and monitoring compensating controls (spot checks, reviews with Executive Director, exception reporting) to maintain strong control integrity.

5- Information requirement for decision-making

The incumbent requires secure access to accurate financial, donor, and operational data - primarily through the MCRM and ERP systems - which is already identified and readily available and applies established analysis and reporting methods as a super-user to interpret information, ensure compliance, protect confidential constituent records, and support informed financial and operational decision-making.

6- Innovation and Improvements

The incumbent is expected to drive process improvements and functional innovations within the offices—data integrity, financial tracking, and internal collaboration—while supporting others to implement these changes, with major or high-risk innovations subject to approval by the Executive Director.

7- Relationships & Communications: Internal / External:

The incumbent maintains key internal relationships with all team members, doner services team and HQ colleagues in MCRM, Finance, and People & Culture, and external relationships with Board members, and event partners, using effective communication and donor stewardship to support organizational objectives and ensure smooth operations.  The incumbent stewards Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland’s fiduciary obligations and is the primary authorized liaison with banks, landlords, insurance and payroll providers, external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel.

8- Expertise (Certifications / Education, Professional Experience/Language)

• Post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, Finance, or other related fields.
• Professional Accounting Designation preferred
• 5 years of progressive finance experience, including audit coordination, statutory filings, and external advisor management
• Adaptable with the aptitude to work well under pressure, and manage multiple competing and/or changing priorities
• Experience in navigating accounting, banking and payroll platforms
• A team player who is collaborative and innovative
• Excellent organizational skills; systematic in follow-through of tasks; diligent, with strong attention to detail
• Results-oriented with a willingness to learn and take initiative
• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity, with strong judgement skills and ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• General knowledge of fundraising practices, procedures and standards preferred
• Fluency in oral and written English

9- Core Competences

• Collaboration: Demonstrates strong teamwork by effectively partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Growth Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, learn new systems, and implement innovative solutions.
• Resilience: Maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure, managing multiple priorities and challenges with composure.
• Professionalism: Upholds high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accuracy in all financial, operational, and stakeholder interactions.
• Management and Interpersonal Skills: Guides and influences colleagues through expertise, clear communication, and support, despite having no direct reports.

10- Additional Information

Ability to work irregular hours depending on event and external meeting schedule. Occasional travel for attending internal and external meetings and supporting events.

Additional Information

· This position is home-based but with extensive travel within the region and can involve travel across England and Wales.

· A full driving license and access to a car is essential for the role.

· The role requires time flexibility including evening and occasional weekend work.

· DBS checks and references will be obtained.

The Role

This is a key role in acting as a delivery partner on our projects, working on streams of community support across the London and Home Counties (including Thames Valley area), and within the staff team. 

Responsibilities

• Projects and Workstreams: Overseeing and ensuring outstanding delivery on multiple community projects through NFF Flood Support and Flood Action Group process. Support and manage data collection that meets the aims of each project.
• Community Engagement: Engage and empower flooded and at-risk communities, supporting and representing them and pushing for the best outcomes.  Being ambitious on their behalf and advocating for change.
• Business Engagement: Proactive engagement with businesses to support flood risk reduction to affected communities.
• Report Writing: Ensure reports are on time and are to depth and quality required.
• Staff Training: Support staff and training manager to ensure comprehensive and appropriate training takes place to ensure continuous professional development. 
• Team Management: Line manage staff, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. Modelling behaviours and driving forward team development.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Manage and develop key stakeholder relationships, ensuring strong partnerships and leading on communications.
• Political and Fundraising Support: Provide data, case studies, and research to support political influencing and fundraising activities. Contribute to and attend policy, political and strategic meetings.  Support fundraising activities through providing data and information. 
• Income: Identify future income opportunities, sharing information and building relationships for new projects or new income streams with Senior Management Team. 
• Support Management Team proactive role to support to deliver NFF objectives.

Day-to-Day Activities

· You will manage and support Flood Engagement Officers to deliver their projects and work streams and managing development pathways for team members.

• Liaise and develop relationships with stakeholders to ensure smooth operational and community engagement activities.
• Support Management Team to build income streams and develop new activity. Working to develop, support and deliver NFF strategy
• Providing information and case studies for communications and advocacy work

· You will be acting as the main contact for projects and agreed activities.

Work Experience

 · Recent experience undertaking a similar role

· Working knowledge of relevant regulations, legislation and current practice

· Proven experience working to deadlines and prioritising workloads

· Comprehensive experience of managing projects with strong project management skills

· Proven experience analysing and diagnosing problems and implementing effective solutions

· Evidence of achievement in directly managing staff

Skills Required

 · Excellent communication skills including clear written and spoken English

· Comprehensive experience of managing multiple work streams with strong organisational skills

· Excellent negotiation and presentation skills

· Ability to stay calm and constructive in challenging situations

· Excellent interpersonal listening, empathy and networking skills

· Intermediate Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or similar

· Email and internet communications and experience using MS Teams

How This Role Contributes to Our Strategy

• Community Support: Empowering and supporting communities.
• Partnerships: Developing strong relationships with partner organisations.
• Income Generation: Supporting income streams via projects and opportunities.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative approach within the organisation.

About us

The National Flood Forum (NFF) is the only independent national charity dedicated to supporting and representing people at risk of flooding.  Established in 2002 by those affected by flooding, we passionately put people at the heart of flood risk management. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to recover from flooding and get the best possible outcomes. We put people first.  We act as an honest, trustworthy and independent broker on behalf of flooded people. 

We work across four key areas:

• Providing information via our helpline and website
• Recovery Services in flooded areas
• Flood Action Groups
• Policy and Advocacy

With over 300 Flood Action Groups across England and Wales and handling more than 1000 calls annually through our helpline, NFF plays a crucial role in supporting and representing flood-affected and at-risk communities. We collaborate closely with flood risk management agencies, local authorities, and government bodies. We also aspire to a collaborative, supportive, and solution-focused environment for our staff.

Closing Date – 21st June 2026 Midnight

We especially welcome applications from people with flood sector experience, or who are flooded people themselves.