Reports to: Schools Programme Manager, Head of Global Citizenship. Terms: Fixed term until September 2027, full time, hybrid (Belfast, NI). Salary: Band 5 (£35,574 - £39,527). Requires availability for occasional out-of-hours work and travel to in-person events across ROI/NI, including monthly travel to Concern's Dublin office.
About Concern: Established in 1968, Concern is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world's poorest countries. Concern's vision, mission and work are all defined by one goal - ending extreme poverty, whatever it takes.
Role Purpose: The NI Debates and Schools Programme Officer works within the Global Citizenship Schools Team to organise and coordinate the Concern Debates all-island Programme and co-facilitate workshops and educational experiences, supporting students, teachers and other stakeholders to learn more about global development issues and become lifelong advocates for equality, justice and solidarity.
Responsibilities: Recruiting and coordinating up to 12 primary schools for the Concern Primary Debates in Northern Ireland; coordinating the Concern Post-Primary Debates for up to 24 schools in NI and ROI across three rounds of the online League Phase; contributing to the organisation and delivery of Knock-Out and in-person rounds including Quarter & Semi Finals and the National Final at the Helix Theatre; building strong professional relationships with teachers and a pool of volunteer adjudicators; supporting the Access NI vetting process; collaborating with the ROI Schools Team to design and deliver debates training and events and to develop Global Citizenship Education resources, webinars and podcasts; supporting Concern NI engagement in community events and networks; supporting the Primary Schools Officer and Global Citizenship Education Schools Officer and the wider team with programme delivery and reporting; maintaining accurate records including financial data, monitoring and evaluation metrics, attendance, volunteer engagement and student outcomes; ensuring adherence to Concern's Child Safeguarding policy, GDPR, Access NI vetting and data protection policies.
Requirements: Knowledge of and experience working in or with the school system in Northern Ireland; a relevant third level qualification (e.g. education, international development, politics); excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience working as an effective team member; experience delivering talks or workshops to young people aged 10-18; excellent time management and ability to work independently to deadlines; problem-solving and flexibility; experience producing educational materials or resources; active commitment to promoting diversity, equality and the interests of marginalised people; availability for occasional unsocial hours, overnight stays and travel; interest or experience in global development or international affairs; successful completion of Access NI vetting. Desirable: project management skills; experience delivering professional development to teachers and/or youth workers.
Closing date: 6 September 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Concern Worldwide jobs portal (Apply Now on the vacancy page) with your CV and cover letter. Closing date: 6 September 2026. Positions may be offered before the closing date. Candidates requiring particular assistance during the recruitment process (e.g. for a disability such as a hearing impairment) should let Concern know. Successful completion of Access NI vetting is required.
https://jobs.concern.net/jobs/vacancy/concern-debates-and-schools-programme-officer-ni-2600-northern-ireland/2618/description/action/apply/