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Youth Programme Director – Northern Ireland
eduSOIL
eduSOIL CIC is the lead partner for Design for Change programmes in Northern Ireland.
https://designforchangeni.com
We are seeking a Design for Change Northern Ireland (DFC NI) Programmes Director (PD) to provide delivery-led senior leadership for our Northern Ireland portfolio during an initial 12-month term.
Our work integrates wellbeing, creativity, youth voice and global citizenship through school and community based programmes.
For 2026 we have secured funding from Arts Council Northern Ireland to work with 10 schools, alongside confirmed in‑kind support and partnership from Queen’s University Belfast – School of Arts, English and Languages.
This is a hands‑on senior leadership role combining documented delivery, partnership development, mentoring and strategic contribution. The postholder will work closely with the Founder & CEO and collaborate with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, as well as eduSOIL’s global wellbeing programmes Director.
The role is ideal for someone who wants to contribute at both strategic and grass‑roots level, mentor young people and volunteers, and grow their own leadership capacity within a respected global movement.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing leadership for NI programmes including MEtime for Change, Design for Change, Virtual Youth Exchange, Be The Change and Student Council Leadership
Supporting funded delivery with schools, artists, teachers and young people
Mentoring youth participants, youth employees and volunteers
Building and maintaining relationships with schools, universities, funders and strategic partners
Supporting funding development, reporting and evaluation
Contributing to national visibility and storytelling through stories of change
Representing Northern Ireland within the global Design for Change network
Participating in shared leadership, wellbeing practice and safeguarding processes
The role combines strategic contribution with hands‑on involvement in programme delivery, partnerships and mentoring. It is not a trustee or purely advisory role.
The Programme Director works closely with the Founder & CEO and is part of a peer leadership group with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, contributing to shared learning and international collaboration.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking a committed, values‑led individual with experience across education, youth work, community development, arts, social enterprise or related sectors.
You should have:
At least 5 years’ professional experience in a related, relevant or complementary field/sector
Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
Experience supporting or managing projects or programmes
Confidence mentoring young people and volunteers
An interest in wellbeing‑informed leadership and reflective practice
Experience working with schools, young people, educators or community organisations either through professional roles or in a voluntary capacity.
You do not need prior experience with Design for Change, but you should be open to learning and working within an established global methodology. You also do not need to have a background in Education or the Community Sector, yet should have experience with young people, prior voluntary experience in any field and must have a commitment to connect with and collaborate with underserved communities.
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
Are based in Belfast
Bring lived experience of migration, cultural transition or integration
Have experience in arts, mindfulness, yoga or wellbeing practice alongside professional expertise
Are motivated by equity, youth voice and ethical leadership
This role suits someone who wants to actively contribute and who is excited by working at both local and international levels.
What difference will you make?
This role is critical to eduSOIL’s ability to deliver high‑quality, sustainable youth leadership programmes across Northern Ireland.
By having a dedicated DFC NI Programmes Director, eduSOIL can:
Strengthen relationships with schools, universities and education stakeholders
Increase programme reach, consistency and quality across NI
Better support young people and volunteers through mentoring and leadership
Deliver funded programmes effectively and responsibly
Build a stronger pipeline of partners, funders and future leaders
Ensure NI voices and practice are represented within a global movement
The Programme Director plays a key role in bridging strategy and delivery, ensuring that wellbeing‑centred youth leadership is embedded in practice, not just policy. Their contribution directly supports young people to lead meaningful change while strengthening the long‑term sustainability and visibility of the organisation.
Are committed to youth voice, dignity and ethical leadership
All Programme Directors participate in eduSOIL’s wellbeing‑informed leadership framework, including:
Weekly guided reflective practice
8‑week Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme
All work operates under eduSOIL safeguarding policies:
🔐 https://www.edusoil.com/safeguarding-policy-procedures.html
How can you apply?
Apply directly on this platform. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 days of applying. They will be invited to complete an online application form, provide contact details for two referees and be invited to attend an online interview with the Founder/CEO within 5 days of our reply.
The next stage involves background checks which will be carried out through Volunteer Now and consent sought for us to contact referees. This stage can take 1 - 2 weeks.
Agreement to participate in Mindfulness and safeguarding training, which are mandatory for this role must be provided prior contractual confirmation.
We aim to finalise placements on a first come first served basis, based on our organisational needs.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online conversation with the Founder & CEO.
Tasks and responsibilities
* Lead and support virtual Design for Change programme delivery for NI youth
* Ensure safeguarding, consent and ethical boundaries in all onsite and online youth spaces
* Support trauma‑aware facilitation and wellbeing‑informed practice
* Mentor educators, youth facilitators and volunteers working remotely as well as onsite
* Coordinate virtual youth exchange and international collaboration
* Strengthen partnerships with schools, EA, charities, funders /partners
* Contribute to funding readiness, documentation and learning evidence
* Support quality assurance, reflection and programme consistency
* Escalate safeguarding or wellbeing risks appropriately and promptly
Skills and experience gained
Skills and experience gained Adaptability Brand Development & Messaging Business Development & Sales Management Capacity Planning Communication Skills Community Development Corporate Governance Financial Planning Fundraising Interpersonal Skills Legal (General) Mental Health Mentoring Problem Solving Public Relations Public Speaking SWOT/GAP Analysis Self Awareness Strategic Planning Teamwork Time Management Youth Activities Management
Causes supported
Opportunity full
Youth Programme Director – Northern Ireland
eduSOIL
Belfast, UK
7 hours every week until December 31, 2026
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