The Communications and Research Officer plays a key role in supporting NIPSA's strategic objectives by producing high-quality research, policy analysis, and compelling communications. The post-holder will provide evidence-based support for collective bargaining, campaigns, and advocacy, while ensuring clear, effective communication with members, stakeholders, and the wider public.
Key Responsibilities
Communications and Media
* Develop clear, accessible communications for members, including newsletters, website content, briefings, and social media posts.
* Translate complex research and policy findings into engaging content for a non-technical audience.
* Support campaign communications, including drafting timely messaging, press releases, and promotional materials ahead of key events, ballots etc.
* Assist with media relations, including drafting statements, commentaries, and responses to press inquiries.
* Maintain and update digital platforms in line with the union's communications strategy.
Research and Policy
* Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on workplace, labour market, and socio-economic issues relevant to members.
* Prepare briefings, reports, policy papers, and submissions to inform collective bargaining, campaigns, and public policy interventions.
* Monitor legislative, political, and industrial developments affecting members and the wider trade union movement.
* Analyse data from surveys, official statistics, and internal sources to support union priorities.
* Support union negotiators and officers with evidence-based arguments and background research.
Campaigns and Member Engagement
* Support union campaigns through research, messaging, and evaluation.
* Assist in the design and analysis of member surveys and consultations.
* Work with organisers and officers to ensure communications reflect members' experiences and priorities.
* Help promote events, training, and union initiatives to members and activists.
* Network with branches, other trade unions and campaign groups.
Essential
* At least 2 years' proven experience in a similar role.
* Experience of research, policy analysis, or communications in a trade union, NGO, public sector, or campaigning organisation.
* Experience of digital communications and social media management.
* Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and policy documents.
* Excellent written, verbal communication and IT skills, with the ability to write for different audiences.
* Understanding of trade union values, workers' rights, and industrial relations including familiarity with collective bargaining, employment law, or labour market statistics.
* Experience of supporting campaigns or media work.
* Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable
* Trade union membership or experience working with union structures.
Company
NIPSA is one of the largest Trade Unions in Northern Ireland representing over 43,000 members, employed across the whole of the public service, in organisations such as the Northern Ireland Civil Service and its Agencies, Local Government, Education, Health and Social Care, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as well as a host of Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDBPs). NIPSA also represents a significant number of members in the community and voluntary sector.
PLEASE NOTE
Applications packs will be provided in digital format only, to be returned by email.
To request an application pack, please contact Lynsey Hudson at NIPSA Headquarters on no later than 2.00pm, Wednesday 11 February 2026.
The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is 4.00pm, Thursday 12 February 2026.
Shortlisting will take place on Monday 16 February 2026.
Interviews will take place on Monday 2 March or Tuesday 3 March 2026.
It will not be possible to offer alternative dates.
If you have a disability which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss. NIPSA is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all.