Job description
About FSB Northern Ireland
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK's largest grassroots business organisation and leading business campaigner, representing small businesses and the self-employed across every nation and region of the UK.
FSB Northern Ireland is the largest business membership organisation in Northern Ireland, representing around 6,000 business owners. We work to ensure that the voice of small businesses is heard clearly and effectively at Stormont, Westminster and local government level, underpinned by rigorous, evidence-based policy research and impactful advocacy.
Recent FSB policy work has delivered tangible results for small businesses, including major interventions on the Windsor Framework, late payment reform, tax thresholds, National Insurance contributions and access to finance.
The Role
FSB Northern Ireland is now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy, a senior leadership role that will lead the organisation's research, policy development and policy influence agenda.
Reporting to the Head of FSB Northern Ireland, the Head of Policy will be the principal staff lead for policy, research and evidence-based campaigning. The role involves close engagement with elected representatives, civil servants, policymakers, think tanks, media and stakeholders across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
This is a pivotal and high-profile role, offering the opportunity to shape public policy that has a direct impact on the day-to-day operation and future success of small businesses.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Policy Development
1. Lead and deliver a strategic annual research programme for FSB Northern Ireland
2. Design, commission and oversee bespoke surveys and research projects
3. Manage relationships with external research partners and institutions
4. Ensure NI perspectives are reflected in UK-wide FSB research and consultations
5. Respond to consultations from the NI Assembly, NI Executive and other bodies
External Affairs & Advocacy
6. Provide evidence to NI Assembly Committees, Ministers and officials
7. Represent FSB Northern Ireland in Westminster and other forums as required
8. Build and maintain senior relationships across government, civil service, think tanks and representative bodies
9. Monitor political, economic and social developments and assess their impact on small businesses
10. Act as a spokesperson for FSB Northern Ireland in broadcast and print media when required
Leadership & Management
11. Lead, manage and mentor the Senior Policy Advisor and Policy Advisors
12. Support continuous professional development within the policy team
13. Deputise for the Head of FSB Northern Ireland when appropriate
Communication & Reporting
14. Draft policy briefings, consultation responses, reports and manifestos
15. Produce content for internal and external publications
16. Contribute to business planning, reporting and organisational intelligence
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
17. Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
18. Proven experience leading and managing a research or policy programme in a business-facing, public affairs or policy environment
19. Demonstrable policy experience gained in at least one of the following:
20. Civil Service or related public bodyThink tank or research institutionPublic affairs or policy role within a representative, membership or third-sector organisation
21. Strong understanding of political processes at Stormont, Westminster and local government level
22. Knowledge of regional economic development policy and practice
23. Proven people management and mentoring experience
24. Excellent analytical and research skills, including survey design and data analysis
25. Ability to translate complex research into clear, persuasive policy positions
26. Strong written and verbal communication skills
27. Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and travel
Desirable Criteria
28. Postgraduate qualification (Master's or PhD) in a relevant subject
29. Experience of small business or SME policy
30. Experience within a membership organisation
31. Experience of political campaigning
32. Media handling and broadcast interview experience
33. Knowledge of EU institutions and policy processes