ABOUT THE ROLE: The Political Affairs Group in the Northern Ireland Office works to ensure a thriving democracy at all levels in Northern Ireland. We do this through our strong relationships with Northern Irelands political parties, the Executive, the Assembly and with communities and civic, voluntary and academic stakeholders, as well as engaging with international partners. The team supports the stability and peace brought about by the Good Friday Agreement and its successors, and supports the institutions to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. The Community Engagement Officer will be responsible for developing relationships with NI community stakeholders, including voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and local councils. As part of the Communities Team, they will help ensure that the NIO is taking account of the views of diverse community stakeholders in our policy development, communicating our work effectively and ensuring that ministers and senior officials have the opportunity to engage with communities across Northern Ireland. Day to day, the jobholder will be contacting and meeting a range of community stakeholders to discuss policy issues, and arranging and supporting meetings and visits for ministers. They will use their knowledge of the community sector and political environment in Northern Ireland to prepare briefing for ministers, advise on community engagement and keep colleagues across the office and other government departments informed about the viewpoints of different communities across Northern Ireland. The post holder will also provide occasional support to our UK-Ireland Team on high profile intergovernmental events. The role offers significant amounts of autonomy, and the post-holder should be comfortable with driving forward work and maintaining effective, responsive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to: Establish and build effective relationships with civic sector groups, especially grassroots community groups across Northern Ireland. Provide advice and briefings to Ministers and senior officials, and support senior official/ministerial visits and engagements with civic sector groups. Represent the NIO at events and conferences in Northern Ireland. Monitor media reporting and social media, highlighting any developments in community or civic society sentiment and reporting to relevant teams across the NIO. Provide support for the UK-Ireland team particularly when delivering high profile intergovernmental events. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: Experience working in a community and voluntary sector organisation, or in a role involving significant engagement with the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of external stakeholders, and to work collaboratively to achieve results. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively to a range of audiences. The ability to plan work and deliver results at pace, taking the initiative to solve problems. DESIRABLE CRITERIA: A good understanding of the political environment in Northern Ireland. Previous experience of working with Ministers (or equivalent senior decision-makers) and senior officials.