Our Work and Ambition OUR WORK We act as a Managing Agent for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) managing the delivery in Northern Ireland of the IFI Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) and the Communities in Partnership (Cross Border) Programme. We are working in partnership with Cooperation Ireland and East Border Region to animate and provide support to grassroots communities to access funding opportunities under the SEUPB/Pobal managed PEACEPLUS Small Grants Programme. We are an Open College Network (OCN) accredited centre and deliver the OCN Level 1 in Developing and Managing Community Facilities. We undertake various assignments and commissions for central and local government, other statutory bodies and the community, voluntary sector including pilot projects, evaluations, programme design, project assessments & appraisals. We deliver our own Rural Action Awards where we give back to communities each year. So far, we have invested nearly £30,000 in community action projects injecting the equivalent of £1,000 per month back into rural communities. We have just recently secured two major PEACEPLUS initiatives: RiSE (Rural Innovation & Social Enterprise), which focuses on empowering rural communities through enterprise and innovation, and MCS (Maximising Community Space), aimed at enhancing shared, inclusive spaces. This recruitment pack is specifically focused on recruiting new talent for the MCS (Maximising Community Space) programme. OUR AMBITION To be the organisation of choice for rural delivery and the go to organisation for ideas, innovations and solutions to rural needs. Why work for Rural Action At Rural Action, we believe that meaningful work starts with a meaningful workplace. Heres what you can expect when you join our team: Purpose-driven impact: Were passionate about creating real change in rural communities and everything we do is rooted in that mission. Supportive leadership: Our managers lead with empathy, encouragement, and a commitment to helping you thrive. Collaborative culture: We work as one team, celebrating every achievement and learning together. Employee voice matters: We actively consult with our staff to shape decisions and drive our shared mission forward. Strong foundations: Every new team member receives a thorough induction to help them feel confident and connected from day one. Growth and development: We invest in your potential by offering opportunities to build skills, take on new challenges, and grow professionally. Benefits We pride ourselves in being a flexible, family-friendly employer and try to offer the best terms and conditions for our employees to enable them to achieve a healthy work/life balance. Our benefits include: - 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 after 5 years service) plus 12 bank and public holidays (based on 35hrs per week, pro-rata for part-time positions) Enhanced sick leave policy Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave policies Paid compassionate leave Employer pension scheme Flexible working policy Mileage allowance at the prevailing HMRC Rate Time off in lieu (TOIL) policy for additional hours worked Training & development policy Free on-site car parking Early finish on Fridays On successful completion of probationary period: Life assurance Health insurance Hybrid working model to enable working from home Job Description Job Title: MCS Training and Development Officer Reporting to: Programme Manager Grade Staff Officer (NICS SO scale £37,694 to £38,990) Hours35 hours per week Period 30th September 2028 (subject to funding with possible extension) Background Maximising Community Space (MCS) is a newly developed innovative PEACEPLUS funded project which aims to prioritise the building of relationships, creating shared spaces where people can participate & collaborate regardless of cultural background or difference. Operating on both a cross-community and cross-border basis the project brings together a multi stakeholder partnership including Irish Rural Link and NI Rural Women's Network. Working with 40 rural community organisations, the programme aims to support the development of more inclusive spaces by increasing the leadership capacity of participating organisations, increasing the involvement of women in leadership roles & governance structures and developing inclusive activities that promote shared spaces & build connections within & between people, working collaboratively on a cross community/border basis. Purpose and Objectives As the Training & Development Officer, working as part of a team you will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective development and delivery of training within the Maximising Community Space programme. Working across partners, you will be responsible for designing and developing a bespoke MCS accredited training programme, involving a number of community organisations in the co-design process. Main Duties and Responsibilities The Training and Development Officers detailed activities will be agreed annually with the Programme Manager through an agreed work plan which will include output targets and identified time scales. The broad activities of the post will include: Design & Development of a bespoke MCS Training programme: In collaboration with the Programme Manager, you will develop a detailed MCS training programme (4 Modules, Level 2), accredited by OCN & similar framework in Ireland) that will allow 40 rural community-based organisations consider cross- community/border actions that will support the creation of inclusive shared space within their community settings. Consider the initial recruitment of 10 community organisations (5 NI/5 Border & 5 PUL/5 CNR) to help with the co-design of the above MCS training programme Liaise with project partners, updating on development and seeking feedback, etc Investigate existing training materials available, considering best practice Explore opportunities for integration of digital technology in delivery of training and look at new ways of presenting both online and in person Take the lead in the design and delivery of a Facilitator Development programme Project Delivery Training: Overall responsibility for the co-ordination of training within the MCS programme Consider and identify best methods of training to maximise uptake of organisations/participants on programme Deliver training to 40 rural community-based organisations (20 NI/20 Border Counties) on the MCS training programme developed (160 participants over 2x 15month periods) using a hybrid of online and face-to-face training in individual and cluster settings. Training to consist of 4 Modules each lasting approximately 6 hours. Training to be delivered with the support of others (where required) including Project Officers and Inclusion & Diversity Officer Identify and source any other training providers/trainers who may be required as a result of individual Development Needs Analysis carried out within the programme Monitor and support individual participant/groups progress Promote awareness and advocate for shared inclusive space Support collaboration on a cross-community/border basis Participate in and attend any Networking, Clustering events or Residentials that may take place within the MCS programme Ensure compliance with funding requirements within the programme at all times Accreditation: Liaise with relevant accreditation bodies (e.g. OCNNI & QQI), securing appropriate accreditation for the MCS training programme Develop appropriate policies, processes & procedures for training delivery within the programme Liaise with the Monitoring & Evaluation & Verification Officer and other members within the Project Delivery Team to ensure that any updates or guidance received from the accrediting bodies are fully implemented and adhered to Quality assure work completed in portfolios by students/ participants on the programme Provide guidance and support to students, staff and others working within the project Monitoring, Recording & Communications: Maintaining records of training delivered, attendance at workshop/events and other activities held Attending Project Delivery Team meetings as required (both NI & Border Counties) Ensuring post-training feedback surveys etc are issued and returned Providing information to relevant parties including Programme Manager, Project Steering Group, Monitoring & Evaluation & Verification Officer, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Finance & Procurement Officer etc Contribute to reporting required for JeMS Quarterly Reports etc Contribute to evaluation reports detailing findings, recommendations, and lessons learned for future programme development. General Participate in staff development and training events. Carry out any other duties deemed necessary within the postholders competency to ensure the effective operation of your role within Rural Action or a role where similar experience and/or knowledge and/or skills might be required. Our Organisational Values & Expectations At Rural Action, we believe that how we work is just as important as what we achieve. These principles guide our culture and define what we expect from every member of our team: Our Principles Champion our mission : Always promote Rural Action positively and help strengthen the partnerships that support our work. Act with integrity : Conduct yourself in a trustworthy, reasonable, and responsible manner in all aspects of your role. Foster respect and inclusion: Promote a harmonious working environment where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and equality and where intimidation or harassment is never tolerated. Our Professional Standards Policy adherence : Abide by all organisational policies and procedures, ensuring they are implemented fully within your areas of responsibility. Safety and safeguarding : Maintain full compliance with health and safety and safeguarding requirements relevant to your role. Employee Specification The Employee Specification outlines the essential skills, knowledge, qualifications, and attributes required to successfully carry out the duties of this role. When completing your application form, please ensure you address each criterion listed drawing on your full range of experience, whether gained through paid employment, voluntary work, education, or other relevant settings. Essential Criteria Qualifications Degree level qualification or 4 years relevant experience Experience At least 2 years experience in the last 5 years of operating in a similar role as Training and Development Officer to include: Delivering training to projects in community-based environments. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages and other training delivery packages. Proficient in using digital tools such as SharePoint, Canva, etc. Comfortable navigating and updating customised management systems, databases or CRM platforms to support data capture and programme delivery. Ability to work collaboratively within and across projects. Skills and Attributes Ability to plan work, meet targets and work to deadlines High level of inter-personal skills Ability to think creatively and flexibly Highly motivated team member Able to work to own initiative Be proactive Good written and oral communication skills ICT literate Desirable Criteria Qualifications 3rd level qualification in a related field (e.g. Community Development, Human Resources, Business Management, Education, Good Relations) Experience Understanding of rural community/development Experience of working in an office environment with various teams supporting community-based projects. Experience in working with projects that focus on reconciliation, promoting good relations, and cross-border peacebuilding. Familiarity with a range of other project, data and people management software e.g. JEMS, Miro, Trello etc. Able to adapt quickly to new technologies and digital workflows, with a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving. Other Factors Access to transport is essential Willing and able to travel within NI, Ireland and occasionally further if required. Willing and able to work occasional extended hours if required. Conditions of Service The successful applicant will play a key role in helping Rural Action deliver its strategic plan, and as such, a flexible and proactive approach to work is essential. This post is based in Cookstown, with Rural Action currently operating a hybrid working model. Upon successful completion of the probation period, the postholder will have the opportunity to work flexibly within this model. However, due to the collaborative nature of the MCS programme, regular face-to-face engagement with colleagues and partners will be required. Access to personal transport is essential, as the role involves travel across Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland, and occasionally further afield to attend meetings and events. Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo an Access NI check. This post is subject to funding with possible extension until 30th September 2028. Additional Information Equal Opportunities Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Application Process The closing date/time for submission of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 22ND October 2025 CVs are not accepted Please Note: We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time. Guidance Notes on Applying for this role Please ensure you complete the application form in full. Rural Action will not make assumptions from the title of your post(s) or the nature of any employing organisation(s) as to your skills and experience gained. If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet any eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected. ONLY the details provided by you in your form will be used for determining your eligibility for the post/shortlisting purposes. Contact Details If you have any queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact Samantha Thank you for your interest in Rural Action and this post. A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).