Rural Action is a registered charity (NIC108163) established to meet an identified need to support grassroots communities through meaningful, community-driven projects and programmes. We specialise in designing, developing, and delivering initiatives that respond directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural people. Our mission is to inspire action and make a lasting, positive impact on everyday rural life. We believe in the strength of community, the value of shared spaces, and the potential of sustainable living. That includes supporting social enterprise as a vital tool for economic resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth in rural areas. If youre passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-led environment, wed love to hear from you. Our Vision, Mission and Values OUR VISION We believe passionately about engaging people to build a better future. We work to support living, working, sustainable and shared communities. OUR MISSION We seek to inspire action and make a positive contribution to the everyday lives of rural people. OUR VALUES Values are included in the original document but not textually listed in the extracted section. 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 and voluntary sector, including pilot projects, evaluations, programme design, project assessments and 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 recently secured two major PEACEPLUS initiatives: RiSE (Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise), which focuses on empowering rural communities through enterprise and innovation, and MCS (Maximising Community Space), aimed at enhancing shared, inclusive spaces. 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 on 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 35 hours per week, pro-rata for part-time positions. Enhanced sick leave policy. Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and 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 and 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 if compatible with the role. Job Description Job Title: Programme Administrator Reporting to: Programme Manager Grade: Administrator Officer (NICS AO scale £26,449 to £28,094) Hours: 35 hours per week Period: To 31st January 2029 (subject to funding) Background We have recently secured two major PEACEPLUS initiatives: RiSE (Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise), which focuses on empowering rural communities through enterprise and innovation, and MCS (Maximising Community Space), aimed at enhancing shared, inclusive spaces. Rural Action is Lead Partner on both, working with a number of partners to deliver positive outcomes for cross-border rural communities. Purpose and Objectives The Administrator will assist in supporting the delivery of the PEACEPLUS projects, providing a full administrative service to the Programme Team. Additionally, they will assist in the continuing development of administrative structures and procedures necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of each programme. Main Duties and Responsibilities The Administrators detailed activities will be agreed with the Programme Manager through a work plan which will include output targets and identified time scales. The broad activities of the post will include: To maintain a centralised calendar for the programme, assisting with the scheduling of meetings and programme activities such as training, study visits and cluster events, and putting in place arrangements for same. Liaising with the programme staff, assisting in the preparation of programme materials. Contributing to the administration of events including networking events, clustering events and residentials, and the management of promotional stands. Assisting programme staff by processing and recording feedback questionnaires and preparing summary reports following programme activities. Liaising with participant organisations, procurement staff and suppliers of goods and services in line with SEUPB procurement requirements, for example venue hire and hospitality. Providing administrative support as required, including document creation and digital text processing, e.g. Canva. Maintaining a centralised electronic document management system for the programme, e.g. SharePoint. Assisting in the administration of management information reports as required in support of quarterly claims, monitoring reports and annual work plans. Providing support to the Programme Manager and the Programme Delivery Team as required. Carrying out any other reasonable duties which the Programme Manager may feel necessary to ensure the success of the Programme and the achievement of its aim and objectives. 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 Essential Criteria Qualifications 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades A to C including Maths and English Language, or 2 years relevant experience in an Administration role. Experience At least 2 years experience in the last 5 years of operating in a similar role as Administrator, to include: Proven experience of working in an office environment with various teams supporting community based projects. Experience in fielding calls, arranging meetings, scheduling events and supporting same. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages. Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively within and across projects. Skills and Attributes Ability to plan work, meet targets and work to deadlines. High level of interpersonal skills. Ability to think creatively and flexibly. Attention to detail. Highly motivated team member. Able to work on own initiative. Be proactive. Good written and oral communication skills. ICT literate. Desirable Criteria Understanding of rural community/development sectors. Experience in reconciliation, promoting good relations, and cross-border peacebuilding. Familiarity with a range of other project, data and people management software, e.g. SharePoint, JEMS, Miro, Trello etc. 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 these programmes, 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 and is confirmed until 31 January 2029. 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 20th May 2026. Please ensure your form and any requested supporting documentation is submitted to Samantha. We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time. You will need to apply directly by clicking apply below. 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). We do not accept CVs.