Jobs, fresher vacancy - Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer • Northern Ireland

Company: Charity Jobs NI

Northern Ireland

CHANGE Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation OfficerCharity Jobs NI is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) for a CHANGE Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer to support the delivery of an important cross-border environmental project funded byPEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This is a varied and impactful opportunity for a skilled communications and evaluation professional who can combine strong storytelling, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and reporting to help drive the success of a complex, multi-partner initiative.This role will suit candidates with experience across communications, PR, monitoring, reporting and project support. It may also appeal to those searching for opportunities such as Communications Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Project Officer, Engagement Officer, PR and Communications Officer or Impact and Reporting Officer.About the OrganisationNorthern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the networking and forum body for non-statutory organisations concerned with the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland. Its membership brings together extensive knowledge, expertise and experience to help shape policy, practice and implementation across a wide range of environmental issues.NIELs work also extends across the island of Ireland, where it collaborates with partners including the Irish Environmental Network to address shared environmental challenges and support stronger cooperation, dialogue and evidence-led policy development.About the ProjectThe Collaborative Horizons for All-island Nature and Governance Enhancement (CHANGE) project is a cross-border initiative designed to strengthen environmental governance and cooperation in response to increasing regulatory divergence and shared ecological challenges in a post-Brexit context.Delivered in partnership by Northern Ireland Environment Link and the Irish Environmental Network, the project supports collaboration, evidence-led policy development and capacity-building among environmental organisations, public bodies and communities across Northern Ireland and Ireland.A key component of the project involves mapping and analysing regulatory divergence across climate action, biodiversity protection, marine conservation and freshwater management. Through consultation, research and practical collaboration, the project will help develop stronger frameworks for cross-border environmental consultation and cooperation.The RoleThe CHANGE Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer is a pivotal role within the project. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering an effective communications and PR function while also designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness, reach and impact of the project.Reporting to the CHANGE Project Manager, the postholder will support high-quality communications outputs across a range of channels, help promote project visibility and stakeholder engagement, and ensure that robust monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems are in place to track progress against key objectives and targets.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who can combine creativity and clarity in communications with strong analytical ability, reporting skills and attention to detail.Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver an effective communications and PR workplan for the CHANGE project and support its implementationCoordinate publicity content including press releases, newsletters, speeches, website copy and leafletsBuild and maintain strong relationships with the media to promote the CHANGE projectCoordinate promotional events and attend press launches, exhibitions and related activitiesMonitor and respond to feedback from the media and the public across traditional and digital channelsRecord media coverage and evaluate the impact of publicity activity on audience engagementDevelop and disseminate PR materials that increase project visibility among stakeholdersEnsure digital communications content aligns with NIELs brand identity and messagingEnsure all communications activity complies with SEUPB PEACEPLUS communications and PR guidelinesDevelop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks, plans and indicators for the CHANGE projectCollect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to assess project performance and outcomesSupport quarterly and annual reporting across the projectPrepare reports, dashboards and visual summaries to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholdersMonitor activities, outputs and outcomes against project targets and benchmarksConduct field visits and assessments to verify data quality, monitor progress and identify challengesSupport the setup and maintenance of data management systems and databasesProvide training and capacity building to project staff on monitoring and evaluation concepts and toolsFacilitate learning and knowledge-sharing sessions to capture best practice and lessons learnedContribute to programme planning, review and evaluation meetingsEnsure compliance with ethical standards, data protection requirements and organisational policiesSupport NIEL in embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into its ways of workingUndertake any other reasonable duties as requiredPerson SpecificationCandidates should be able to demonstrate strong communications and PR capability alongside experience in monitoring, evaluation, reporting and stakeholder engagement, ideally within a funded, project-based or mission-driven environment.Essential CriteriaA degree or third level qualification and at least 2 years demonstrable relevant experience, or at least 3 years demonstrable relevant experience in a comparable role where a third level qualification is not heldExperience developing and delivering communications and PR plans, including press releases, digital content and stakeholder communicationsExperience managing media relationships and responding to public or stakeholder enquiriesExperience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including indicators and data collection toolsExperience collecting, analysing and reporting quantitative and qualitative dataExperience preparing reports for senior stakeholders and/or fundersStrong understanding of communications and PR principles and audience engagement strategiesWorking knowledge of social media platforms and digital communication toolsStrong understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including outcomes-based approachesKnowledge of data protection and ethical data management principlesProficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and other relevant platforms for data analysis and reportingExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and report writing, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiencesExcellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage competing priorities and meet deadlinesExcellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to engage with senior stakeholdersAbility and willingness to travel to meet the requirements of the postFlexibility to work evenings or weekends where necessaryDesirable CriteriaDegree or third level qualification in a relevant discipline such as Communications, PR or MarketingExperience in the NGO sector, environmental sector or another relevant sectorExperience of working on EU PEACE or other EU-funded programmes or projects with compliance and reporting requirementsKnowledge or experience of cross-border or transnational cooperationKnowledge of environmental issuesLocationNIEL Office, Lombard Street, Belfast, BT1 1RD, with hybrid working arrangements available by agreement with the Line Manager. Frequent travel will be required throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland, with occasional travel elsewhere in the UK. Applicants must therefore be based within Northern Ireland.Salary£40,000 per annumHours of Work37.5 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pmContractFixed-term contract until 31 January 2029, subject to funding, with the possibility of extension. Secondment opportunities will also be considered.BenefitsContributory pension scheme of 7.5%25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory holidaysEmployee Assistance ProgrammeOccupational Sick PayOccupational Family LeaveClosing DateMonday 20th April 2026 at 9amInterview DateWeek commencing 4th May 2026How to ApplyIf you are passionate about using communications, insight and evidence to support impactful environmental work across the island of Ireland, we would love to hear from you.Simply apply now with your CV to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to discuss your application and guide you through the next steps of the process.Early application is advised, as the employer reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications or interest be received.Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure that their application is submitted and received by the stated closing date and time.Charity Jobs NI is proud to be supporting Northern Ireland Environment Link as recruitment partner for this vacancy.Skills:Communications Public Relations Monitoring and Evaluation