Research and Policy Officer

We are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of OICE, a newly established Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), for a Temporary Policy and Research Officer. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of policy and research in the area of culture and identity within a dynamic public sector organisation.

• Develop and articulate policy positions aligned to the organisation's mandate, with a focus on culture, identity and national identity principles.
• Lead and manage consultation processes, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering.
• Conduct, commission and oversee qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation and monitoring activities.
• Benchmark and analyse the culture and identity approaches of other public bodies to inform strategy.
• Embed culture and identity considerations across public service delivery frameworks.
• Draft academic papers, research outputs and formal consultation responses.
• Lead the development of new policies from concept through to detailed drafting.

• Experience working in a policy and research role, with a strong background in public policy and new policy development.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality research reports, academic papers and consultation responses.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated expertise in culture and identity, with understanding of the Northern Ireland political landscape.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex workloads with a high degree of autonomy.

• Postdoctoral level qualification in a relevant discipline.

• Staff Officer Grade salary.
• Opportunity to join a newly established NDPB at a formative stage.
• Meaningful and impactful policy development work.
• Exposure to high-level strategic research and consultation processes.
• Supportive public sector working environment.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on  or on email at m.hamiltons.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.