Northern Ireland region - Local Organiser (Research & Development)

Working with the Regional Management Team in Northern Ireland your role will involve undertaking research and project work, providing information and supporting policy development in accordance with the Regional Plan. This translates into a wide range of activities supporting the union internally and externally, including:

• Working with the senior team, the whole staff team, union activists and, where appropriate, direct assistance to branches and supporting a range of organising, bargaining, campaigning and policy issues.
• Investigating, compiling and analysing policy and statistical data, and communicating these in appropriate ways, written and oral, to different internal and external audiences.
• Providing background research for use in the drafting of policy statements, sectoral publications, responses to government and public sector consultations, campaign materials, briefing papers and speeches.
• Investigating, researching and collating information through primary sources such as member case studies and conducting members’ surveys.
• Taking a lead research role on specific projects, such as the union’s Just Transition framework to secure workers’ rights and combat climate change.
• Supporting the organisation of UNISON conferences, seminars, lobbies and attending internal and external meetings as appropriate
• Developing up to date materials for publication on the UNISON website, and social media.
• Supporting regional and UNISON-wide organising, recruitment and campaign activities.

You will be committed to the principles and policies of UNISON in particular and the trade union movement in general. You will have excellent research and communication skills, and an understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and democracy. You will have the ability to travel as required.

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the area and local organiser application form, referring to the job description and person specification.

Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.

The completed application form, along with the NI Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form, should be sent by email to Michele Bradford m.bradford@unison.co.uk and quote reference R5/38.

Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference.

Completed application forms must be received by no later than 5pm on Thursday 3 September 2026

In-person interviews will be held in mid-September. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the date and time of their interview by email.

Please see a map of our regions below.

UNISON is committed to equality of opportunity. Applicants will be treated equally regardless of gender, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, political opinion and whether or not they have dependants