Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland) (Job-share)

Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join Cancer Research UK as our Public Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland, where you’ll play a key role in ensuring beating cancer stays front and centre for decision-makers.

Grade: P3

Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications

Reports to: Senior External Affairs Manager (Devolved Nations)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time 17.5 hours per week

Salary: £44,556 per annum prorated to £22,278 based on 17.5 hours per week.

Location: Belfast, Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 12 July 2026 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: one competency-based interview with a presentation.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

What will I be doing?

• Leading our public affairs activity across Northern Ireland and raising our profile with key political audiences
• Building strong, lasting relationships with politicians, special advisers, and civil servants
• Connecting across the charity to support our groundbreaking research, vital information work, and fundraising efforts
• Collaborating with our policy experts to bring powerful, evidence-based recommendations to life

What skills will I need?

• Significant experience in a public policy, public affairs or parliamentary role, with a proven track record of influencing senior decision‑makers and opinion‑formers.
• In‑depth knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, including legislative processes and political dynamics.
• Strong understanding of political advocacy, lobbying standards and policy‑making environments.
• Demonstrable experience developing and overseeing the delivery of public affairs strategies and operational plans.
• Ability to assess political and policy trends and identify opportunities to enhance organisational influence.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate policy priorities into effective influencing activity.
• Highly developed influencing, negotiating and relationship‑building skills with parliamentarians, officials and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and productive relationships across political and sector networks.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and balancing multiple interests.
• Confident representative of the organisation with strong judgement and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high‑quality briefings, speeches and political communications.
• Strong media engagement skills, including delivering interviews as part of an influencing strategy.
• Exceptional attention to detail, including flawless spelling, grammar and presentation.
• Effective and experienced people manager, able to work collaboratively within a job‑share arrangement.
• Strong team‑working skills and the ability to support and contribute to wider public affairs and campaigns teams.
• Calm, resilient and solution‑focused under pressure.