Senior Programme Manager

Job Title: Senior Programme Manager (ONSIDE Evolution) Salary: Band 7 – £44,631.57 Job Location: Based in Belfast with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland Working Hours: F/T 35 hours per week Duration: Fixed term until March 2029 (subject to Funding) Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of for and by disabled people including employment, education, advocacy and more. Ensuring they can live independently and participate fully in society. ONSIDE Evolution is a cross-border initiative that supports disabled people and carers to become more connected, confident and active within their communities. The programme builds on the success of the original ONSIDE project and aims to reduce social isolation and digital exclusion by providing: digital skills development access to technology community engagement opportunities Active Citizenship programmes peer networks and community leadership opportunities The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills and participate more fully in community life. A central element of the programme is empowering participants to become active citizens and to influence the services and communities in which they live. The Senior Programme Manager will provide strategic leadership, programme governance, and operational oversight for the ONSIDE Evolution programme. The role will ensure effective delivery of the programme across all partners and locations while maintaining full compliance with PEACEPLUS programme requirements, including regulatory and financial frameworks. The successful applicant will be responsible for the day to day management of the Disability Action ONSIDE Evolution staff team. The postholder will manage programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, financial oversight, and partnership coordination to ensure the programme achieves its intended outcomes in digital inclusion, active citizenship, and social participation. The role forms part of the senior leadership structure within Disability Action and will contribute to the organisations strategic development and cross-border collaboration work Key Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Senior Programme Manager will include: Strategic Leadership Provide strategic leadership for the design, coordination, and delivery of the ONSIDE Evolution programme. Ensure programme activities support the objectives of digital inclusion, social participation, and active citizenship for disabled people and carers. Contribute to the strategic development of Disability Actions work in digital inclusion, independent living, and cross border collaboration. Ensure programme delivery aligns with the requirements of PEACEPLUS programme frameworks and organisational strategy. Identify opportunities for innovation, partnership development, and long-term programme sustainability. Programme Governance and Oversight Establish and maintain robust programme governance structures including steering groups and partnership forums. Oversee programme implementation across delivery partners and geographic areas. Maintain programme risk registers and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented. Ensure programme delivery complies with all regulatory and audit requirements. Provide regular progress updates to Disability Actions SLT and Board. Partnership and Stakeholder Management Lead collaboration with programme partners including Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Independent Living Movement Ireland, and Supporting Communities. Develop strong relationships with statutory agencies, community organisations, and civil society stakeholders. Represent Disability Action and the programme at regional and cross border meetings and stakeholder forums. Support effective communication and collaboration between programme partners. Programme Delivery Oversee the delivery of programme activities supporting 5,800 beneficiaries across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Ensure effective coordination of participant assessments, training programmes, digital supports, and community engagement initiatives. Monitor programme performance against agreed outputs and outcomes. Identify delivery challenges and implement solutions to ensure programme targets are achieved. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Oversee the development and implementation of the programme monitoring and evaluation framework. Ensure robust systems for data collection and impact measurement. Work with programme partners to evaluate programme outcomes and identify learning. Ensure timely reporting to funders through the JEMS system and other PEACEPLUS reporting mechanisms. Promote dissemination of programme learning and best practice. Financial Management and Compliance Manage the programme budget of €8.66 million in accordance with PEACEPLUS financial regulations. Work with Disability Action finance teams to ensure accurate financial reporting and forecasting. Ensure all expenditure is eligible, auditable, and compliant with procurement rules. Maintain documentation required for financial monitoring and audit. Team Leadership and Capacity Building Lead and manage programme staff and project delivery teams. Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development for staff. Promote inclusive and collaborative working practices. Support recruitment, induction, and performance management processes. Communications and Programme Visibility Ensure programme communications comply with PEACEPLUS visibility requirements. Work with communications staff to promote programme achievements and outcomes. Support programme dissemination activities including events, reports, and publications. Represent the programme in media and stakeholder engagements where appropriate. Data Protection and Safeguarding Ensure programme compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation. Ensure secure management of participant information and programme data. Promote safeguarding and inclusive practice across programme activities Ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational data protection requirements. Essential Criteria Degree in Community Development, Social Policy, Public Administration, Disability Studies, or a related discipline. Professional qualification in programme or project management such as PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent. Minimum of three years experience managing complex programmes or projects. Experience managing multi partner initiatives involving statutory and community stakeholders. Experience managing large programme budgets and financial reporting requirements. Experience leading and managing staff teams. Experience delivering programmes that support social inclusion or community participation. Knowledge of digital inclusion and community engagement programmes. Understanding of disability rights and independent living principles. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Understanding of governance and compliance requirements associated with publicly funded programmes. Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation and GDPR, and ability to apply these when handling confidential participant information. *A full driving licence and access to a car for business use *If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post – i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland, during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends Desirable Requirements Experience working with disabled people or disabled peoples organisations. Experience working on EU or cross border programmes. Experience working with PEACE or INTERREG programmes. Knowledge of SEUPB reporting systems. Work with us What we can offer you: Enhanced Maternity packages Hybrid Working Death in Service package Cash plan In-house counselling services Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays (Based on a full-time role) Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans Additional Information Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace. We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role….