Equality & Human Rights Officer

Job Title: Equality & Human Rights Officer (ONSIDE Evolution) Salary: Band 5 -£32,668.96 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 services and 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 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. The Equality and Human Rights Officer will play a key role in embedding human rights, equality and inclusion principles across the ONSIDE Evolution programme. The postholder will support the development of a rights-based approach to programme delivery, ensuring that disabled people and carers participating in the programme understand their rights and are empowered to participate actively in their communities. The role will involve delivering training and awareness activities, supporting community advocacy, and ensuring the programme contributes to wider equality and human rights outcomes. The Equality and Human Rights Officer will also contribute to monitoring programme outcomes and identifying policy learning to support improvements in equality practice across services and communities. Key Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Equality & Human Rights Officer will include: Promoting Human Rights and Equality Promote a rights-based approach across all programme activities. Ensure programme delivery reflects principles of equality, dignity, participation and non-discrimination. Support participants to understand their rights under equality legislation and human rights frameworks. Promote awareness of the rights of disabled people under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Support programme partners to embed equality considerations within service delivery. Training and Capacity Building Develop and deliver training on equality, disability rights and human rights. Provide workshops for disabled people, carers, programme staff and community organisations. Develop accessible learning resources that support participants to understand and exercise their rights. Promote understanding of equality and human rights issues within communities. Support programme staff to apply rights-based approaches in their work. Community Engagement and Participation Support disabled people to engage in Active Citizenship programmes and community leadership initiatives. Facilitate the development of Active Citizenship and Disability Networks. Encourage participants to engage with community planning partnerships, housing forums and other decision-making structures. Support participants to advocate for their rights and influence local services and policies. Develop relationships with community organisations and statutory agencies. Policy and Research Monitor developments in equality, disability rights and social inclusion policy. Conduct research and gather evidence relating to barriers experienced by disabled people. Contribute to policy briefings and programme learning reports. Ensure lived experiences of programme participants inform policy discussions and programme development. Support the dissemination of programme findings to stakeholders and policymakers. Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Support the development of equality indicators and monitoring systems for the programme. Collect and analyse data relating to programme participation and equality outcomes. Assist in the preparation of evaluation reports for programme partners and funders. Ensure programme activities align with PEACEPLUS reporting and equality requirements. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Work collaboratively with programme partners including: Northern Ireland Housing Executive Independent Living Movement Ireland Supporting Communities Develop partnerships with community organisations, equality bodies and statutory agencies. Represent the programme at equality and human rights forums and networks. Promote collaboration between organisations working to advance disability rights and social inclusion. Safeguarding and Compliance Ensure compliance with equality legislation and organisational policies. Promote safeguarding and inclusive practice across programme activities. Ensure participant information is handled in accordance with data protection legislation. Essential Criteria Degree in a relevant discipline such as: human rights social policy law sociology community development disability studies equality studies Or similar degree Experience working in equality, human rights or advocacy. Experience working with disabled people or marginalised groups. Experience delivering training, workshops or awareness sessions. Experience working with community organisations and stakeholders. Experience supporting individuals experiencing discrimination or social exclusion. Knowledge of equality and anti-discrimination legislation. Understanding of disability rights and the social model of disability. Knowledge of human rights frameworks including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Understanding of community participation and inclusion approaches. Experience working with vulnerable or marginalised groups. Understanding of digital inclusion and community engagement initiatives. Understanding of disability rights and independent living principles. Knowledge of project management and programme monitoring processes. Understanding of governance requirements associated with publicly funded programmes. 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 on EU or cross-border programmes. Knowledge of Northern Ireland equality duties including Section 75. Experience contributing to policy consultations or research. Experience producing accessible information resources. 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….