Economic Development Officer - Local Authority

Company: VANRATH

Location: Newtownabbey

Posted: May 13th, 2026

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting our major Public Sector client, a large organisation with the recruitment of an Economic Development Officer to join their team based in Newtownabbey. What's in it for you? £21.65 per hour Opportunity to lead strategic employability and skills initiatives Exposure to major regional growth programmes and stakeholder partnerships Involvement in externally funded economic development projects About your next employer You'll be joining a forward-thinking local authority within its Economic Development function, supporting programmes that drive skills development, employability and business growth across the borough. Working closely with businesses, education providers, government departments and community stakeholders, the team delivers strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the local labour market and support regional economic growth. About you Degree qualification (or equivalent) OR at least 4 years' relevant experience Minimum 2 years' experience in economic development activities Experience delivering skills, employability or workforce initiatives Strong project management and organisational skills Experience working with externally funded programmes (desirable) Knowledge of grant funding and programme compliance processes Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Full driving licence (or access to suitable transport) Flexibility to attend evening meetings and engagements when required What you'll do Lead and coordinate employability and skills programmes across the borough Develop and manage partnerships with businesses, education providers and stakeholders Support the establishment and coordination of labour market partnership initiatives Identify funding opportunities and support grant application processes Monitor programme performance, outcomes and compliance requirements Organise and support business engagement events, workshops and consultations Prepare reports, action plans and committee documentation Contribute to economic development strategies, research and policy initiatives For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence. Recent Feedback from our candidates: ''In my eyes, VANRATH is the clear industry leader of recruitment in Northern Ireland. With a long history of placements, they have perfected the recruitment trade, which was made very clear to me during my time with them. Whether you plan to find your new role or work directly for VANRATH, you can expect nothing but the best.'' ''Vanrath were massively helpful in helping me secure my new role. They provided tips and example questions for the interviews and were able to get quick feedback.'' ''I had a very positive experience working with Vanrath. They went way beyond my expectations and his diligence pulled through for me.'' IND04 Skills: Project Management Economic Development Grants Funding Procurement Public Sector Benefits: Additional Benefits

WHJS1_NI

Apply Now