Job Description

We are seeking a skilled and strategic Policy and Programme Manager to lead key programmes and support the wider success of NICON. You will play a central role in delivering our flagship conference, managing new initiatives, and building strong relationships across the sector.
With a clear commitment to our values, you will bring:

• Proven experience in project and stakeholder management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage senior leaders and partners
• The ability to manage complex priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative and proactive approach to delivering member impac
• Confidence to represent NICON externally and support team growth
• Strong knowledge of the policy and organisational health and care landscape in Northern Ireland

Main duties of the job
The role of our Policy and Programme Manager will be to lead the effective delivery of key NICON programmes of work. Specifically, the post holder will lead the management of the NICON annual Conference, and be responsible for developing and managing new programmes of work, such as the establishment of a new primary care network, support for an emerging provider collaborative, and other member priority projects.
About us
The Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON) is the representative body for the16 organisations that comprise the statutoryHealth and Social Care (HSC) system in Northern Ireland.
Our role is to represent the interests of our members through supporting communication, networking, events, promoting best practice and influencing. We work directly with the Chairs, Chief Executives, Directors and a wide range of partners to support the system in delivering quality health and care for our citizens.
You can read more about what we do here: https://www.nhsconfed.org/nicon
Additionally, as part of our work we host the NI Public Sector Chairs Forum, which supports the networking, collaboration and good practice development of Ministerially appointed chairs of public bodies, supporting the delivery of better outcomes across our public services.
NICON is part of the wider NHS Confederation and we work closely with colleagues to access support and maximise shared learning.
Details
Date posted
11 September 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
45,239 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number
NHS1136772
Job locations
HSC Leadership Centre
12 Hampton Manor Drive
Belfast
BT7 3EN
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities
Programme management and policy delivery

• Scope, project manage and lead on the delivery of the NICON Conference, working with a wide range of partners.
• Take the lead role in establishing and providing the secretariat to the NI Committee in Common, managing all aspects of the governance and reporting to Trusts and key stakeholders
• Project manage the delivery of the establishment of the new primary care network within NICON, and any other ad hoc policy projects and products that support members, deliver against their key policy priorities.
• Support the Director in scoping new projects and in the development of income generation strategy.
• Provide flexible capacity to respond to evolving business priorities.

Stakeholder and relationship management

• Manage stakeholder relationships with external organisations to maximise engagement in NICON work, at the NICON conference, and on an ongoing basis to establish new joint policy projects and products where appropriate.
• Develop effective working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including NICON members, NHS Confederation colleagues to maximise the value of the relationship.
• Represent the Confed at external events and meetings, promoting cross-network activity, member products and keeping in touch with the work of key stakeholders.
• Deputising for the Director at meetings where appropriate

Day-to-day Programme management

• Lead the business planning process through helping to identify programmes of work that will meet our members expectations and respond to the national policy environment.
• Support the day-to-day management of the NICON Business Plan and operations to ensure our teams policy and delivery work is of a high standard.

Management responsibility
It is the ambition of NICON to grow to meet member needs. As the team grows, you will be responsible for the effective line management of additional supporting staff, including recruitment, performance management and employee development in line with the organisations Human Resources policies and procedures. Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities
Programme management and policy delivery

• Scope, project manage and lead on the delivery of the NICON Conference, working with a wide range of partners.
• Take the lead role in establishing and providing the secretariat to the NI Committee in Common, managing all aspects of the governance and reporting to Trusts and key stakeholders
• Project manage the delivery of the establishment of the new primary care network within NICON, and any other ad hoc policy projects and products that support members, deliver against their key policy priorities.
• Support the Director in scoping new projects and in the development of income generation strategy.
• Provide flexible capacity to respond to evolving business priorities.

Stakeholder and relationship management

• Manage stakeholder relationships with external organisations to maximise engagement in NICON work, at the NICON conference, and on an ongoing basis to establish new joint policy projects and products where appropriate.
• Develop effective working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including NICON members, NHS Confederation colleagues to maximise the value of the relationship.
• Represent the Confed at external events and meetings, promoting cross-network activity, member products and keeping in touch with the work of key stakeholders.
• Deputising for the Director at meetings where appropriate

Day-to-day Programme management

• Lead the business planning process through helping to identify programmes of work that will meet our members expectations and respond to the national policy environment.
• Support the day-to-day management of the NICON Business Plan and operations to ensure our teams policy and delivery work is of a high standard.

Management responsibility
It is the ambition of NICON to grow to meet member needs. As the team grows, you will be responsible for the effective line management of additional supporting staff, including recruitment, performance management and employee development in line with the organisations Human Resources policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Project management experience, including project design, implementation and evaluation
• Ability to work with a wide range of teams and senior stakeholders and develop effective and collaborative relationships to deliver excellent services to members and enhancing our impact.
• An ability to work flexibly across a range of different policy and programme objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to critically analyse and clearly articulate complex policy issues both verbally and in a variety of written formats
• An ability to be proactive, responsive and agile in a rapidly changing environment and to work under pressure, maximising the use of modern technology to meet deadlines and manage competing demands.
• Great interpersonal skills and an ability to build effective partnerships.

Desirable

• A strong understanding of Health and Care Policy in Northern Ireland and the political context.
• Previous working relationships with relevant bodies, e.g. HSC Organisations, Department of Health NI, Solace NI, NILGA, NICVA, CO3 and other Government Departments
• Awareness of a commercial environment and experience of income generation activities and strategies

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Project management experience, including project design, implementation and evaluation
• Ability to work with a wide range of teams and senior stakeholders and develop effective and collaborative relationships to deliver excellent services to members and enhancing our impact.
• An ability to work flexibly across a range of different policy and programme objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to critically analyse and clearly articulate complex policy issues both verbally and in a variety of written formats
• An ability to be proactive, responsive and agile in a rapidly changing environment and to work under pressure, maximising the use of modern technology to meet deadlines and manage competing demands.
• Great interpersonal skills and an ability to build effective partnerships.

Desirable

• A strong understanding of Health and Care Policy in Northern Ireland and the political context.
• Previous working relationships with relevant bodies, e.g. HSC Organisations, Department of Health NI, Solace NI, NILGA, NICVA, CO3 and other Government Departments
• Awareness of a commercial environment and experience of income generation activities and strategies

Skills Required