Project Officer, Schools

Project Officer, Schools

• Location: Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards
• £29,835 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
• Ref: 228REC
• Part Time 17.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working
• Base: Homebased working in schools in Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31/08/2027 with an anticipated extension beyond the initial term, subject to continued funding approval.
• Disclosure: An Enhanced Access NI check is required for this position as the post holder will be working with schools and young people in the region.

About the role

Team: Northern Ireland

As Project Officer, you’ll lead the delivery of behaviour change and engagement activities with selected schools in Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards, helping more children and families choose active, healthy and sustainable journeys to school. You'll be delivering our exciting Active School Travel programme in Northern Ireland, helping to create lasting travel habits for future generations. Learn more about the programme here.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver practical walking, wheeling and cycling activities for pupils, including cycle training, learn-to-cycle sessions, Dr Bike events, led walks and road safety education, helping more children travel actively and confidently.
• Build strong relationships with school active travel champions, including principals, teachers and parents, providing advice, guidance and support to help more pupils walk, wheel and cycle to school.
• Champion the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling to school, helping school communities understand the positive impact on health, wellbeing, safety and the environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and young people and is passionate about health, sustainability and the environment.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• An understanding of active travel and issues facing audiences that experience inequalities.
• Knowledge and understanding of behaviour change theories and tools with particular focus on how to engage the school community.
• Experience of youth work and/or school engagement.
• Experience of leading group workshops and activities and presenting to variety of audiences.
• The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk.

Living our values

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are:

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement.
Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed.
Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better.
Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success.

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully.

What we offer

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees (pro-rata for part-time employees) Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial benefits

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays
• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum, pro rata for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary

Family friendly policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full-time hours are 35 per week, Monday - Friday)

Additional information

Application deadline: 23:59, 25 October 2026

Interviews will be held at the Belfast hub (34 Greggs Quay, Belfast, BT5 4GQ) on the 4th or 5th November 2026. If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact us or an alternative arrangement. To apply, please complete our online application form.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our workforce, including people of colour and candidates with disabilities.

Adjustments are available throughout the application process.