Location: Lisburn
Hours: Full-time (36.25 hours per week)

About the Role:

MPA Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Learning & Organisational Development Business Partner on behalf of our client, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Learning & Organisational Development professional to join the People & Culture Team and play a key role in supporting the delivery of the organisation's People Strategy and transformation agenda.

Working in partnership with designated business areas, the successful candidate will provide specialist L&OD advice and guidance, lead organisational development initiatives and design and deliver learning programmes that enhance leadership capability, employee engagement and workforce development.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders, managers, employees and external partners to deliver meaningful organisational change, improve performance and support the development of a positive workplace culture.

This role would suit a confident and influential L&OD professional with strong project management, stakeholder engagement and digital skills, alongside the ability to manage complex initiatives and competing priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Learning & Organisational Development

• Partner with designated business areas, providing specialist L&OD advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the design, development and delivery of HR and L&OD objectives and projects aligned with the NIFRS People Strategy.
• Develop and implement learning and organisational development programmes to support organisational priorities.
• Conduct Learning Needs Analyses and develop appropriate strategies and plans to address identified development requirements.
• Design and deliver training sessions, workshops and seminars covering leadership, communication, team development and organisational development.
• Develop evaluation tools and reporting mechanisms to measure the effectiveness and impact of learning initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate leadership development conferences and masterclasses.
• Support corporate compliance training in line with statutory obligations.

Leadership Development and Performance Management

• Design and deliver leadership and management development programmes aligned with the NIFRS leadership framework.
• Support the development of future leaders through talent development, coaching and people management initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of the NIFRS Performance Management System and associated policies.
• Act as a lead assessor for accredited leadership and management qualifications, ensuring standards are maintained.
• Support employee engagement and workforce development initiatives.

Organisational Change and Service Improvement

• Lead the design, development and implementation of organisational change management initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of organisational values, behavioural frameworks and the code of ethics.
• Research and analyse organisational challenges, using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop recommendations based on professional best practice, industry research and benchmarking.
• Manage multiple change projects simultaneously, ensuring agreed objectives and deadlines are achieved.
• Champion new ideas, innovation and improved ways of working, using influence to encourage engagement and overcome resistance to change.

Digital Learning and Technology

• Use digital technology to enhance the design, development and delivery of L&OD projects and interventions.
• Develop tailored digital learning solutions to meet stakeholder requirements and different learning styles.
• Support the delivery of innovative corporate training through digital content, instructional design, graphic design, animation, video and other multimedia approaches.
• Work with the L&OD Manager to identify and implement emerging technologies that support learning and organisational change.

Stakeholder Engagement and Business Partnering

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with senior management, employees, trade unions and external partners.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand organisational needs and support the successful delivery of L&OD initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with external organisations, consultants and professional networks.
• Communicate organisational development plans, strategies and initiatives across a range of channels.
• Represent the L&OD Manager when required and provide support to ensure continuity of service.

HR Support and Reporting

• Provide wider HR support and contribute to activities such as recruitment and selection, job evaluation and policy development.
• Assist with the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and training.
• Prepare accurate reports, statistics and management information for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of responses to Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests, as well as Ministerial, Parliamentary and NI Assembly questions.
• Support the management of L&OD budgets, contracts, procurement arrangements and business cases.

What We’re Looking For:

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification.
• Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• A minimum of three years' experience working in a Learning & Development or Organisational Development role, providing specialist advice and guidance on L&OD matters.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience designing, developing and implementing learning and organisational development interventions.
• A detailed understanding of organisational dynamics and change management, including the development and implementation of HR policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong facilitation, presentation and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Experience developing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience conducting Learning Needs Analyses and evaluating training effectiveness.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into practical solutions.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives and competing deadlines.
• Strong IT and digital skills, including experience using a range of software to develop tailored digital solutions.
• A full, current UK driving licence or access to suitable transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working within local government or a public sector organisation.
• A recognised teaching or training qualification.
• An Assessor or Internal Verifier qualification.

What we Can Offer You:

• Weekly pay.
• Holiday pay.
• Pension contribution.
• 24/7 support from our dedicated recruitment consultants.
• Access to a wide range of public sector opportunities.
• Ongoing role availability — if one placement ends, we aim to secure another.

Why Apply:

• Take on a strategic L&OD role within a respected public sector organisation.
• Influence leadership development, employee engagement and organisational culture.
• Lead meaningful learning, development and change management initiatives.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute to the delivery of the NIFRS People Strategy.
• Further develop your professional experience within a dynamic People & Culture environment.

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.