Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Set to Return to Belfast Next Week

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is scheduled to take place in Belfast on Tuesday 24 March 2026, offering jobseekers, career changers, and prospective volunteers access to over 500 paid and volunteer roles within Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the event will run from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre and is free to attend. It brings together a diverse range of charities, community groups, and social enterprises, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore meaningful employment and volunteering options in one location.

Since its launch in 2024, the fair has established itself as a significant fixture in the third sector calendar. The previous event showcased more than 270 paid positions alongside 335 volunteer roles, resulting in over 465 applications submitted on the day and leading to numerous hires and volunteer placements across the region.

Confirmed participants for this year include Inspire Wellbeing, MACS, Triangle Housing Association, Cedar Foundation, Crossroads Care NI, NIACRO, Cruse Bereavement Support, Autism Initiatives, Epilepsy Action, Community Rescue Service, OCN NI, Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, and Whitehead Railway Museum.

The range of organisations reflects the sector’s broad scope, covering areas such as children and family services, disability support, housing, mental health, community inclusion, youth services, rehabilitation, bereavement support, environmental initiatives, and heritage preservation.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, commented: “There are a lot of people who want work that feels meaningful, or who are curious about what a career in the third sector could look like, but are not always sure where to begin. This fair is designed to make that easier by bringing a wide range of organisations together in one place and giving people the chance to have real conversations about the opportunities available.”

He added: “If you are job-hunting, thinking about a career change or interested in volunteering, we would encourage you to come along, explore what is on offer and see where it might lead.”

Among the organisations attending is Action for Children Northern Ireland, which offers practical and emotional support to children and young people, campaigns for improvements in their lives, and provides services including family support, early intervention, fostering, and youth homelessness assistance.

Lorna Ballard, National Director at Action for Children Northern Ireland, urged potential attendees: “Please come and chat to us and see what a wide range of roles we have that will make a difference to local children, young people and families.”

Positive Futures will also be present at the fair. The organisation supports individuals with learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and autism through person-centred services, and will discuss career opportunities within the sector.

Anne Magee, Operations Manager at Positive Futures, said: “Roles in the charity sector are hugely rewarding and the people who do them are proud of the difference they make but the roles can be the beginning of a great career path to senior jobs in the sector and related sectors, so if you are interested in developing your career further it provides great opportunities.”

The event is open to anyone interested in exploring careers or volunteering within the third sector, whether actively seeking new roles, considering a sector change, returning to work, or simply investigating options that align with their skills and interests.

Attendees are encouraged to book free tickets in advance, though drop-in visitors will also be welcomed on the day.