Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is back this spring, with third sector organisations invited to take part.
At a time when many charities and community organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment and workforce stability, the Fair provides a cost-effective platform to connect with values-led candidates and volunteers committed to supporting the sector.
With 50 percent of exhibitor tables already booked and the early bird rate closing on 20 February, organisations are encouraged to consider booking now to take advantage of the discounted rate.
Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair brings together third sector employers and people actively seeking meaningful paid and volunteer opportunities.
Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Fair has quickly become a key date in the third sector calendar. Now entering its third year, it provides a focused platform for charities to promote live vacancies, attract volunteers, raise awareness of their work and connect face-to-face with motivated candidates.
At the most recent Fair, more than 270 paid roles and 335 volunteer opportunities were showcased, generating over 465 application requests on the day. Exhibitors reported high-quality conversations with candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, many of whom went on to secure roles or volunteer positions as a direct result of the event.
Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the Fair offers more than just recruitment opportunities.
“While the primary focus is connecting charities with people who want to make a difference, the event has also become an important networking space for the sector. Organisations are able to build relationships with other charities, share ideas and strengthen their presence across Northern Ireland.
“At a time when many organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment, creating spaces where charities can meet passionate, values-led people is more important than ever. Each year we see the quality of conversations and connections grow, and that is what makes the Fair valuable for the organisations taking part.”
Returning exhibitors say the event provides a valuable platform for connection and visibility.
Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, Northern Ireland’s only youth-specific homelessness charity, said: “Exhibiting at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair is a brilliant opportunity to connect with people who genuinely want to make a difference. For MACS, it’s a chance to share who we are, what we stand for, and how our work helps young people across Northern Ireland who are at risk of homelessness.
“We love being able to speak directly with people who share our values of compassion, empowerment and togetherness, and who might want to join us in helping young people build brighter futures. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase your culture and values beyond a job description.”
The Fair is free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers and will once again bring together organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.
Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting can find out more online, with around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.
