With less than a week to go until the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place in Belfast, Charity Jobs NI is encouraging jobseekers, career changers and prospective volunteers to come along and explore the wide range of over 500 paid and volunteer opportunities that will be on offer across Northern Ireland’s third sector.
Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers, volunteering opportunities and purpose-led work.
Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the fair has become a key date in the third sector calendar, giving attendees the chance to explore opportunities in one place and speak directly with organisations about roles, career pathways and volunteering options. At the most recent fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.
Among the organisations recently confirmed to take part are Inspire Wellbeing, MACS, Triangle Housing Association, Cedar Foundation, Crossroads Care NI, NIACRO, Cruse Bereavement Support, Autism Initiatives, Epilepsy Action, Community Rescue Service, OCN NI and Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and Whitehead Railway Museum.
Together with the organisations already announced, the line-up reflects the breadth of the sector, with exhibitors working across children and families, disability support, housing, mental health, community inclusion, youth services, rehabilitation, bereavement support, environmental action and heritage.
Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “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.
“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 taking part this year is Action for Children Northern Ireland, which supports children and young people by providing practical and emotional care, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning for lasting improvements to their lives. In Northern Ireland, its work includes family support, early intervention services, fostering and youth homelessness.
To anyone considering attending the fair, Lorna Ballard, National Director at Action for Children Northern Ireland, said: “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.”
Also set to attend the event is Positive Futures.The organisation supports children and adults with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism through person-centred services and will be among those speaking to attendees on the day about opportunities in 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 fair is aimed at anyone interested in finding out more about careers and volunteering in the third sector, whether they are actively looking for a new role, considering a move into the sector, returning to work or simply exploring what opportunities may suit their skills and interests.
People are encouraged to book a free ticket in advance, although attendees will also be welcome to drop in on the day.
