Job Description

Part-Time Program Assistant

Agreement Details: Part-time schedule, 5-8 hours weekly; Spring 2026 Semester term, with potential for renewal.
Pay Rate: 15 GBP per Hour.
Perks: Benefit from adaptable work settings and an emphasis on personal time; vacation accrual based on a 28-day full-time standard, adjusted for part-time hours.
Site: Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, including regional trips and events throughout the term.
Supervision: Reports to the Dublin-based Director for Ireland & Northern Ireland Programmes.

Role Summary

Are you a perpetual student with a fascination for global cultures? Are you prepared to apply your talents within a purpose-led institution? Do you find fulfillment in guiding students through their scholastic, individual, and cross-cultural development? If these qualities describe you, we invite you to join our international network.

We are seeking a Program Assistant to facilitate IFSA’s specialized and standard offerings in Belfast. This role delivers scholastic and societal mentorship to undergraduates, manages extracurricular ventures, and aids in general program execution. You will collaborate with our local staff, European site partners, the Global Health & Safety department, and teams focused on Student Engagement and Academic Operations.

IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) is a US-headquartered non-profit creating international educational hubs that equip students with the vital insights and expertise required for future achievements. Utilizing modern curriculum and elite assistance, IFSA provides forward-thinking study abroad paths across 48 global cities in 19 nations. Our dedication to intercultural competency, inclusive high standards, tailored education, and lasting results informs every program element.

Primary Duties:

Facilitating and managing pre-departure digital seminars, health checks, orientations, field trips, and cultural activities.
Utilizing appreciative coaching with undergraduates, conducting learning strategy meetings, and holding routine check-ins to evaluate student progress and resolve difficulties.
Tracking student well-being and local immersion through consistent campus presence and dialogue.
Assisting in the coordination and execution of student gatherings and social ventures.
Helping with the logistical setup and delivery of bespoke programs.
Supporting scholastic oversight, including enrollment procedures, academic coaching, and individualized learning plan reviews.
Embodying and promoting organizational values regarding intercultural agility, inclusive excellence, and personalized educational impact.
Aiding in crisis management and student safety protocols, including participation in an after-hours emergency telephone rotation.
Engaging in potential remote tasks for other IFSA sites or advising students prior to travel via the Student Engagement department.

Qualifications, Experience, and Schooling:

One to two years of professional background; preferred sectors include higher education, study abroad, non-profit, or travel and tourism.
Robust familiarity with the Belfast area, its history, and Northern Irish societal norms.
Energetic commitment to the organizational goals and vision of IFSA.
Superior organizational and planning abilities, with the capacity to finish time-sensitive goals without constant oversight.
Precise attention to detail when drafting reports and overseeing administrative or program data.
Proven ability to assist students with varied backgrounds, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic minorities, first-generation scholars, and students with disabilities.
Resilient and capable of adjusting to fluctuating priorities and reprioritizing tasks in shifting environments.
Capacity to react with professional composure during urgent or emergency scenarios.
Basic understanding of the university landscape and collegiate life within Ireland.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Legal authorization to work within Northern Ireland and residency in Belfast.

Work Setting and Physical Demands:

Utilizing computer systems and conducting video or telephone communication.
Navigating the city and surrounding areas for trips, occasionally in varying weather conditions.
Periodic travel within the nation as required by the program.
Minor physical labor, such as furniture arrangement for meeting spaces.
Availability for occasional meetings outside standard local hours to accommodate global organizational needs.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)
Location	Belfast, United Kingdom
Locality	Northern Ireland
Country	United Kingdom
City	Belfast
Region	Belfast
Job Type	Part-time (5-8 hours per week)
Salaries	15 GBP per Hour
Experience Level	1-2 Years
Travel	Occasional regional/national travel for excursions
Language	English
Benefits	Flexible work, holiday entitlement, work/life balance appreciation

Skills & Competency Table

Key Skills	Level
Appreciative Advising	Advanced
Local History & Culture Knowledge	Expert
Student Support (Diversity & Inclusion)	High
Time Management	Advanced
Emergency Response	Proficient
Data & Document Management	High

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£3,900 – £6,240	N/A	£3,900 – £6,240	Based on 5-8 hours per week
£15 per Hour	N/A	£15 per Hour	Pro-rata holiday pay included

Job Summary

This part-time role supports US undergraduate students studying abroad in Belfast. The Assistant manages cultural excursions, provides academic advising, and ensures student well-being. Responsibilities include coordinating orientations and emergency response. It requires strong local knowledge, one to two years of relevant experience, and a commitment to inclusive excellence.

5 FAQs

What are the weekly working hours?

The position requires 5 to 8 hours per week.

Is this a permanent position?

It is for the Spring 2026 Semester with a possibility to extend.

What is the required educational background?

An undergraduate degree is preferred but not mandatory.

Will I need to work outside normal hours?

Yes, occasional meetings and an emergency phone rotation are required.

Where is the role located?

The role is based at Queen’s University Belfast and regional excursion sites.

Expert Analysis

This position is ideal for those in higher education or tourism seeking supplemental income. It demands “Intercultural Agility” to bridge the gap between US student expectations and Northern Irish culture. Successful candidates must balance administrative precision with empathetic advising, especially for underrepresented student groups like LGBTQIA+ and students of color.

Location & Logistics Guide

The role is centered at Queen’s University Belfast, a hub of academic life in Northern Ireland. Expect regional travel for cultural excursions. Belfast is a compact, walkable city with an evolving cultural landscape, requiring the Assistant to be mobile and weather-resilient.

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast

Career Path

This role provides a foundational entry into International Education management. Professionals can progress to Program Manager, Resident Director, or Global Operations roles within non-profit study abroad organizations or university international offices. The experience in “Appreciative Advising” and emergency protocol is highly transferable to student affairs and global risk management.

To apply for this job please visit uk.indeed.com.