Closing Date: 14th August 2026
Job Description
Title: Research Internship
Contract Type: Internship
Victim Support NI is seeking a motivated and compassionate Research Intern to join our Policy and Communications team for a six-month placement beginning in September 2026.
This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in policy and research within Northern Ireland’s criminal justice sector. Working alongside our Policy and Communications Manager and Advice and Support Officer Co-Ordinator, the successful candidate will contribute to research that informs policy development, service improvement, and advocacy on behalf of victims and witnesses of crime.
The Research Intern will support a range of qualitative and quantitative research activities, including helping to organise and facilitate focus groups, conducting policy research, preparing reports and briefings, monitoring developments within the justice system, and contributing to consultation responses.
The role is particularly suited to students or recent graduates with an interest in criminal justice, public policy, criminology, law, sociology, psychology, or related fields who are keen to develop their research skills while contributing to meaningful work.
What you’ll gain
- Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research
- Insight into criminal justice policy and legislative developments
- Opportunities to contribute to reports, consultations, and briefings
- Experience engaging with stakeholders across the justice sector
- A deeper understanding of issues affecting victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland
Start Date: 7 September 2026
Hours: 2-3 days per week
Duration: Six months
Remuneration: Unpaid internship, with travel and lunch expenses covered
Application deadline: Friday 14 August 2026 at 4.00pm
Interviews: Expected to take place during the week commencing 24 August 2026.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to lucyf@victimsupportni.org.uk.