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Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL The Events and Production Assistant will support the Senior Events Manager in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of exhibitions, talks, workshops and live events across both Belfast Photo Festival and RENDR Festival. This is a practical, varied role suited to someone with strong organisational instincts, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to work on the ground as part of a busy festival team. You will assist with event logistics, schedule coordination, liaising with artists and venues, preparing materials, and supporting installation and deinstallation. During live events, you will help manage visitor flow, support front-of-house operations, and contribute to audience evaluation. You will also help maintain documentation, equipment, and records to ensure events run safely and professionally. This role provides hands-on training in event coordination, technical production, exhibition setup, audience management, and arts administration. It is an opportunity to gain practical experience within two leading festivals working at the intersection of photography, creativity and technology. Belfast Photo Festival is a charitable organisation producing major photography and visual art exhibitions across Northern Ireland. For over 15 years we have supported creative dialogue, local development and professional opportunities through commissions, partnerships and international collaboration. The festival continues to grow through a clear focus on quality, public engagement and responsible delivery. In June 2026 we present our 11th international edition, building on established strengths and long-term relationships across the city. Recent editions have expanded participation, strengthened environmental themes and delivered significant public impact. Our 2024 festival marked a step-change in scale, with the Island of Ireland premiere of Richard Mosse’s Broken Spectre and a press reach of over 115 million, reinforcing our position as the largest annual photography festival in the UK and Ireland. We also produce RENDR, a conference and festival dedicated to the meeting point of creativity and technology. RENDR connects the screen industries across film, gaming, animation and immersive media, bringing international creative talent from studios such as Lucasfilm, Pixar, Warner Bros, Netflix and Meta. Previous Job Start participants have since secured strong roles within what is a demanding and competitive sector. Their progress demonstrates the practical value of working with Belfast Photo Festival.

Responsibilities

• Support the scheduling and preparation of public events, exhibitions and workshops.
• Assist with travel, venue bookings, supplier coordination and delivery timelines.
• Help maintain accurate event documentation, schedules and checklists.
• Assist with installation and deinstallation of indoor and outdoor exhibitions.
• Support technical tasks including equipment setup, signage placement, lighting checks and general production preparation.
• Assist communication with artists, contractors, venues and suppliers.
• Support the Senior Events Manager with updates, confirmations and basic negotiations.
• Maintain clear records across email, shared drives and project systems.
• Support welcome desks, audience flow and visitor information during events.
• Assist with gathering evaluation data and audience feedback.
• Provide a calm, confident presence for public engagement.
• Follow event safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Support preparation of risk assessments and method statements.
• Assist with securing permits, licences and insurance documentation where required.
• Maintain G-Drive folders, contracts, databases and contact lists.
• Assist with basic budgeting tasks such as tracking expenses and coding receipts.
• Support senior staff with general administrative duties.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Strong organisation, time management and an ability to follow clear timelines and instructions to help deliver events safely and on schedule.
• Ability to use tools, handle equipment, and learn hands-on production skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety.

Desirable Skills

• Event planning and/or coordination Experience that have helped deliver events safely and on schedule.
• Technical skills developed during exhibition builds and/or event setups.
• Experience of working with suppliers and/or liaison with artists, contractors, venues and suppliers.
• Audience engagement and/or front-of-house experience, within sales, collecting evaluation or feedback.
• Awareness and understanding of safe working practices, site conduct, and the importance of welfare, risk management and event licensing requirements.

Further Information

Work Time: 3 days per week between Monday and Thursday. Some early evening and weekend events on festivals. The Employer is: BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information - Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. - Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. - Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.