FSA Northern Ireland job profiles

FSA Northern Ireland has its headquarters in Belfast. The work undertaken here meshes with that of Agency employees throughout the UK. There are 41 staff currently employed by the organisation, which means that people cover a wider range of policy areas and functions.

In addition, there are some unique features and responsibilities. The country shares a land border with another member state, the Republic of Ireland. Consequently, there is collaboration with the Republic’s food safety enforcement bodies, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture and Food, as well as safefood, the Food Safety Promotion Board, an implementation body tasked with the promotion of food safety across the island of Ireland.

The Agency also evaluates the different food-related functions of Northern Ireland’s district councils as well as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Belfast has a population of 285,000. The city is a major centre for both employment and entertainment in Northern Ireland. The area is predominantly urban and includes the Port of Belfast, one of Ireland’s busiest ports and a major UK port. The port area consists of 1,000 acres of water, 2,000 acres of land and over 8,000 linear metres of quays.

Since the Good Friday Agreement there has been a growth in business confidence and increasing investment in the city. This has led to sustained economic growth and major urban regeneration, including Victoria Square, the Odyssey Complex and the Waterfront Hall.

Boosted by growing numbers of tourists, Belfast has also developed a number of cultural quarters which host arts festivals and celebrations of Irish culture. The Lisburn Road has blossomed into one of the city’s most prestigious shopping areas. The city is also distinguished by some fine architecture and over 40 public parks, including the historic Botanic Gardens.

The city includes two Universities - Queen’s University of Belfast and a campus of the University of Ulster.