Policy and Project Support Officer - Refugee Services

Policy and Project Support Officer - Refugee Services

Are you an experienced administrator or project officer wanting to shape how the Council supports refugees and people affected by forced migration?
 Are you looking for a role where your contributions make a difference in the lives of vulnerable sanctuary seekers? 
This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Refugee Service team in Adult Social Care and Public Health at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We approach the developing policy area surrounding sanctuary seekers with positive energy and compassion to ensure we make the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive no matter where you were born. For further information relating to our Richmond offer of Refugee settlement and support please view Borough of Sanctuary - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Information relating to the Wandsworth Strategy can be found via Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy.

We have two requirements for this role. The first is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, or, if you are an internal employee, a possible internal secondment for the same duration. We are also recruiting for the Policy and Project Support Officer role on a fixed-term basis until March 2027.

About the role 

We will need to be pro-active and motivated to find solutions to support the team to deliver the best outcomes for sanctuary seekers. You will have strong administration skills and the ability to work independently as a self-starter with the ability to manage your workload. Due to the nature of the team the deliverables will change you will need to have the ability to respond flexibility to emerging needs and projects. 

This role involves policy and project support relating to refugee support but does not involve case holding. You will not be supporting individual refugees or sanctuary seekers through care pathways.

This is a dynamic, interesting and varied role with an opportunity to develop your skills across several different areas working with internal and external stakeholders 

You will be required to:

• Build strong relationships with key council services and voluntary sector & statutory partners to ensure sanctuary seekers receive the best possible support. 
• Focus on contributing to new projects including support to deliver new workflows and projects, such as grant funding and Schools of Sanctuary. 
• Policy development: You will support the team to stay up to date on key national and local issues affecting sanctuary seekers, contributing to briefings and strategies as needed.
• Business support: You will support the team’s key meetings, partnerships and Boards including setting meeting dates, booking meeting rooms preparing agendas and taking minutes.

How to apply: Please click on the apply now button and register your CV/experience. You will be asked a series of questions. Please answer the questions as fully as possible as this will determine whether you will be shortlisted to interview.

This is a hybrid working role you will be required to work from Richmond and Wandsworth Councils and from home. You will need to attend the offices twice a week or the equivalent of 40 percent of your working hours. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of local authorities’ responsibilities relating to refugee resettlement, including Ukraine, Afghan and Syrian schemes and asylum.
• Experience of supporting meetings, including drafting agendas, preparing reports and minute taking
• Experience developing policy.
• Experience of working on projects.
• Skilled written and verbal communicator with the ability to communicate sensitively and clearly

Closing Date: Sunday 13th April 11:59pm

Shortlisting Date:  14th - 20th April 2025

Interview Date:  Week/Commencing 21st April 2025

Apply now