Immigration Jobs

About Us

Hibiscus Initiatives is a passionate, women-centred organisation, delivering high impact advocacy and advice services for more than 35 years to those at the intersection of the criminal justice and immigration systems. As an organisation, we have distinct expertise in working with marginalised migrant women in prison and in the community, and with detainees from all genders in immigration removals centres.

Our holistic and trauma informed approach makes a real and lasting impact on women's lives - particularly those who have experienced prisons, international and community resettlement and trafficking. 

We aim to make a difference within the criminal justice and immigration systems too by working with women and amplifying their own voices so their experience is recognised by those making policy decisions.

Hibiscus adopts anti-racist; anti-oppression, and feminist principles and believes in the importance of nurturing a diverse team who can embody these principles. 

We are committed to the wellbeing and development of our staff. We provide regular training and other learning opportunities and offer wellbeing classes and activities, clinical supervision, an Employee Assistance Program and other benefits to support staff wellbeing.

[This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010]

About the Role

We are now recruiting for a dedicated Through-the-Gate Project Worker to join our Criminal Justice and Detention Services team. This role will provide specialist support to migrant women being released from prison or detention into the London area and beyond.

The Through-the-Gate Project Worker will act as the main point of contact for referrals for women being released from prison or immigration removal centres. The role will involve managing a caseload of up to 15 migrant women who are in contact with the criminal justice system and / or under immigration restrictions, helping them to prepare for release and supporting them to resettle in the community afterwards.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with statutory, partner and other voluntary organisations to maximise provision of support for women being released from prison/detention. The post-holder will also work as part of Hibiscus’ Safe Homes for Migrant Women project team, to improve provision of safe and secure housing for Black and minoritised migrant women.

[Please note: Successful candidates will need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years to ensure the clearance process is authorised. The post holder will be subject to checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service and HMPPS security vetting]

Salary 
£26,500 - £31,000*

*Starting salary negotiable up to the mid-point of the band, depending on experience

Team
Criminal Justice and Detention Services

Duration
Fixed term contract to March 2026 (with potential to extend)  

Hours
Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location
Hibiscus Head Office, London with frequent travel to and work from prisons and detention centres

About You

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration and/or the criminal justice system.

The successful candidate will have significant experience working directly with women affected by the criminal justice system, the immigration system, or violence against women and girls. Experience working in a prison or detention setting would be an advantage.

They will be able to demonstrate trauma-informed, gender-responsive practice and maintain clear boundaries with clients; managing challenging behaviour with empathy. The successful candidate will have experience of working in partnership with statutory and non-statutory organisations, and proven ability to engage and influence a range of stakeholders.

They will demonstrate a commitment to Hibiscus's ethos aims and objectives, including having an intersectional and anti-racist approach to the work and a comprehensive understanding of one of more of Hibiscus’ key work areas; criminal justice, immigration and migrants’ rights, racial justice, and/or VAWG and gender justice.

The European Network on Statelessness (ENS) is seeking a Legal Officer (10-month fixed-term contract with potential for extension) to play a key role in enabling us to fulfil our mission to break the cycle of statelessness in Europe and realise everyone’s right to a nationality. There is a possibility of extension beyond the initial contract term, subject to funding availability.

ENS is a civil society alliance of over 180 members in 41 countries. We are dedicated to raising awareness about statelessness, supporting legal and policy development, and building civil society’s capacity to act. At the heart of our work lies the understanding that stateless people and their communities should be leaders of change.

This is a great opportunity to help us deliver our new Strategic Plan working at the forefront of one of the most pressing human rights issues. The successful candidate will support our law and policy development work and help galvanise change across the region to end statelessness in Europe.

We are looking for someone with a legal background and good understanding of statelessness and related human rights issues and standards. They will be able to demonstrate an aptitude to successfully perform the various facets of the role, including legal research and analysis, litigation, and legal advocacy. They will be highly articulate in English (other languages are an asset) with excellent attention to detail, and strong IT, organisational, and interpersonal skills. They will contribute positively to our dynamic organisational ethos, and demonstrate a flexible ‘can do’ approach, fitting well into a fast-moving and demanding environment with an international dimension.

The role represents an exciting opportunity for candidates with the requisite aptitude, flexibility, and ambition, as well as a strong commitment to working with diverse communities across Europe to address statelessness.

We provide a friendly and welcoming team environment. This includes flexible working arrangements and opportunities for learning and professional development.

We particularly welcome applications from stateless (or formerly stateless) individuals, and people from a migrant, refugee, or minority background. If you require support with your application, please get in touch to discuss this further with us.

ENS is committed to Safer Recruitment and all appointments are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks as required in line with our Safeguarding Policy. ENS has a flexible working policy and is open to considering the role being undertaken on a part-time basis. Please specify your preferred work hours when applying. We will be happy to discuss flexible working options at the interview stage.

Please note that all applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications for this post.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual holiday (with an additional day for each completed year of service up to 5 days)
• 5% employer pension contribution
• enhanced family-friendly policies
• enhanced sick leave and sick pay
• an employee assistance programme
• ENS operates a hybrid working model with staff working partly from home and partly from the office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of one day per week during their probation period and a minimum number of days per month to be agreed with their Line Manager thereafter.

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the role, please contact ENS Head of Policy & Advocacy, Nina Murray - contact details in the role description document.

Da'aro Youth Project is looking for an experienced caseworker to join our small team based in Streatham Hill, London. The successful candidate will work alongside young refugees, asylum seekers and other young migrants who are at risk or in crisis to ensure that they can access their statutory rights and make progress in their personal development so that they can achieve their full potential. You will join our Casework Service which provides holistic casework, advice and practical support to young people aged 14 to 25 years, working closely with statutory and voluntary organisations to ensure that the immediate and longer-term needs of young people are met.

This is an important strategic role within our organisation. You will lead and manage the Somerset Diverse Communities (SDC) team in CCS which works with ethically diverse communities in Somerset. Together with your team, you will listen to community needs, promote suitable responses and convene individuals and organisations to seek community based solutions, supporting communities to thrive together.

You will work with the Head of Programmes, Community Leaders, our Commissioners, partner organisations and wider stakeholders to ensure that the Somerset Diverse Communities programme delivers our strategic goals and that we are collaborating effectively with statutory and community based partners, including the wider VCFSE sector.

You will be a key member of the Programmes Team, and will work with our Senior Programmes Manager and the Village Agent Programme Manager to ensure that all of our community development work is well integrated; and we are making the most of opportunities, internal and external that will help to improve quality of life for individuals and communities in Somerset.

You'll be helping us Thrive Together

• You will help groups representing and working with diverse communities to thrive, enabling people of all backgrounds to have fulfilling lives in Somerset.
• Be accountable for the delivery of a high-quality programme of work in Somerset, promoting a learning culture, and driving growth through role modelling.
• Manage all operational employees within the SDC team to deliver programme and strategic goals.
• To support your team to practice continuous professional and personal development.
• Utilise high levels of emotional intelligence and strong communication skills internally and externally to ensure the delivery of a high-quality programme of work.
• Demonstrate active leadership skills and support your team to resolve challenges and respond to opportunities.

You'll be helping us Enable Change

• Ensure that the impact of SDC work is demonstrated and articulated to internal and external audiences, including contributions to fundraising and advocacy campaigns and materials and representing the service to external audiences.
• Look for opportunities to innovate and work with internal and external colleagues to develop new programmes of work to meet community need; implementing and evaluating pilot projects and, if successful, embedding them within the central service.
• Analyse performance data to evaluate service design, developing new or improved processes and procedures to ensure we are effective, efficient and focused on community outcomes.
• Drive community development through SDC work, supporting the team to identify gaps and implement sustainable community solutions whilst identifying and mitigating risk.
• Take responsibility for collating reports internally for the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees and externally for funders as required.
• Work with the Data & Insights Manager to contribute to the development of quality assurance systems.
• Manage SDC’s day-to-day operations and its resources in accordance with CCS policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and good practice in all aspects of the charity’s work.
• Keep abreast of national, regional, and local policy that impacts on our work to bring a wider perspective, and ensure our work is well informed.

You'll be helping us Build Connections

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with our partners, collaborators and stakeholders, including police, commissioners, public sector officers and organisational representatives across a range of sectors and organisations.
• Show generous leadership and actively promote CCS values at all times.
• Attend relevant partnership and operational meetings for SDC activities.
• When appropriate, represent CCS externally at events and meetings locally, regionally and nationally.

Applications are invited for a Head of Communications to join the Communication Group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Communications team has a focus that spans the scientific and marketing communications landscape. We work across digital, creative design and public relations to communicate our research to a range of audiences both locally and internationally. The latest technology, data analytics and media monitoring tools are used to stay up to date in the exciting world of modern biology.

The role:

The Head of Communications leads the Earlham Institute’s communications and public engagement activity by developing and delivering effective communication and marketing strategies, aligned to the organisations priorities, research programmes and technical platforms. You will have overall responsibility for coordinating and measuring the impact of activity across media relations, public engagement, internal communications, brand, multimedia, digital, and social media.

As the most senior communications professional, you will have a history of successfully delivering impactful communications strategies with measurable outcomes in an academic, public sector, or third sector organisation. At Earlham Institute you will implement multi-channel approaches and manage a busy multidisciplinary team to help build the Institute’s reputation as a leader in genomics and computational science. From our social media accounts and news stories to the physical building itself, you will develop and promote a clear, coherent, and consistent brand that is recognised, locally, nationally, and internationally. You will be expected to model the organisational values, research culture and be able to clearly explain our vision and mission, and support others to find their own ways of doing the same.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate must be educated to degree level in a relevant subject to the Head of Communications role at the Institute, it is desirable if the post holder is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and/or Institute of Public Relations.

It is an essential requirement that the post holder has knowledge of the academic or research environment, along with knowledge in marketing approaches for a range of key stakeholders. It is advantageous if the candidate understands research funding and reporting, but not essential as full training will be provided.

Additional information:

Applicants must submit their CV as part of their application, along with a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this role.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £55,500 to £69,250 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post offered on an indefinite basis.

Interviews will be held on 18 February 2025.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 1133, which is not on the immigration salary list.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 31 January 2025.

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed term until end-March 2025 with possible extension thereafter

Location: Primarily based in our Kennington office and outreach location around Lambeth

Salary (pro rata for part time):

From £29,500 per annum starting specialist salary, to £36,000, dependent on experience

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays

Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme

The charity offers an employee assistance programme

Deadline: 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Lambeth and Merton.  We provide a range of information, support and advice services.  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.

We are looking for an experienced adviser who has experience of delivering immigration advice for a minimum of two years and has OISC accreditation of level 3 (or equivalent).

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide advice and casework (face-to-face, phone and email) on immigration (up to including OISC level 3) to clients

• Provide ongoing support as required (up to OISC level 3)

• Offer support and guidance to our level 1 OISC immigration adviser

• Identify if client requires help with other advice-related issues and refer to Advice Supervisors as appropriate 

• Deliver service awareness and immigration training sessions to charity team

• Work to own initiative, whilst proactively receiving support from service and other CAML colleagues as necessary

• Identify and escalate serious problems and emergencies appropriately

• Use excellent interpersonal skills to explore, listen and understand complex problems as they affect each individual and tailor approach to advice accordingly

• Follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate

• Produce monitoring reports as required

Monitoring Quality and Case Recording

• Ensure that all client interactions are fully and accurately recorded on the appropriate case-recording software

• Ensure paper files are securely and appropriately stored

• Review your work, and monitor own quality standards, as per the Citizens Advice quality framework

• Work with Head of Advice Services, Advice Supervisors and wider team to develop and improve services, and your own standards

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• With wider charity team and other organisations, ensure clients are supported with related advice issues

• Ensure all work is fully compliant with our policies and procedures and Citizens Advice Quality Standard

• Assist and contribute to charity’s communications, research and campaigns work

• Maintain positive working relations with our stakeholders

• Professionally represent Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth within your work

• Other duties as requested by Head of Advice Services and Chief Executive

Professional Development

• All our team receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support Advisers in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with recent legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.

Person Specification

• Accredited to OISC level 3 at time of application (essential)

• At least two years’ experience of immigration advice (essential)

• Basic knowledge of welfare benefits for EU nationals or willingness to learn (essential)

• Experience of Casebook or another client management system (essential)

• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage caseload (essential)

• IT competency and experience (essential)

• Ability and willingness to work as a team (essential)

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice service and our equality and diversity policies (essential)

This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.

If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our website to find out how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025 

If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.

We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

Central England Law Centre (CELC) is looking for an Immigration Solicitor/Caseworker to join our friendly Immigration Team. The successful candidate will be compassionate, committed individual who enjoys working within a team and with clients to resolve all their interconnecting legal needs. Ideally, they will have experience of working with people who have experienced disadvantage or trauma.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

What we are looking for:

Personal Specification:

• Demonstrable commitment to social justice and the ability to work sensitively and effectively with a wide variety of clients.
• Attention and respect for detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Willingness to work flexibly to ensure service continuity
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Able to manage a programme of work and to meet key milestones within an agreed plan.
• Ability to support the collection of impact data

Experience:

•  ​Experience of immigration/asylum law - you will either be a solicitor or caseworker with IAAS Level 2 accreditation (Essential)
•  An understanding of the importance of client confidentiality, data protection issues and safeguarding processes. (Essential)
•  Experience working on a project and in partnership with other organisations. (Desirable)
•  Experience of working under an immigration/asylum legal aid contract
•  Experience of managing a wide-ranging caseload, including working within a quality framework.
•  Proven ability to meet costs targets

About CELC:

A fairer, more just society in which an understanding of rights and their power is embedded within communities.

Central England Law Centre is the UK’s largest Law Centre. Our size enables us to provide legal expertise across eight different areas of social welfare law including: discrimination; employment; health and social care; housing; immigration and asylum; public law; and welfare benefits. This means that we can offer services that can address all of the interconnected problems people face in their everyday lives.

Our services are rooted in the communities we serve and we are an organisation that uses its legal expertise to improve the lives of those who are often vulnerable and socially excluded due to poverty, illness or disability.

What we offer: 

•  37-hour working week;
•  Flexible working hours and a hybrid working arrangement;
•  28 days holiday (rising by 1 day per year of service to 35 days after 5 years of service) plus 8 statutory days;
•  Pension scheme membership;
•  Access to an employee assistance programme;

Hours: Part time (30 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed term until end-March 2025 with possible extension thereafter

Location: Primarily based in our Kennington office and outreach location around Lambeth

Salary (pro rata for part time):

From £28,000 per annum, dependent on experience, for accredited Advisers

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays

Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme

The charity offers an employee assistance programme

Deadline: 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Lambeth and Merton.  We provide a range of information, support and advice services.  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.

We are looking for an experienced adviser who has experience of delivering advice for a minimum of one year and is keen to start offering immigration advice to clients.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide advice (face-to-face, phone and email) on immigration (level 1) to clients

• Provide ongoing support as required (up to OISC level 1)

• Work closely with our level 3 OISC immigration adviser for further guidance

• Identify if client requires help with other advice-related issues and refer to Advice Supervisors as appropriate 

• Assist with delivering service awareness and immigration training sessions to charity team

• Work to own initiative, whilst proactively receiving support from service and other CAML colleagues as necessary

• Identify and escalate serious problems and emergencies appropriately

• Use excellent interpersonal skills to explore, listen and understand complex problems as they affect each individual and tailor approach to advice accordingly

• Follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate

• Produce monitoring reports as required

• Refer to an Immigration Adviser at a higher level, if required

Monitoring Quality and Case Recording

• Ensure that all client interactions are fully and accurately recorded on the appropriate case-recording software

• Ensure paper files are securely and appropriately stored

• Review your work, and monitor own quality standards, as per the Citizens Advice quality framework

• Work with Head of Advice Services, Advice Supervisors and wider team to develop and improve services, and your own standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• With wider charity team and other organisations, ensure clients are supported with related advice issues

• Ensure all work is fully compliant with our policies and procedures and Citizens Advice Quality Standard

• Assist and contribute to charity’s communications, research and campaigns work

• Maintain positive working relations with our stakeholders

• Professionally represent Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth within your work

• Other duties as requested by Head of Advice Services and Chief Executive

Professional Development

• All our team receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support Advisers in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with recent legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.

Person Specification

• Generalist adviser certificate (essential)

• At least one year’s experience of providing advice (essential)

• Have completed OISC immigration training to level 1 (desirable)

• Experience of Casebook or another client management system (essential)

• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage caseload (essential)

• IT competency and experience (essential)

• Ability and willingness to work as a team (essential)

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice service and our equality and diversity policies (essential).

This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.

If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link on our website to find out how to apply. 

The deadline for applications is 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025 

If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.

We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

About Us 

Hibiscus Initiatives is a passionate, women’s organisation, delivering high impact advocacy and advice services for more than 35 years to those at the intersection of the Criminal Justice and Immigration systems. As an organisation, we have distinct expertise in working with Black and minoritised women in prison, in the community and in immigration removals centres.

Our holistic and trauma informed approach makes a real and lasting impact on women's lives. We aim to make a difference within the criminal justice and immigration systems too by working with women and amplifying their own voices, so their experience is recognised by those making policy decisions

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

Hibiscus adopts anti-racist; anti-oppression, and feminist principles and believes in the importance of nurturing a diverse team who can embody these principles.

We are committed to the wellbeing and development of our staff. We provide regular training and other learning opportunities and offer wellbeing classes and activities, clinical supervision, an Employee Assistance Program and other benefits to support staff wellbeing.

This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010.

About the Role

We are now recruiting for an experienced Director of Operations to play a crucial role in guiding our driven and committed team as we shift our culture and infrastructure, upholding our vision, mission, principles, and values.

The post holder will work with colleagues to develop, implement and review Hibiscus’s strategy and plans, particularly as they impact our operating and finance models. They will be responsible for developing and monitoring the annual business plan, reporting progress and providing reliable structural, financial and people management. They will support the CEO in building and instilling a sense of unity and purpose into the work of the organisation, and represent the operational work to the Board. They will be responsible for the efficient running of operations and central functions, conducting risk assessments, monitoring performance and reviewing procedures, with a particular focus on overseeing the effective financial management of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for financial planning and producing financial budgets for the organisation, alongside monitoring projects from start to finish, preparing costings for funding applications, agreeing contracts and grant terms, monitoring deliverables and co-ordinating timely reporting. They will oversee the production of quarterly management accounts and yearly finance audits, and communicate the financial landscape of the organisation to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board. The Director of Operations will play a key role in risk and compliance, with a focus on data, safeguarding, policies and procedures, and legal and statutory requirements. They will work to increase the effectiveness of our operations, whilst supporting and contributing to the fundraising efforts of the organisation. A key element of the role will be to work to integrate our workplace culture into HR processes and procedures, modelling a fair and open management approach that ensures trusted relationships are embedded throughout the organisation.

[Please note: Successful candidates will need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years to ensure the clearance process is authorised.]

Salary
£60,000 – £65,000* per annum

*Salary negotiable up to the mid-point of the band, depending on experience

Team
Operations

Duration
Permanent 

Hours
Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location
Hibiscus’ main office in Islington, London, for between two and three days a week. Flexible working arrangements available for the remaining days.

Reporting to
CEO

About you

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

The successful candidate will have significant experience of strategic financial planning and managing organisational finances. The candidate will have a clear commitment to Hibiscus’ vision, mission and values, and a strong commitment to anti-racism. They will have a willingness to deepen their understanding of our work and show a commitment to personal growth.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, alongside other major compliance areas. They will have highly effective communication and presentation skills, and will be confident liaising with Hibiscus’ teams, the board and a wide range of contractors and partners. This will include demonstrable skills around change management and a strong understanding of risk management. Experience of writing and contributing to fundraising bids is desirable, as is prior experience of the charity sector.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to Hibiscus's ethos aims and objectives, including having an intersectional and anti-racist approach to the work and a comprehensive understanding of one of more of Hibiscus’ key work areas.

Location: Office/Hybrid or Fully Remote

Hours: 15-37 per week (part time or full time)
Responsible to: Head of the Law Centre
Applications closing date: 8 January 2025 (9.00am)
Reserved interview dates: 14-15 January 2025

Are you passionate about immigration law and making a tangible difference in people’s lives? Do you have the ability to navigate multiple cases and ensure we are helping members of our community to find a way forward?

We are looking for an experienced Immigration Caseworker or Solicitor who meets or is close to meeting the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) supervisor standard to join our expanding team. In this role, you’ll handle a diverse caseload, providing expert advice on a range of immigration matters, including visa applications, deportation and immigration documentation. You’ll work with clients who need compassionate, client-focused support and ensure their cases are managed effectively and in compliance with regulatory and legal aid standards.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your skills and experience to a role where you’ll contribute to improving access to justice in North Yorkshire. If you’re ready to apply your expertise in immigration law, deliver exceptional client care, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

We can be flexible with working location, with the option of office working in one of the following North Yorkshire offices: Northallerton, Richmond, Malton, Scarborough, Selby, Harrogate or Skipton, and hybrid/remote working will also be considered.

Who We’re Looking For and why join us

At Refugee Legal Support (RLS), we seek a visionary and compassionate leader to become our first Executive Director. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven legal organisation that stands in solidarity with people on the move. 

With our current strategy concluding in 2025, we’re looking for a leader who can build on our strong foundations and guide the development of our next strategic plan, ensuring organisational cohesion at every step of this journey. You will bring strategic vision, expertise, and a collaborative approach to drive RLS’s future direction, strengthen anti-racist practices and accountability whilst empowering teams across Greece, the UK, and Northern France.

This role uniquely combines strategic oversight with hands-on work, bridging urgent client needs with long-term systemic change. For a leader passionate about migrant justice and equity, this is a career-defining opportunity to sustain and grow RLS’s mission while shaping its future.

Role Overview: 

The Executive Director is a new role for RLS. The successful candidate will lead RLS through its next phase of development, providing strategic leadership, promoting organisational cohesion and accountability whilst driving the fulfilment of our mission. As a representative and advocate for RLS, the Executive Director will oversee key areas such as organisational development, strategic planning, fundraising, robust financial planning, risk management, staff well-being, and external relations.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Organisational Development

   • Review and enhance RLS’s organisational structure and cohesiveness across offices and teams.

   • Implement strategic outcomes to ensure efficient and aligned operations.

2. Strategic Planning

   • Lead on developing and delivering strategic plans in alignment with RLS’s values and mission, incorporating regular reviews.

   • Ensure the sustainability of RLS’s mission and core programmes.

3. Lead the Management Team

   • Guide and support the Management Team, fostering effective collaboration.

   • Promote project integration, efficient delivery, and cross-team development.

   • Embed and promote robust accountability.

4. Governance

   • Work with and leverage the knowledge of the RLS’s Board of Trustees and thematic sub-committees to drive positive change and ensure sustainability.

   • Work with the chair of trustees and relevant subcommittees to maintain, review and improve existing governance structures and delegation schemes to enhance efficiency.

5. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

   • Ensure RLS’s compliance with relevant regulations and effective risk management across operations in collaboration with managers. This includes SQM, OISC, LAA, employment law and regulations in foreign jurisdictions.

6. HR Oversight & Staff Development

   • Oversee HR functions, promote professional growth, and prioritise staff well-being.

   • Foster an inclusive and supportive working environment.

7. Fundraising & Financial Oversight

   • Deliver robust financial planning and drive RLS’s fundraising efforts in collaboration with management team and trustees.

   • Engage with key funders and develop sustainable funding strategies.

8. External Representation & Advocacy

   • Serve as the public face of RLS, advocating for our mission through media, events, and partnerships. Where considered appropriate, the Executive Director will be deputised by members of staff or management in external communications.

   • Act as a key contact for the Board of Trustees, promoting transparent communication between staff, management and board.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

   • Own, review and implement appropriate MEL frameworks and practices. 

   • Implement progressive and compassionate accountability structures to ensure transparency across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven leadership in an organisation focused on human rights, migration, or a related sector.

• Strong strategic planning and organisational development experience, ideally in a fast-growing setting.

• Experience of fundraising and financial management within the third sector.

• Experience leading remote, diverse teams and implementing inclusive HR practices.

• Deep understanding of the immigration and asylum landscape in the UK and Europe.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to represent RLS effectively to partners and the public.

• Be responsive

• Culturally sensitive

• Have a strong commitment to advancing migrant justice.

• A dynamic and innovative self-starter.

• Be highly organised.

• Be an active listener and a progressive leader.

• Be objective and apply good judgement in difficult situations.

• Fluent in English.

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment but should be disclosed on application;

• Have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Deep understanding and/or experience of working in an international context.

• A qualified practising or non-practising lawyer in the area of immigration and/ or human rights.

• Lived experience related to migration, or legal knowledge in immigration and asylum.

• Language skills relevant to our areas of operation, particularly Greek or French.

• Experience and understanding of pro bono legal projects.

• Experience in public speaking, media engagement, or international advocacy.

Job title: Employment Adviser

Location: Hybrid, contracted to work at our Manchester office at least 2 days a week

Salary: £24,000-£26,500

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening/weekend work (TOIL provided)

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract

Language Requirements: Fluency in English and at least one target language is desirable e.g. Arabic, Cantonese, Amharic, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Pashto, or Tigrinya.

Overall purpose:

We are looking for candidates with experience of supporting individuals with barriers to work into paid employment. Within this role you will carry a significant responsibility, managing a caseload of clients from a refugee background and supporting them in securing meaningful employment, training, and education opportunities.

You will provide one-to-one personalised support, delivering quality Information Advice and Guidance (IAG), alongside ongoing support to ensure your clients have all the skills they need to get into work. This involves working with clients to produce individual action plans with clear goals and actions to overcome identified needs and barriers and provide a clear pathway towards the labour market.

You will work with clients online and by phone, as well as in person to monitor their progress towards their goals. Complementary support will be delivered through our volunteers who are trained in delivering employment advice, and you will book weekly appointments for clients, allocating time slots according to availability and the volunteer’s specialty.

You will also work with specialist referral partners to support clients to overcome complex barriers to employment.

We offer a strong team environment, where your ideas and drive will be welcomed and where you as an individual can make a real difference to people’s lives. 

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out preemployment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Some travel between our different areas of operation (including London, Birmingham and Manchester) will be required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Time off in lieu would be provided in this case.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
• Disclosure of disabilities if you wish to do so (as a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role)

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Sunday 12th January. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager Dani Meier for further details (we are unable to include email addresses in this advert, but you can find contact details on the final page of the attached recruitment pack).

The Unity Project (TUP) supports people who are facing poverty and homelessness because their immigration status allows them ‘no recourse to public funds’ (NRPF). We believe NRPF should not exist and we are working to end it. Until then, we seek to minimise its impact by supporting people to make the ‘change of conditions’ (CoC) application to access public funds.

TUP is a small organisation that has achieved systemic impact through the clear strategic focus of our casework. As the number of people affected by NRPF continues to grow, we are looking to take our casework service to the next level so that we can support more individual applicants and strengthen our strategic impact.

We are seeking an experienced and qualified immigration advisor to manage our legal casework. You will develop our specialist casework service - promoting its effectiveness and ensuring we provide compassionate support to applicants while meeting all regulatory requirements. You will supervise our dedicated team in London, overseeing their professional development and personal wellbeing.  You will also focus on the strategic impact of our project, working closely with our Strategic Casework Lead and external partners to achieve systems change through litigation and other channels.

You can view the Job Description and Person Specification by clicking on the below link, or on our website if you don't yet have a Charity Job account.

About Us

Hibiscus Initiatives is a passionate, women’s organisation, delivering high impact advocacy and advice services for more than 35 years to those at the intersection of the Criminal Justice and Immigration systems. As an organisation, we have distinct expertise in working with Black and minoritised women in prison, in the community and in immigration removals centres.

Our holistic and trauma informed approach makes a real and lasting impact on women's lives. We aim to make a difference within the criminal justice and immigration systems too by working with women and amplifying their own voices, so their experience is recognised by those making policy decisions

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

Hibiscus adopts anti-racist; anti-oppression, and feminist principles and believes in the importance of nurturing a diverse team who can embody these principles.

We are committed to the wellbeing and development of our staff. We provide regular training and other learning opportunities and offer wellbeing classes and activities, clinical supervision, an Employee Assistance Program and other benefits to support staff wellbeing.

This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010.

About the Role

We are now recruiting for a Fundraising and Grant Management Specialist to support the Senior Leadership Team in developing and implementing Hibiscus’ Fundraising & Partnerships Strategy.

The successful candidate will be motivated and passionate about the rights of migrant women affected by the criminal justice and immigration systems, and will workThis post holder will identify and plan funding approaches in support of the organisation’s aims and objectives. They will manage current funding relationships whilst developing strong relationships with new funders who can support the charity’s work long-term. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a rolling programme of applications, planning compelling and targeted proposals in support of Hibiscus’ work and develop a fundraising database to track applications. This will involve exploring opportunities for Hibiscus to diversify its funding, working with SLT and the board to identify and cultivate strategically appropriate contacts. The post holder will also be responsible for ensuring stakeholder engagement by producing reports and updates for doners and trusts, facilitating the trauma-informed participation of Hibiscus’ service users in fundraising and establishing good working relationships with colleagues. They will play an active role in communicating relevant information to colleagues, and will work with colleagues to develop impactful, meaningful and data driven proposals.

The successful candidate be responsible for maintaining Hibiscus’ fundraising and development libraries, resources, and directories, including accurate records to monitor feedback. They will support the management of a case studies library, and work as part of the wider team, encouraging dialogue, promoting understanding and championing the work of Hibiscus.

[Please note: Successful candidates will need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years to ensure the clearance process is authorised.]

Salary
 £30,500 - £34,000 *
*negotiable up to the mid-point of the salary band, depending on experience  

Team
Operations

Duration
12 months (possible extension subject to funding)

Hours
Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location
Hibiscus Head Office and across London, with flexible working arrangements considered.

Reporting to
Director of Operations

About You

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

The successful candidate will be motivated and passionate about the rights of migrant women affected by the criminal justice and immigration systems, with successful fundraising experience and excellent writing, research, and stakeholder engagement skills. They will have a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, and/or experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to a high standard.

The candidate will have strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, be able to set personal priorities, objectives and deadlines while maintaining a focus on key organisational and strategic priorities. They will work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate significant emotional resilience and intelligence. They will be familiar with and confident navigating data protection in relation to fundraising, always ensuring their work is grounded in the ethos, aims and objectives of Hibiscus Initiatives and human rights in general.The successful candidate will be able to acquire new skills and demonstrate a strong commitment to learning. Political awareness and knowledge of political developments in immigration law and policy is desirable. They will demonstrate a commitment to Hibiscus' ethos aims and objectives, including having an intersectional and anti-racist approach to the work and a comprehensive understanding of one of more of Hibiscus’ key work areas.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC-UK

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The External Relations (ER) unit is comprised of four complementary functions: Private fundraising, Mobilization & Marketing, Policy & Advocacy and Operations & Analytics. To enable IRC to deliver our Strategy100 commitments, the ER unit established a bold new approach that enhances our ability to raise diverse and flexible funding aligned with IRC’s top priorities, while raising our profile and influence. The ER unit is international, with colleagues in more than 10 offices globally.

The Purpose of the Role

As Director of Communications, UK, you lead IRC UK’s core communications strategy with the objectives of growing our profile, influencing policy, driving income, and protecting our reputation. This is done by taking a strategic approach to generating effective messaging for cross-team use, creatively collaborating to produce cut-through external products across media and digital channels, and generating top tier media coverage in collaboration with communications, advocacy and fundraising colleagues globally. In this role you will be expected to use expert judgment to manage IRC UK’s reputation, as well as ensure media and digital outputs protect beneficiaries, staff and programming from harm.

The Director will report to the UK Executive Director and the Senior Director of Global Public Affairs. The Director will collaborate closely with the Senior Director for Digital Engagement, UK Advocacy Director, and the Director of UK Mass Markets to meet the organization’s strategic objectives surrounding profile, income and influence.

Scope and Authority

Authority:

· The role holder sets strategic direction for UK communications, with a focus on earned media, public advocacy and organic digital.

· The role oversees the UK comms operational budget, with access to the Global External Relations budget.

· The role has the authority to brief journalists with agreed messaging and act as spokesperson for the organisation.

· The Director will line manage the communications team and other positions when required.

· The role is a key member of the UK Senior Management Team, with collective responsibility for the leadership, culture and efficacy of IRC UK.

Key Working Relationships

· Reports to the UK Executive Director and Senior Director Global Public Affairs & Communications.

· Close collaboration with External Relations staff in the UK, US and globally, including Advocacy and Influence, Mass Markets, Fundraising, Awards Management, Digital Engagement, Entertainment Relations, Creative Studio, and Experiential Marketing.

· Works closely with key country directors, country programme staff and technical unit colleagues.

· Supports policy staff in the IRC President’s Office on key UK messages and policy initiatives involving the IRC President.

· Works closely with counterparts in NGOs and donors particularly FCDO and the DEC.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Direction

· Raise IRC UK's profile, income, influence and brand in the UK market by developing and delivering a 360 comprehensive communications strategy that reaches target audiences, attracts new supporters, and connects supporters with IRC clients.

· Partner with global external relations leadership to set Key Performance Indicators for achieving the strategy, and drive and monitor progress towards them with the support of your team.

· Contribute to the development and delivery of the UK Strategic Plan.

Team Management & Stakeholder engagement

· Manage a team of communications professionals, setting objectives, portfolio scope, and partnering on professional development opportunities

· Drive creative insights and strategic thinking within the UK comms team and influence / maximize policy, advocacy and fundraising outputs and results

· Lead strategic communications planning to maximize opportunities of partnering with income and influence objectives and outputs

· Ensure the UK Communications Team are clear on systems, processes and organization to drive efficiency and team productivity

· Review team performance quarterly and present on results to global stakeholders

· As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UK SMT) support the UK Executive Director in the creation and delivery of IRC UK strategies and priorities, foster cohesion and collaboration among UK based departments, representing the needs and objectives of the team in the UK SMT and UK office.

Execution: Driving IRC profile, influence and income; and protecting the reputation of the IRC

· Work alongside global communications colleagues, Policy & Advocacy colleagues and UK Fundraisers to develop appropriate messaging on key proactive and reactive issue areas across the scope of IRC’s work.

· Plan and identify key moments of opportunity for IRC UK Communications according to internal and external landscape and timetables.

· Ensure pro/reactive message accuracy and cut through calls to action that engage audiences for proactive campaigns and news cycle opportunities.

· Develop, commission and drive creative cut-through tactics and products, from revealing IRC research and analysis to emergency media briefings.

· Secure top tier media coverage of IRC’s work, solutions and innovation, balancing mentions with long-form/features and profiles.

· Influence and shape key media narratives around priority IRC UK policy issues.

· Oversee strategic media opportunities by commissioning, writing, editing and disseminating messaging for multi-channel use, press-releases, op-eds, statements and other content to secure coverage of the IRC in the UK across print, broadcast and online media.

· Work with global communications colleagues and country office staff to create strong, persuasive and impactful outputs, and to arrange interviews and media visits to frontline work.

· Act as a spokesperson for the organization in the media as needed.

· Liaise closely with Fundraising teams to collaborate on timely messaging, client-centered storytelling, digital outputs, and media coverage to bring in donations to the IRC during emergencies and other fundraising appeals.

· Manage the communications component and IRC UK’s relationship with the DEC and lead communications on DEC appeals.

· Use expert judgment to ensure the IRC is protected in the media and to develop and enact strategies to protect IRC’s reputation, as well as ensure media outputs protect beneficiaries, staff and programming from harm.

· Ensure coordinated and topical messaging across media outreach and digital channels.

· Establish close relationships with press counterparts within statutory donor organizations that lead to opportunities to promote IRC in the media.

· Leverage IRC’s President and CEO, and UK Executive Director to grow our profile in the UK, through proposing and implementing op-eds, interviews and other media activities.

· Support, prepare and coach staff, spokespeople and board members for media interviews and visits; and provide guidance across the organisation to dealing with media.

· Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena via research and monitoring of national media and competitors and in liaison with global colleagues

· Work with the global media colleagues to ensure that IRC has a system for managing media enquiries at all times, as needed.

· Responsible for reporting to the IRCUK board, subcommittees and Executive Director on press activity, trends and upcoming opportunities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Experience

· Track record in creating, driving and evaluating a 360-degree communications strategy that focuses on media, digital and enabling income.

· Experience leading and managing media and digital teams. 

· Experience navigating and influencing within large matrixed organizations.

· Extensive experience of developing key messages and implementing media strategies with an international, and ideally humanitarian, or development focus.

· Experience of conducting media relations and communications opportunities in developing countries and sensitive contexts.

· Experience of organising international media visits to projects in order to facilitate reporting on key issues.

· Substantial experience responding to reputational threats.

· Experience leading a digital communications team that delivers breakthrough digital content, client-centered storytelling and brings in new supporters.

· Experience/knowledge of tools for monitoring media coverage and digital results.

· Experience of dealing with media enquiries into crisis and sensitive issues.

· Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.

Skills and Knowledge

· Creative thinker who can identify opportunities and collaborate internally to produce external products that cut through media and digital and meet strategic IRC UK objectives.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with colleagues both in the UK and overseas and manage working relationships diplomatically.

· Excellent eye to detail and commitment to high speed and high quality writing and editing

· Strong organisational and time management skills: ability to prioritise team’s work, and multi-task in a fast-paced work setting.

· Good contacts with key UK journalists and media outlets, and knowledge and ability to develop relationships quickly.

· Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; adept at writing clean, engaging, jargon-free copy for a range of channels.

· Ability to represent IRC-UK and the wider IRC professionally and appropriately at all times.

· Knowledge/interest in international affairs, particularly of conflict and humanitarian crises and issues.

· Knowledge of key political debates in the UK around international development and aid.

· Flexibility as regards working hours, as the need arises.

· Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

· Fluency in English, spoken and written.