The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the UK is recruiting for an exciting new part-time post to join our tightly knit team in East London as soon as possible.
JRS is an international Catholic organisation, at work in 50 countries with a mission to accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. In the UK, JRS works with destitute asylum seekers and those who are held in immigration detention, by offering a mix of practical and emotional support. Our office is also home to the weekly day centre and a variety of activities welcoming asylum seekers during the week. We place a high value on hospitality and relationship.
The new post, the Communities of Hospitality Coordinator, is part of a larger JRS Europe project promoting hospitality in ten different European countries. Funding is available for a three year post on two days a week.
This is a varied role, primarily focused on encouraging parishes and communities of religious to host a destitute asylum seeker guest through the JRS At Home scheme, and enabling networking between hosts and guests to share experience and learning. The role will initially report to the Country Director but require close working with the Assistant Director. A number of formal reports will need to be drafted by the Communities of Hospitality Coordinator during the three-year project for both internal and external use and short oral presentations at external meetings and Church services will be required. The role will involve occasional travel to Brussels and is likely to entail some travel within the UK to visit hosts. The post holder will need outstanding people skills, including empathy and confidence to deal with people of all backgrounds, ages and faiths to manage the process of placing guests with hosts and providing ongoing support; an understanding of the challenges faced by destitute asylum seekers; familiarity with the structures of the Church and religious orders and sympathy for the motivation of those whose life is grounded in faith; a willingness to work independently but also enthusiasm for sharing relevant experience with others; excellent written skills and confidence in drafting reports; and a willingness to work flexibly including outside of normal office hours.
Salary £28kpa, pro rata 2 days per week; fixed term contract of 3 years.
For more information, including to request a job description, please email Sou Huoy Lam on souhuoy.lam@jrs.net
To apply for the job, please send a cover letter and CV, to sarah.teather@jrs.net
The cover letter should detail your relevant experience and demonstrate how you meet the person specification listed in the job description.
Deadline for applications is Thursday 28 April 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
