Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive positive change by advocating for sanctuary seekers and building partnerships across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to creating a welcoming community for those seeking sanctuary.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid model, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a movement that empowers individuals and challenges misconceptions about asylum seekers.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy and a passion for social justice; lived experience is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are excited to be recruiting for a new Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator to join our organisation. We are looking for someone with local knowledge, experience in the sector and a passion for driving positive change. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with lived experience of seeking asylum.
Location: Greater Manchester. Hybrid working, with travel across Greater Manchester required. Shared office spaces available.
Terms: Fixed term - Until September 2028
Hours: 2 days / 15 hours per week / flexible working
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Manchester City of Sanctuary is a local charity working to build a movement of welcome in Manchester. Part of the national City of Sanctuary network, we collaborate with a range of civic spaces to become recognised places of welcome, and advocate more broadly for the rights of people seeking sanctuary.
Our Vision
For every person seeking sanctuary in Greater Manchester to feel part of a supportive community that understands and welcomes them.
Our Mission
To empower sanctuary seekers and enrich the life of the city by challenging misconceptions, creating shared civic spaces, and inspiring a culture of solidarity.
About the Role
As the Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting our efforts to influence policy, raise awareness and advocate for better services for those seeking sanctuary. You will work closely with our partner organisations – mainly through our participation in the Step Change Consortium - our Board of Trustees and the wider City of Sanctuary network. You will build relationships with local organisations and engage them to become network members of City of Sanctuary and access the relevant Streams of Sanctuary programmes. Where appropriate, you will manage Sanctuary Awards locally and support those awards managed by the national City of Sanctuary team.
We are looking for dynamic individuals who believe in our mission and are able to help us advocate for change across the city region through planning and rolling out our Streams of Sanctuary work and engaging in wider initiatives – both locally and nationally – that champion the rights of people seeking sanctuary and raise awareness of the issues faced.
Our Work
We work to embed a culture of welcome within local authorities and civic institutions across the city, helping shape a Manchester that is welcoming and supportive of people seeking sanctuary. In practice, this means organisations becoming better equipped to understand the challenges faced by people seeking sanctuary, enabling them to provide more responsive support and deliver services in ways that are accessible and inclusive. This post is funded as part of The Greater Manchester Step Change Consortium which aims to develop a joined-up, sustainable ecosystem of support for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Our Values
We expect everyone who is part of our organisation to be committed to our values and share our ambition to be a diverse and inclusive charity. Our values are:
- Connection: valuing the power of personal connection as a way of understanding and promoting empathy
- Acceptance: seeing people as they are, without question and without judgement
- Collaboration: working together to create deeper and lasting impact across the sector and with public bodies
- Empowerment: working towards sanctuary seekers becoming protagonists of their own future
- Dignity: recognising the humanity of all people
Key Responsibilities
- General: Reviewing and implementing relevant advocacy strategies within Manchester City of Sanctuary and the Step Change consortium. Involvement and input to key strategic processes in the region (e.g. City of Sanctuary process and Greater Manchester Asylum and Migration Strategy)
- Shifting the public narrative/mobilising people to speak up for sanctuary, through activities such as, but not limited to: Supporting Manchester City of Sanctuary's social media and marketing strategy alongside the Board of Trustees. Actively participating in national campaigns, e.g. signing on to letters/actions coordinated by coalitions such as Together With Refugees, ensuring our participation is amplified on our social media channels.
- Streams of Sanctuary: Develop Schools of Sanctuary annual strategy, alongside City of Sanctuary Northwest coordinator, developing outreach opportunities and Manchester City of Sanctuary’s Schools of Sanctuary offer. Support a range of organisations in Greater Manchester such as local authorities, faith groups, VCSE groups and schools with the process of joining the City of Sanctuary network and achieving a Sanctuary Award. Attend relevant training provided by City of Sanctuary and deliver training to a range of organisations in Greater Manchester such as local authorities, faith Groups, VCSE groups and schools to support the process of joining the City of Sanctuary network and achieving a Sanctuary Award. Develop opportunities for the Step Change Consortium's Expert by Experience group to co-manage award appraisal processes and training activities. Participate in network members’ internal sanctuary steering groups where appropriate. Assemble and chair appraisal panels for Sanctuary Award applications and award renewals. Support the national City of Sanctuary team with other award applications that are managed centrally.
- Meetings and events: Attend various meetings with local partners and networks as required. Regular meetings with Chair of the board of trustees and other members of the board. Support in planning and delivering ad hoc events, in partnership with other organisations in the sector, as required, such as Refugee Week activities, social events, or conferences.
Person Specification
- Knowledge
Insight into the needs and experiences of sanctuary seekers – Desirable
Knowledge of the refugee sector locally and nationally and a significant understanding of how it operates – Essential - Experience
Has worked within an advocacy role to represent the views of a marginalised community at a policy level – Essential
Experience in stakeholder management and engagement in complex sectors; including within government departments and the VCSE sector – Essential
Worked with vulnerable adults – Desirable - Skills and Competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills – Essential
Ability to build and maintain cross-sector relationships – Essential
Ability to work independently and as part of a team – Essential
Ability to think objectively and be able to manage a complex workload – Essential
Those with lived experience of seeking asylum are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application Details
The deadline for application is 6th April 2026 at 5pm. Interviews will take place online on 16/17 April 2026. To apply for the role please send your CV alongside a covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) that addresses the Person Specification above to manchester@uk.cityofsanctuary.org.
More about this role
Closing Date: Monday 6th April 2026 at 12:00pm
Closing Time: 5pm
Contact Name: Helen Moore
Start Contact Information: manchester@uk.cityofsanctuary.org
Flexible Working Options: Flexitime
Would You Consider A Job Share For The Role?: Yes
Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator in Manchester employer: Action Together
Contact Detail:
Action Together Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local events, workshops, and meet-ups related to advocacy and partnerships. This is your chance to connect with people in the sector and showcase your passion for driving positive change.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in their work. A simple email or message can open doors and lead to potential collaborations or job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your lived experience! If you have personal insights into seeking asylum, share your story in conversations. It adds authenticity to your advocacy and helps others understand the real impact of policies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and can consider you for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and our mission at Manchester City of Sanctuary. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our values and the specific responsibilities of the Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator.
Be Personal: We love hearing personal stories! If you have lived experience of seeking asylum or any relevant experiences, don’t hesitate to share them in your covering letter. It helps us connect with you on a deeper level and shows your passion for driving positive change.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and covering letter, keep it clear and to the point. We recommend sticking to two pages for your covering letter. Highlight your key achievements and skills that relate directly to the job description – we want to see what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to send your application via our website as instructed. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re following our guidelines, which is always a good start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action Together
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you research Manchester City of Sanctuary and its mission thoroughly. Understand the challenges faced by sanctuary seekers and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values of connection, acceptance, and empowerment.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about driving positive change, so let your passion shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to advocacy and partnerships, especially if you have lived experience of seeking asylum.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations. Think about past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or advocated for a cause, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the organisation's future plans or specific initiatives related to the Streams of Sanctuary. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.