At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide tailored employability support to refugees, helping them achieve their career goals.
- Company: Join the International Rescue Committee, a leading humanitarian organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until June 2027 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative work environment with a focus on community and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of refugees and help them integrate into society.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and knowledge of local employment opportunities required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.
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. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.
The Purpose of the Role
The Refugee Employability Officer will provide tailored employability support to resettled refugees in Hampshire under the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), Community Sponsorship and other eligible schemes. The role delivers structured one-to-one and group-based support focusing on supporting individuals towards employment. This will include agreeing and supporting individuals towards employability related goals and actions within the Individual Support Plan, job search and application support, interview preparation, understanding UK workplace expectations, employer engagement, and links to training, apprenticeships and (where appropriate) self-employment. This work will support individuals often facing barriers such as limited English, recognition of overseas qualifications, childcare responsibilities, health needs or confidence challenges.
Employability support will be integrated within wider Integration support planning to promote sustainable economic independence, strengthen longer-term integration outcomes and support access to appropriate public services where needed.
Key Working Relationships
This position will work closely with all staff involved in the delivery of the Hampshire Resettlement and Integration Support Service. This will include the Programme Manager (Resettlement and Integration), Programme Manager (Economic Empowerment), Senior Integration and Resettlement Officers, Integration Officer, Bilingual Integration Officer, Bilingual Resettlement Officers, ESOL and Education colleagues, Employment Caseworkers and other relevant staff. This position will also work closely with staff at our partner organisation, Citizen Advice Rushmoor, Jobcentre Plus (DWP), statutory funded employment support services (ie Connect to Work), education and training providers, employers, and relevant advice organisations across Hampshire. This role will be line managed by the Senior Integration Officer with a dotted line to the Programme Manager (Economic Empowerment).
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Employability support to individuals (55%)
- Conduct structured individual assessments to identify skills, qualifications, employment history, transferable competencies and career aspirations, translating these into clear and realistic actions and goals within an Individual Support Plan.
- Deliver tailored job readiness support through one-to-one coaching and group-based workshops, including CV development, interview preparation, UK workplace norms, digital literacy, job search strategies and confidence-building.
- Support individuals to access and sustain employment opportunities, facilitating job matching, including liaising with employers, facilitating introductions, supporting applications and providing on the job follow-up assistance to promote job retention and progression.
- Monitor and respond to employment and training‐related risks, including exploitation, unsafe work and discrimination, ensuring appropriate safeguarding action, advocacy for clients, and partnership working with Citizens Advice Rushmoor and other external partners.
- Provide structured guidance to individuals considering small‐scale self‐employment work, including exploring viable income‐generating ideas, basic planning and market research, understanding relevant UK start‐up and compliance requirements (e.g. sole trader status, HMRC registration and Self Assessment, banking, insurance and any required licences), and signposting to appropriate start‐up and business support services.
- Facilitate access to vocational training, apprenticeships, accredited courses and skills development opportunities that enhance employability and support longer-term career progression.
- External engagement and partnerships (20%)
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with local employers across Hampshire to facilitate direct placements, identify suitable job opportunities, work experience placements and promote inclusive recruitment practices amongst local employers.
- Promote awareness among employers of the skills and contributions of resettled refugees, supporting inclusive workplace practices and addressing misconceptions where appropriate.
- Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with Jobcentre Plus (DWP), education and training providers, and business advice and start-up support services to strengthen pathways into work, training and self-employment.
- Represent the service in local employability and partnership forums, contributing to multi-agency strategies that improve labour market access and progression for resettled refugees.
- Key Administrative tasks (15%)
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance with a focus on evidencing client progress and outcomes. This will require completion of accurate and timely records and case notes in line with data protection and reporting requirements.
- Provide logistical support for the procurement of into‐work support items and the delivery of employability workshops and employer events, including preparation of participant materials and coordination with partners.
- Analyse trends and barriers affecting employment outcomes and contribute insights to service development discussions to strengthen overall programme impact.
- Ways of working (10%)
- Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure that employment, training and self-employment pathways are integrated within longer-term integration planning.
- Gather and analyse client and employer feedback to inform continuous improvement of employability interventions and self-employment support.
- Carry out all the above in accordance with the aims, values and policies of International Rescue Committee, in particular in relation to safeguarding, confidentiality, impartiality and Equal Opportunities.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, partners and clients in English.
- Strong knowledge of the local Hampshire employment context, including employment opportunities, key local employers and available training and development pathways.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the confidence to engage and maintain a wide range of internal and external partnerships.
- Good IT skills, including proficiency in using Microsoft Office and experience delivering or supporting meetings/workshops via online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Winchester employer: Hiiraan Online Inc.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. As a Refugee Employability Specialist in Hampshire, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of resettled refugees while benefiting from comprehensive training, collaboration with diverse partners, and a commitment to safeguarding and data protection. Join us in a role that not only enhances your skills but also contributes to a vital cause in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars related to employability and refugee support. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can introduce you to someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and boost your confidence. Remember, it’s all about showing your passion for helping others!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with their needs. Show them how you can make a difference in their organisation, especially in supporting refugees.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings that can help you land that perfect role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities in the field of refugee employability.
We think you need these skills to ace Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Refugee Employability Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in employability support and working with diverse communities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. Don’t forget to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated with clients or partners in the past.
Highlight Your Local Knowledge:Mention your understanding of the Hampshire employment landscape. If you know about local employers or training opportunities, include that info to show you’re well-prepared to help resettled refugees navigate their job search.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hiiraan Online Inc.
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its mission. Understand their work in humanitarian crises and how they support refugees. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
As a Refugee Employability Officer, you'll be working closely with individuals facing various challenges. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Think of situations where you've helped others overcome barriers, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to employability support. Practice responses to scenarios like assisting someone with limited English or helping a client navigate the job market. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Local Employment Context
Familiarise yourself with the employment landscape in Hampshire, including key employers and available training opportunities. Be ready to discuss how you would leverage this knowledge to support resettled refugees in finding sustainable employment. This shows you're proactive and understand the local context.
