Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire
Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027)

Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire

Hampshire Full-Time 33756 - 33756 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
International Rescue Committee UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide tailored employability support to resettled refugees in Hampshire.
  • Company: Join a dynamic organisation dedicated to refugee integration and support.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of refugees while enhancing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and knowledge of the local employment landscape required.

The predicted salary is between 33756 - 33756 ÂŁ per year.

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 helping individuals achieve employment goals.

Purpose of the Role

The role delivers structured one‑to‑one and group‑based support focusing on supporting individuals towards employment, including job search and application support, interview preparation, understanding UK workplace expectations, employer engagement, and links to training, apprenticeships and (where appropriate) self‑employment.

Key Working Relationships

Works closely with staff involved in Hampshire Resettlement and Integration Support Service as well as partner organisations such as Citizen Advice Rushmoor, Jobcentre Plus (DWP), statutory funded employment support services, education and training providers, employers and relevant advice organisations in Hampshire.

Key Accountabilities

  • Employability support to individuals (55%)
  • Conduct structured individual assessments to identify skills, qualifications, employment history 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, liaising with employers, facilitating introductions, supporting applications and providing on‑the‑job follow‑up assistance.
  • Monitor and respond to employment and training‑related risks, including exploitation, unsafe work and discrimination, ensuring appropriate safeguarding action and partnership working with Citizen Advice Rushmoor and other partners.
  • Provide structured guidance to individuals considering small‑scale self‑employment, exploring viable income‑generating ideas, basic planning and market research, 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.
  • External engagement and partnerships (20%)
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with local employers across Hampshire to facilitate direct placements, identify job opportunities, work‑experience placements and promote inclusive recruitment practices.
  • Promote awareness among employers of the skills and contributions of resettled refugees, supporting inclusive workplace practices.
  • Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with Jobcentre Plus, education and training providers and business advice and start‑up support services.
  • Represent the service in local employability and partnership forums, contributing to multi‑agency strategies that improve labour market access for resettled refugees.
  • Key administrative tasks (15%)
  • Ensure timely and accurate compliance with reporting requirements, including database management, case noting and file maintenance.
  • Provide logistical support for procurement of into‑work support items and delivery of employability workshops and employer events.
  • Analyse trends and barriers affecting employment outcomes and contribute insights to service development discussions.
  • 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.
  • Carry out all duties in accordance with IRC values and policies, particularly regarding safeguarding, confidentiality, impartiality and equal opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Strong knowledge of the local Hampshire employment context and available training pathways.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
  • Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience supporting workshops via Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
  • Strong working knowledge of the UK labour market and recruitment processes.
  • Ability to travel regularly within Hampshire.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

  • Ability to communicate in Dari and/or Pashto, or another community language relevant to the Hampshire resettled population.
  • Lived experience of forced migration, resettlement or navigating UK employment systems as a refugee or migrant.

Essential Experience

  • Minimum two years of related experience delivering tailored employability support with refugees or migrants in Hampshire.
  • Experience delivering one‑to‑one coaching and/or group‑based job readiness workshops in diverse, multi‑lingual and cross‑cultural environments.
  • Experience conducting outreach to the private sector to build relationships and raise awareness.
  • Experience supporting clients to access employment, education and training opportunities, including liaising with Jobcentre Plus and training providers.
  • Experience handling confidential documents and sensitive information.
  • Prior experience of using a client relationship management system or case management database, with accurate case noting and outcome tracking.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience supporting clients with self‑employment pathways, including UK start‑up basics such as sole trader and limited company options, HMRC registration and self‑assessment, and signposting to business advice services.

Job Details

  • Salary: 33,756.76 per annum.
  • Contract: Fixed‑term until 1‑June‑2027.
  • Eligibility: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
  • Application deadline: 13‑May‑2026 at 11:59 pm BST.

Standard Responsibilities

Promote and participate in initiatives to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion. Foster learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values and policies.

Equal Opportunities

IRC UK is an equal opportunities employer committed to non‑discrimination and diversity for all applicants. Candidates with disabilities who meet the disability‑confident criteria will be invited to interview. IRC UK welcomes applications from all candidates, including under‑represented groups and refugees who have the right to work in the UK.

Recruitment Process

Screening call online. Panel interview online – including assessment / test.

Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire employer: International Rescue Committee UK

As a Refugee Employability Officer with IRC UK, you will be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and inclusion, providing meaningful support to resettled refugees in Hampshire. Our work culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, offering opportunities for professional growth while making a tangible impact in the community. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a supportive environment, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
International Rescue Committee UK

Contact Detail:

International Rescue Committee UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the local job market in Hampshire! Research companies that are known for hiring refugees and understand what skills they value. This will help us tailor our approach when we reach out to them.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, we should do mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will boost our confidence and help us articulate our experiences and skills effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Networking is key! Attend local job fairs and community events to meet potential employers. We can also leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in our field.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.

We think you need these skills to ace Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Knowledge of the local Hampshire employment context
Interpersonal and relationship building skills
IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience with Microsoft Teams and Zoom
Knowledge of the UK labour market and recruitment processes
Ability to travel within Hampshire
Experience delivering tailored employability support
Experience conducting one-to-one coaching and group-based workshops
Outreach experience to build relationships with the private sector
Experience supporting clients to access employment and training opportunities
Experience handling confidential documents and sensitive information
Familiarity with client relationship management systems or case management databases
Knowledge of self-employment pathways and UK start-up basics

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 in supporting refugees and your understanding of the local employment landscape in Hampshire.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in English. If you have any additional language skills, like Dari or Pashto, make sure to mention them as they can be a real asset!

Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you've delivered tailored employability support or conducted workshops. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at International Rescue Committee UK

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Refugee Employability Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the Afghan Resettlement Programme and the UK Resettlement Scheme. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience in delivering tailored employability support. Think of specific examples where you've helped individuals achieve their employment goals. Highlight your coaching skills and any workshops you've led, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Build Rapport

During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Use your excellent interpersonal skills to engage them. Remember, they want to see how well you can relate to diverse individuals, so be warm and approachable in your responses.

✨Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics or the challenges faced by resettled refugees in Hampshire. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to making a difference.

Refugee Employability Officer (Fixed term contract until 1st June 2027) in Hampshire
International Rescue Committee UK
Location: Hampshire

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