At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers by providing legal advice and conducting impactful policy research.
- Company: Join a small, dedicated charity making a real difference in the lives of asylum seekers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation fighting for justice and human rights.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for legal work; no formal qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 42539 - 42539 £ per year.
Location: London/Hybrid
Salary: £42,539 p.a (including £4319 inner London weighting)
Hours: 35 hours per week
About ASAP
The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) is a small national charity which was set up in 2003 to reduce the destitution of people seeking asylum by protecting their legal rights to food and shelter. We have a team of 13 permanent staff members and around 35 volunteer solicitors and barristers. We are based in East London but have a hybrid working model which allows remote working alongside a minimum amount of weekly time (2 days) spent in the office.
ASAP delivers three strands of work:
- We offer free, high-quality legal representation at the Asylum Support Tribunal (AST) to people appealing against Home Office decisions to refuse or withdraw their support.
- We provide asylum support advice and training to hundreds of frontline organisations, advice agencies and legal practitioners working with people seeking asylum each year.
- We operate an advice line and online forum: the Asylum Support Advice Network (ASAN) for over 1400 members.
- We use our strong evidence base to improve policies and procedures on asylum support through closely linked policy work and strategic litigation.
- Alongside this, we run a women’s project to ensure we offer a gender sensitive service to destitute women seeking asylum.
The role includes:
- Legal Advice – The post-holder will represent destitute people seeking asylum at the AST as well as offering advice to other advisers via ASAP’s second-tier Advice Line.
- Policy and Research – Working closely with colleagues, the post-holder will:
- Look for emerging trends emanating from ASAP’s legal work to support the development of external policy positions;
- Alongside colleagues in the policy team, undertake in-depth research based on this analysis;
- Assist the Policy and Research Manager to engage with the Home Office, the AST and other stakeholders to influence improvements to policy and practice.
- Monitoring – The post-holder is responsible for collating and analysing operational data from our appeals and Advice Line work. This is used to inform policy and operational decisions. They will also assist the Policy and Research Manager with the transition to a new database which we are in the process of acquiring.
You will:
- Have strong communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and confidently to a range of audiences.
- Be legally minded, with a strong interest in the law and how it can be used to challenge injustice and uphold rights.
- Have an aptitude for interpreting data and presenting information in an accessible way.
- Have a good understanding of the asylum support system — ideally gained through direct advice work or closely related experience.
- Be a collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with others in a small, supportive team.
You do not need to be legally qualified, but you do need enthusiasm for legal work and a commitment to using the law as a tool for positive change. You’ll be joining a small, friendly and supportive organisation where colleagues work closely together and value learning, collaboration and mutual support.
Closing date for applications by: midnight on Sunday 5th July. Face to face interviews will be held in London on Thursday 16th July.
Asylum Support Appeals Project (London) – Policy and Research Officer employer: Young Legal Aid Lawyers
The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking asylum. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, ASAP offers employees the opportunity to engage in vital policy and research work while benefiting from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Employees are encouraged to grow professionally through hands-on experience and training, all within a small, friendly team committed to social justice and legal advocacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Asylum Support Appeals Project (London) – Policy and Research Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Young Legal Aid Lawyers.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Young Legal Aid Lawyers.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Young Legal Aid Lawyers.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Asylum Support Appeals Project (London) – Policy and Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Young Legal Aid Lawyers. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Asylum Support Appeals Project (London) – Policy and Research Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Legal Aid Lawyers
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Young Legal Aid Lawyers. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
