Title: Engagement Officer – Migration Programme

Duration: Maternity Leave Cover (6months with possible extension)

Salary: Coordinator €42,000-€48,000

Reporting to: Migration Programme Manager

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross Society (IRC) is part of the world’s largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by, its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.

Migration is a priority focus for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement internationally as well as for the IRC in Ireland.  Ireland, along with other countries, has experienced considerably more inward migration in recent years from people in need of protection and, as a result, is challenged to respond with appropriate supports for all affected.  The IRC has worked on migration for several years and is considered a key actor in responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees/ migrants seeking protection and a future in Ireland, with programming in the areas of resettlement and responding to the Ukraine crisis, among others. 

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Irish Red Cross is tasked under its mandate as auxiliary to the Irish Government to develop capacity building and mediations services for the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) living in pledged and state accommodation. To help ensure that adequate measures are in place to protect the welfare and wellbeing of residents, and that concerns raised by residents or providers are responded to and resolved in a timely manner. This role will coordinate with a partnering organisation to develop a system focused on building capacity, trainings and mediation for BOTPs, Accommodation Providers and local NGO’s in specific areas.

ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES

Strategic

• To work with partner organisations to provide solutions based mediation when complaints, apart to contractual issues, are received from BOTPs staying in emergency accommodation, working to help resolve issues of concern to residents or the provider, and provide training to providers and local support organisations interacting with residents and providers.
• Develop and deliver an extensive triage checklist to assure all possible contact/signposting is explored and actioned
• Work directly with the Local Authority Integration Teams to develop coordinated services and signposting
• Participate in Local Authority Integration Forum and other public meetings when required

Delivery of Services and Reporting

• This role will be responsible for leading the Red Cross team in all mediation, capacity building development and trainings for local groups and stakeholders working with the BOTPs throughout the country
• The actions will involve direct support for services, signposting and personal introductions into the community.
• Develop and deliver bespoke trainings to target specific issues. They may be for community groups in an area, or the owners/staff of an accommodation centre, or for the BOTPs.
• Support the programme coordinator in developing and delivering a reporting structure on a weekly and monthly basis or when required

Community Outreach and Development

• Connect the local actors including the IRC volunteer network supplemented by IRC staff as necessary to increase support and assurance to pledgers that the family they are hosting has a network of support. 
• Ensure compliance with required internal and external policies and procedures
• Providing detailed reports on a regular basis

Organisationally

• Ensure compliance with required internal and external policies and procedures
• Work actively towards the achievement of the Irish Red Cross goals.
• Abide by and uphold the Principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Undertake any other reasonable work-related duties and responsibilities assigned by the line manager that are consistent with the nature of the job and level of responsibility.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria

• Experience developing capacity building trainings in the Charity Sector
• Three years’ experience in the community organizing focused on migrant support
• Experience working with Local Authorities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to interact in a professional capacity with a diverse range of management and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet set deadlines.
• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team as well as independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel
• Ability to maintain strict compliance protecting confidential, sensitive information and materials.
• Fluent levels of English, written and conversational.

Desirable Criteria

• Third level qualification in relevant fields of International Development, International Law, Social Work or Political Science
• Ability to travel frequently around the country
• Knowledge of the work of the Irish Red Cross.
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Ability to speak additional languages e.g. Ukrainian or Russian would be an advantage. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community, irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community. This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland. The role is a full time position based on a 35 hour working week, based on flexitime arrangements.