Nasc: Advocacy and Information Officer – deadline 31 May 2023

Position: This is a full-time position with a fixed-term (12 months) contract. The contract may be renewed subject to funding.

Reports to: Advocacy Service Manager

Salary range: €35,000 and €40,000 depending upon experience.

Work Schedule: Weekdays 09:00 - 17:30

Location: Cork City (remote working is not available for this role).

About:

Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre (Nasc) is a registered charity and NGO located in Cork City. Nasc, the Irish word for "link" empowers migrants to realise and fulfil their rights. Nasc works with migrants and refugees to advocate and lead for change within Ireland’s immigration and protection systems, to ensure fairness, access to justice and the protection of human rights.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Advocacy and Information Officer in Nasc will be responsible for providing information and advocacy supports to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers on a range of immigration, protection and reception-related issues through its phone helpline and an appointment-based service providing advice. The Advocacy and Information Officer will also be responsible for providing outreach or in-reach to direct provision or emergency accommodation settings.

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Providing advice and information on a one-to-one basis on a range immigration, protection and reception-related issues through the phone helpline and the appointments-based service.
• Providing appropriate support including referrals, advice or advocacy support, including supporting, advocating for, referring and advising clients on a one-to-one basis and completing any follow-up work which arises from the phone helpline or appointment-based service;
• Assisting in the day to day running of Nasc’s Advocacy and Information Service;
• Maintaining an individual caseload and providing ongoing assistance and support to clients in particular cases;
• Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of Irish immigration and protection law;
• Maintaining detailed records of clinic work and records of all client contact in compliance with Nasc’s policies including its Data Protection Policy.
• Identifying casework of strategic importance and liaising with the Advocacy Service Manager in relation to same;
• Advocating on behalf of clients to government agencies and other organisations, e.g. Immigration Service Delivery Unit, Department of Social Welfare, HSE etc.
• Liaising with government agencies, other organisations and networks where appropriate;
• Supervising interns and volunteers in the Advocacy and Information Service and assisting in the training of interns and staff when requested.
• Completing administrative tasks relevant to the operation of the Advocacy and Information Service;
• Complying with any reporting requirements relevant to the role;
• Updating staff members and board on key developments relating to the work of the Advocacy and Information Service including any developments in law or policy;
• Representing Nasc at meetings or events as requested and reporting back on these meetings;
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time in connection with this position.

Essential requirements

• A third level degree in law or other relevant field;
• Experience in advising and advocating on behalf of individual clients;
• Excellent written and oral communications skills (including the ability to communicate sensitively with vulnerable clients);
• Knowledge of Irish immigration and protection law;
• Experience of working in a busy office environment & adhering to tight deadlines;
• Ability to work under supervision and on their own;
• Be a committed, flexible team player and have experience working as part of a team;
• Excellent computer skills (including typing skills);

Desirable:

• Experience working in a similar organisation preferably working with immigration, protection or human rights law;
• Additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Portuguese are an advantage;
• Experience managing own case load;
• Experience drafting legal submissions;
• Experience undertaking advocacy work on behalf of clients with public bodies;
• Applicants must also be committed to working with immigrant, refugee and ethnic minority communities and seeking positive change for our client-base in Ireland;
• Driving Licence.

Application Process

Apply by sending the following by email to brian@nascireland.org. Please include Advocacy Officer Vacancy in the subject line of the email.:

1. A copy of your CV (maximum 2 pages), and
2. A letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages) Please note that applications which do not include a letter of motivation will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 31st May at 2PM.

Nasc regrets that applications received after this time cannot be considered. All applications will be acknowledged, however only those applications shortlisted will receive any further notification. Interviews will be held on the 8th and 9th June in person at Nasc’s office on 34 Paul Street, Cork City.

Please note that any further information regarding the role will be posted to https://nascireland.org/news/2023/vacancy-advocacy-and-information-officer