If you are passionate about social justice, want to support a small charity’s business development, improve your fundraising skills and knowledge about the refugee sector in the UK, this opportunity is the right opportunity for you!
1. About REFEO
REFEO (Refugee Education for Equal Employment Opportunities) is a registered charity that exists to support refugees’ successful resettlement and integration in the UK through access to higher education, vocational training, and employment. We strive to fill the gaps in services that refugees can access if they want to pursue their studies in UK universities or find suitable jobs.
REFEO works in four key areas:
- Education: REFEO supports refugees’ applications to the ENIC (UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills) for diploma and experience recognition in the UK, and we pay for vocational training to support refugees securing access to University or finding a job matching their qualifications.
- Employment: REFEO matches mentors with refugees to support them with their CVs and cover letter. We then refer them to trusted companies to gain work experience.
- Research and Advocacy: REFEO participates in campaigns to advocate increased rights for refugees and asylum seekers. We also conduct research pieces to support advocacy opportunities and to have a sound understanding of the context and situations our clients are in.
- Closing the Digital gap: We provide used laptops, tablets, and mobile phones that are in good condition to our clients and occasionally to refugees and asylum seekers that are not using our services but need IT support to access university or employment.
2. Role of the support worker (also called a mentor)
The role of the support worker is to help refugees and asylum seekers with their online courses. The mentor will motivate clients to progress with their online course and assist them whenever they don’t understand something in the course.
By the end of the mentoring scheme, clients should feel more confident in completing their courses and pass their exams.
For each client that the support worker is accompanying, the tasks of the mentor are the following:
● Organising an introductory meeting call to assess clients’ needs and set weekly targets for completion of the online course within 6 months
● Organising weekly catch-ups with clients to provide the accompaniment,
● Monitoring clients progress with their course and support them to study for tests,
In addition to these tasks, if clients have unmet needs that REFEO cannot support, the support worker (mentor) will refer clients to the right organisation or structure.
3. Who can apply?
REFEO encourages people from any background to apply to this volunteering opportunity. Applicants should however have the below pre-requisite skills and attributes:
● Positive attitude and a high level or motivation towards supporting vulnerable clients to achieve positive life outcomes,
● Passionate about social justice and for equitable rights between individuals living in the same country,
● Good time management skills and a flexible approach to hours worked (catch up times will depend on the client’s schedule as well as yours),
● Good communication skills (remote and face-to-face) to support clients,
● Good level of English and ICT.
This opportunity is a remote opportunity. Applicants are expected to have a laptop that they can use to conduct this volunteering opportunity.
The volunteer must commit to at least 6 months with REFEO.
4. What REFEO will provide
Line management: The volunteer will be managed by one of REFEO’s Trustees who will be able to support them with the different tasks proposed. The line manager will ensure that regular one-to-one are set up with the volunteer to provide the necessary guidance and support.
Induction package: REFEO will ensure that the volunteer is provided with all the necessary resources and information during their induction.
How to apply: If you are interested in this role, please, send your CV and a cover letter to REFEO at [email protected]. The deadline for applications is the 6th of June.