Advocate Jobs

Role Outline 

The Benefit and Entitlements Advocate (BEA) is an important position within Stay Safe East. The successful candidate will work closely with our Independent Disability Domestic Violence Advocates and Independent Victims’ Advocates, supporting disabled people who have been impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of crime. You will also work collaboratively with the full-time Benefits and Entitlements Advocate.

The Benefits and Entitlements Advocate will provide support with financial empowerment, income maximisation and help with managing debt. Many of our clients experience economic abuse and it takes empathy and understanding to unpick the impacts.

You will work collaboratively with clients to carry out financial empowerment assessments; creating and delivering on action plans to meet their needs relating to income, budgeting and debt.

·  To work within temporary accommodation provided by New Forest District Council (NFDC) provide intensive support to the victim / survivor and their child(ren) living within the properties.

·  To provide high-quality crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to victims / survivors who access the NFDC resident and housing options.

·  To work with colleagues at NFDC to increase knowledge and develop responses to victims and survivors of domestic abuse through formal and informal training sessions, this includes colocation within the council.

Workers should be “free from abuse in their own lives.” Applicants are asked not to put themselves forward for selection if this is not the case.

It is essential that the postholder has a full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Oldham.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on by clicking the apply button on our website. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 10/12/2024

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We are recruiting self-employed advocates to provide independent and confidential advocacy on behalf of NYAS to children, young people and adults in a variety of settings such as children’s homes, schools, secure units etc. We are looking for people to service areas in West Berkshire, Wokingham or Slough.

Your role will enable them to ensure their voices are heard within decision-making processes that effect their lives. You will do this by listening to what they want and by informing them of their rights to get their wishes and feeling heard.

To be considered you must have significant experience of direct work with children, young people or adults in a related setting.

For more information, please view the attached contract delivery specification.

To meet the requirements of the role you must live within one of the geographical areas.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NB: As part of the recruitment process to become a Self-Employed Advocate with NYAS, all candidates who have been successfully interviewed and completed our safer recruitment process will be required to attend and complete accredited Advocacy training. This is a recognised qualification across this sector.

NYAS provides this training at a significantly reduced rate for self-employed advocates. Further details are discussed at interview.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

For more information on this position, please click the link to apply which will take you to our vacancy website where you can find our contact details. 

The Vacancy

We are looking for a Senior Advocate who will have day to day responsibility for the running and promotion of the advocacy service in Dorset.

You will manage a pool of advocates which involves recruitment, supporting them through induction and by conducting supervision and best practice meetings, ensuring the provisions of the service we offer to children and young people is to a high standard.

You will be responsible in managing the advocacy referrals and allocating these to the most appropriate advocate to meet the needs of the child or young person, whilst also carrying a small caseload of advocacy referrals yourself where you will provide independent and confidential advocacy to children and young people to empower them to express their wishes and feelings in decision that affect their lives to ensure that their voices are heard.

You will help drive the performance of the service by monitoring the referrals, activity and budgets, and using bespoke system, to prepare statistical and qualitative data reports for monitoring meetings to evidence service target achievements. This will also enable you to identify recurring themes and concerns which can be escalated.

This role also provides the opportunity to work in co-operation with other NYAS services and departments and well as acting the link between NYAS and the local authority.

Although the role is home based, there will be some travel around the Dorset area so we are looking for our successful candidate to live within the Dorset area or within a close surrounding area. You will be encouraged to engage in virtual meetings with your local team and attend NYAS wide virtual monthly meetings.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

 NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

NYAS employees will receive the following benefits:

• Pro rata of 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Salary sacrifice pension contribution
• Additional sick pay
• Enhanced pay for family friendly leave
• Health care plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Death in service
• Learning and development opportunities

Please only apply if you live in the Manchester area and can get to Tameside easily.

Do you have experience working with children and young people in a social care setting? Do you have experience supporting members of staff?

Morgan Hunt are working with The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), on their search for a Senior Advocate who will be responsible for the delivery and promotion of advocacy. Allocating referrals and providing case support for advocates, you will develop a pool of advocates by recruiting and supporting them through induction.

As a senior member of staff you will carry a small caseload of advocacy referrals while monitoring advocacy cases through the case management system, ensuring advocates' case notes are of expected standard. Ideally we would love someone who has some experience working with commissioners.

As a leading childrens rights charity and providers of advocacy services to children, NYAS ensures all young persons are fully represented, respected and supported to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives and reach their full potential.

The role is remote however we require someone who lives in the Manchester area as it will involve visits to clients so you need access to your own vehicle.

The role is part time at 17.5 hours a week.

To find out more please get in touch with Amara Howe or Lois Buckland on the Social Care team at Morgan Hunt.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 40 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have colleagues offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues. 

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

This role will plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk and work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.  

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at noon on Friday 20th December. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 6th and 13th January.  

We are recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join our team in Warwickshire

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,104 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term (12 Months), Full Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week with occasional late shift 12:30 – 20:30 on a rota basis (approximately twice per month)

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This role includes attendance at the office in Warwick district. Travel around Warwickshire for client appointments is essential to role, therefore use of a car essential.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 11 December 2024

Interview Date: 18 December 2024

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the IDVA team in Bedfordshire. This role is working 30 hours per week, supporting victims of domestic abuse living in Central Beds and Bedford Borough.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra daay off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

We are looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to work alongside our current specialist teams across Bedfordshire. This is a part time post working Monday to Friday, this is currently a hybrid working role.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training to a range of local partners

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We looking forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to join the team in London, working 37.5 hours a week. This is a hybrid role working both from home and our London office as well as travelling to meet clients.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

* Flexible working options including hybrid working
* 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
* An extra day off for your birthday
* Pension with 5% employer contribution
* Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
* High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
* Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
* Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
* Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
* Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

This role is based in Islington (plus any information about travel, hybrid working, flexible)

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

* Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.

* Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+

* Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

* To have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).

* Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.

* Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children

* Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.

*Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.

*Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.

*Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

Team: Advocacy

Location: Remote - commutable distance to Cardiff

Work pattern: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day

Salary: Up to £36,649 per year

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:

- Lead engagement with the Welsh Government and MSs

- Support engagement with the UK Parliament

- Monitor parliamentary activity daily and conducting online research

- Preparing position statements and responses to external policy developments

- Developing public-facing charity campaigns including online resources, organising events and delivering presentations

- Media spokesperson for Cats Protection

About the Advocacy team:

You will be working as part of the Advocacy & Government Relations team in the Advocacy & Influence Directorate. The team is made up of 8 members who work across the whole of the UK speaking up for cats. Our campaigns change laws to better protect the health and welfare of cats.

What we’re looking for in our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:

- Experience of advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns), ideally in Wales

- Lives within a commutable distance of Cardiff or willing to relocate to the area

- Experience of policy work and research

- Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g. Ministers, MSs, MPs, MSPs, MLAs, Government Officials, Local Councillors and officers, corporate executives; professional organisations

- Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure

- Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context

- A confident communicator with good written and oral skills; and great people skills

- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable

- Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

- Full, valid, UK  driving licence

What we can offer you:

- range of health benefits

- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing

- Access to a wide range of internal and external learning and development opportunities

- A friendly and supportive team

- and much more

Application closing date: 8th December 2024

Virtual interview date: 18th & 19th December 2024

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form

2. Video screening

3. Virtual interview

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

As MCF's Policy and Advocacy Lead, you will have the opportunity to bring your skills and passion for creating change at an exciting time for the sector. With a growing network and community, MCF has been the infrastructure charity to British Muslim-led charities since 2007. Join our impactful and diverse team as we support our organisations and those that rhey serve.

Job role: Policy and Advocacy Lead

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

Salary: £35,000 – £37,500 per annum (Dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week, Mon – Fri, in-office

Position: 24 month Fixed Term Contract

Location: London SE1 (nearest stations Waterloo and Lambeth North) 

Closing date for applications: extended to 13th December.

Further information and to apply:

Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification 

Background: Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK network for British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. MCF seeks to support, connect, and represent these organisations so that they can all experience the blessings of the collective. Through our network we support almost 300 charities and community organisations.

We aim to collectively build a more accountable, transparent, and efficient British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector, to improve our ability—both as individual organisations and as a sector—to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. With the support of our member organisations and the strategic investors of MCF, we work with a wider network of partners that includes non-member NGOs, regulatory bodies, civil society partners, academics and over key stakeholders in the sector.

Job Purpose: This post is kindly supported by City Bridge Foundation.

MCF has a small team, but our impact is far-reaching. Following a period of expansion, MCF is seeking an innovative, motivated and passionate individual to lead on its advocacy capacity building work, sector-wide advocacy work, and delivery of its strategic policy work.

The primary purpose of the role is to build capacity in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations with differing scales of operating and programmatic focus areas. There will be a particular focus on those Muslim led organisations based in London.

You can expect to be leading on some of the areas as a priority in this role:

• Engaging in outreach with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Producing relevant policy and advocacy capacity building materials suitable for those involved in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Delivering capacity building engagements with those involved in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Hosting roundtables and other group engagements to learn more about the policy and advocacy priorities of Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Strategically Managing a programmatic budget to outsource elements of MCF’s policy and advocacy capacity building initiatives.

• Building relationships with a range of stakeholders from across the Voluntary and Community Sector, Private Sector, and Public Sector to support capacity building initiatives with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. This is an exciting role overseeing MCF’s Policy and Advocacy Unit.

In addition to the above, you can also expect to be involved in:

• Monitoring the media for commentary relevant to the British Muslim led Voluntary and Community Sector and preparing responses on behalf of MCF.

• Engaging with parliamentarians and other key public sector stakeholders by representing MCF at a range of engagements.

• Leading MCF’s Policy and Advocacy Unit’s strategy and delivering associated outputs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

You will be passionate about driving positive cultural change in the Muslim led Voluntary and Community Sector by encouraging more productive engagement with public sector stakeholders.

You will be agreeing to, and working in alignment with MCF’s ethical principles, mission areas, and strategic priorities.

You will feel are energised by the prospect of becoming an expert within a small team, collaborating with a range of other skilled and talented colleagues within the sector.

You will feel comfortable with upholding a high degree of confidentiality, as the role is privy to sensitive discussions and being in environments where you have access to confidential information.

You will feel confident in fulfilling the key responsibilities listed in the sections below.

Advocacy Capacity Building:

• Directly communicating and interacting with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Effectively managing relationships with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. • Proactively responding to requests for guidance and/or support on policy and advocacy related matters.

• Drafting briefings, primers, training materials and other capacity building materials to enhance understanding of policy and advocacy amongst key stakeholders.

• Scheduling and hosting roundtables and other events.

• Build and manage methods of two-way learning between British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations and key public sector stakeholders.

• Building relationships with associates and other contractors focusing on matters relevant to advocacy, campaigning, political activity, political processes, research, or any other matters.

• Managing an advocacy capacity building programme.

• Managing a budget and seeing to the delivery of its associated projects.

• Representing MCF at public engagements hosted by Parliamentarians, Combined Authorities, Local Authorities, and other public sector organisations interacting directly with Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Building relationships with key stakeholders at different levels of public sector organisations. Broader advocacy, political engagement and external influencing:

• Support the CEO and the rest of the MCF team by developing policy reform suggestions supported by appropriate forms of evidence.

• Support activities to maintain MCF as a thought-leader and trusted source of guidance for policy and advocacy matters relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector.

• Identify opportunities to further develop MCF’s policy and advocacy strategy to fulfil MCF’s mission areas and strategic priorities as an infrastructure organisation.

• Coordinate activities to deliver outputs aligned with MCF’s policy and advocacy strategy.

• Monitor developments from the public and other sectors relevant to British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations reported in the media, and draft appropriate responses.

• Provide guidance to MCF members and other organisations on navigating policy issues.

• Host and participate in MCF member roundtables, working groups and other events to learn more about their policy priorities and provide guidance where relevant.

• Coordinate research projects to develop bodies of evidence on matters relating to the Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector.

• Support the delivery of MCF’s advocacy campaigns and associated campaign activities.

• Commission external research and analysis to gather evidence to support MCF’s campaigns.

• Represent MCF in media engagement opportunities or requests for information from media stakeholders.

• Represent MCF at a range of events and other external engagements. 

Please note: This role is based in our office in London SE1 (closest Tube station Lambeth North) Monday to Friday.

We are unable to sponsor applicants for visas. Applicants must be resident in the UK and have the Right To Work.

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant reference and identification checks.

Due to the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all candidates. If your application is short-listed, we will get in touch. If you have not heard from our team within 8 weeks, please assume your application has not met the criteria on this occasion.

No agencies please.

Thank you for your interest in Muslim Charities Forum. We look forward to receiving your application.

BACKGROUND

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network.  We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. 

“Home Equals” is a five-year global advocacy campaign, launched by Habitat for Humanity International last year and dedicated to achieving policy change, at all levels, to ensure that people living in informal settlements especially in the Global South have equitable access to adequate housing. Together, with partners, governments and communities, we can create lasting change so that people living in informal settlements have safe and secure homes.

As a global housing leader, Habitat for Humanity has a unique opportunity in ensuring that access to adequate housing is prioritised around the world. Together, we can advance policies that unlock the potential of people who deserve an equal shot at a decent home.

Purpose of The role

Habitat GB is seeking a dedicated and experienced Global Advocacy Manager to lead our efforts in advocating for policy change within the UK government (in particular targeting the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) to prioritise housing in international development. This pivotal role will play a crucial part in supporting Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy agenda which aims to promote equitable access to adequate housing worldwide, focusing on informal settlements in the Global South. The Global Advocacy Manager will be instrumental in building Habitat GB's profile and influence, establishing strong relationships and coalitions with stakeholders in the UK, identifying lobbying opportunities, providing strategic political insight, and ensuring systematic monitoring and analysis of the international development political landscape. By collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders, the successful candidate will drive meaningful change and contribute to addressing housing challenges on a global scale.

Main Responsibilities 

These responsibilities outline the multifaceted nature of Global Advocacy Manager role, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, relationship building, political engagement, and impact evaluation in advancing Habitat GB's advocacy objectives related to housing and poverty reduction.

· Strategic Development, Engagement and Implementation: Lead the development of a comprehensive global advocacy strategy aligned with Habitat GB's mission and the "Home Equals" campaign objectives, engaging key people in Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy team. This strategy should focus on advocating for policy change within the UK government to prioritise housing in international development and align with our UK facing advocacy strategy where relevant.

· Policy Research and Positioning: Synthesise research on housing policies, trends, and best practice to inform advocacy priorities and positions. Develop policy briefs, reports, and other materials to communicate key findings and recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including UK policymakers, government officials, NGOs, advocacy groups, and other relevant organisations.

· Lobbying and Political Insight: Identify lobbying opportunities within the UK government, including engagement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other relevant entities. Provide strategic political insight and guidance to strengthen advocacy impact.

· Advocacy Campaigns: Lead the development and implementation of global advocacy campaigns, initiatives, and events to mobilise support for housing priorities. Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to design and implement these initiatives.

· Evaluation, Reporting and Learning: Establish mechanisms for systematic monitoring, analysis, and dissemination of political intelligence related to housing and international development issues in alignment with Habitat for Humanity International’s global metric tracking on advocacy impacts. Prepare regular reports on advocacy outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future action.

· Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate closely with teams across Habitat GB and Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy team especially on G7 related advocacy and implementation of the Home Equals campaign, other affiliates, and external partners to align advocacy efforts and share best practice.

Person Specification

· Strong understanding of UK government structures, policy-making processes, and key stakeholders involved in international development.

· Significant experience in UK-facing advocacy, policy analysis, or government relations, with a focus on international development, housing, or related issues.

· Experience delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.

· Proven track record of successfully influencing policy change and mobilising support for advocacy campaigns.

· Experience of directly engaging stakeholders and decision makers through events, networks, meetings and other mechanisms.

· Experience working in a cross-cultural or international context is desirable.

Skills and competencies:

· Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats.

· Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement advocacy plans, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.

· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations and different cultures.

· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.

· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.

· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.

· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat GB.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Job descriptions may be subject to change.

Flexibility   

Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Start your Habitat journey

We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4. 

The deadline for applications is 8 December 2024 (at 11:59 pm).

Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 16 December 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.

Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder. 

Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.

Home based working in the UK (occasional supported access to office spaces available nationwide, flexible working policy) 

Fixed term for one year (with the possibility of extension)

About us

We are a collaborative, UK based network bringing our 30 years of experience working on the HIV response to the broader global health space. We contribute to a global movement of actors seeking to challenge the systemic causes of health inequity to end AIDS and ensure all people can realise their right to health and wellbeing. We give decision-makers the proof – and the push – they need to make informed and just decisions to help improve the lives of the millions of people around the world needing access to treatment, prevention, care and support services for HIV and other health conditions.

About the role

The Advocacy & Media Manager reports to the Co-Director of Advocacy and is responsible for leading STOPAIDS' advocacy on Global Health Institutions and the HIV Response, with a particular focus on resource mobilisation for the HIV response and the role of the UK government. They are also responsible for overseeing the development and execution of STOPAIDS' organisation-wide media strategy.

Benefits

We offer several key benefits, including:

• A 28-hour work week with no salary reduction, with options to spread the hours over 4 or 5 days.
• Home-based working with part-time access to an office space, home-working grants, and bill contributions.
• Flexible working hours.
• A 6% employer contribution to a group stakeholder pension scheme.
• Annual personal learning and development budgets.
• 20 days’ annual leave, plus an additional day for each year of service (excluding bank holidays).

For more information, please download the job description below.

To apply, please download and complete our application form below. CVs will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to close the advert early, should sufficient applications be received.

People living with or affected by HIV, from Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or from other minoritized groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. 

We are open to considering applications for a part-time role that would require a job share.