Engagement officer jobs in Edinburgh

Opportunity to contribute to a specialist think tank's leading-edge approach to integrating lived experience into reseach and policy influencing and support a growing migrant community of practice in Scotland.Migration Policy Scotland (MPS) is an independent charity. Our mission is to build a better migration future for everyone. We offer principled, effective solutions to confront the challenges and harness the benefits and opportunities migration brings. Our work combines learned and lived experience grounded in the realities of migration in Scotland.

MPS pioneers an approach that integrates migrant lived experience into research-driven policy influencing. With funding from The National Lottery Community Action Fund we are working to further develop and embed this area of activity and to grow our migrant community of practice. We are committed to support the work of our Migrant Lived Experience Panel. We will shortly be launching the first year of our new Capacity Building and Leadership Development Programme for migrants and migrant community organisations, alongside continuing to develop of our migrant community of practice.

We are seeking a part-time participation officer (0.3 FTE) to support our senior staff in the delivery of this important and ambitious work.

Potential candidates for this role are likely to have a background in community engagement and/or volunteer support and familiarity with social research methods. Preferably some of this experience will be in the migration sector. You may be seeking to combine this role with other third sector activities or be enrolled on an ongoing postgraduate degree programme. We are open to considering all applications that meet the ‘Essential criteria’ listed below. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of migration.

Job Description:

The participation officer will:

• · Support the development of a training offer to build capacity and leadership among migrants and migrant community organisations in Scotland.
• · Assist in the development and delivery of a bespoke curriculum and the organisation and running of training sessions.
• · Take a leading role in ensuring that the training offer is widely advertised to an appropriate audience and in the recruitment and selection of participants.
• · Design and assist in recording and analysing feedback and evaluation from training programme participants.
• · Provide ongoing engagement with and support to our Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Support a recruitment, application and selection process for a new group of Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Facilitate the co-development of projects through supporting inclusive communication and proactive engagement with prospective partners and participants, including through co-development workshops.
• · Contribute to the drafting of project proposals and funding applications.
• · Support the work of the Director and Associate Director in all aspects of the project, working as part of a small, busy team.

Further details are in the downloadable application pack.

Please submit your application via the CharityJob website.

The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.

Main Responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
• To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
• To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
• To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
• Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
• To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
• To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
• Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
• Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
• Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
• To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
• Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
• Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.

Communication and Relationships

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
• Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
• Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
• Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
• Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
• Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
• Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
• Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.

 Knowledge, training and experience

• Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
• Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
• Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
• Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
• Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
• Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Analytical and judgment skills

• Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
• Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
• Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.

Planning and organisational skills

• Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
• Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
• Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
• Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
• Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
• Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
• Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
• Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
• Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
• Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
• Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems

Desirable

• Experience of working in bereavement sector

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
• TOIL for our hours work.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance.
• Training loans.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.

The National Flood Forum (NFF) is seeking a dynamic, motivated individual for the role Flood Engagement Officer – Thames Valley. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about working with communities, especially those at risk of flooding.

Key Details:

• Location: Home-based (Thames Valley), with regular travel across the Thames Valley including evening meetings and occasional overnight stays.
• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £24,784.56 per annum rising to £27,840.90 travel expenses covered
• Contract: Permanent
• Benefits: 30 days annual leave including bank holidays, a day off for your birthday, auto-enrolment pension scheme, learning and development opportunities.
• Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026 (Midnight). Early application is encouraged as the position may close earlier if sufficient applications are received.

Role Overview:

The Flood Engagement Officer will support the Thames Valley community engagement team, reporting to a Community Engagement Manager. Your primary responsibility will be to work closely with communities to support them in tackling flooding risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Project Delivery: Lead and support the implementation of projects focused on flood risk management.
• Community Engagement: Engage and empower at-risk communities, ensuring they have the tools and information to co-create solutions to flood risks.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders and partners.
• Data Management: Provide data to help evaluate and support engagement activities.
• Support the Senior Team: Assist in broader tasks and activities as required by the senior team.

About You:

The ideal candidate will be:

• Empathetic: Understand the challenges faced by those at risk of flooding and help to work with communities and agencies to provide practical solutions.
• Organized and Flexible: Able to prioritize tasks and travel extensively across the region, including evenings and occasional overnight stays.
• Collaborative: A team player with a solution-focused mindset.
• Skilled in Engagement: Experience or an interest in community engagement and building relationships.
• Driving Licence: Full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the travel requirements.

You must also be a resident of the UK with the right to work in the UK.

About the National Flood Forum:

The NFF is a national charity founded by those affected by flooding, working to support and represent individuals and communities at risk. The organization focuses on empowering flood-affected communities to recover and improve flood resilience. The NFF encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of flooding, and from diverse backgrounds.