Programmes Officer

We are planning to adapt our international programmes to support newly arrived refugee children in London to thrive. In particular, we want to work with children themselves, as partners and active participants in building their new lives. 

For this we will draw upon our “Partners in Learning” programme, which uses a Child-to-Child model to engage older children to deliver playful early learning sessions to younger children. For younger children (Little Partners) at the preschool age, the older mentors help to support foundational skills in literacy, numeracy and motor skills. For older children (Big Partners) aged 10-12, the programme works to boost the socio-emotional learning (SEL), particularly confidence, improved self-perceptions, communication skills and relationship skills. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic young organisation and take it into the next phase of its growth. There will be a role in shaping the next steps of the journey, working closely with the Founder and expanding our presence in the UK via programme, fundraising and administrative support. Wherever opportunities for learning and professional development are possible, they will be offered. 

SCOPE OF WORK 

The role will be part-time contract role for six months with scope for extension, involving but not confined to the following: 

1. Programme support

• Supporting the adaptation of our programme content for implementation in UK schools, in consultation with early years teachers.
• Programme implementation support for pilot Partners in Learning programme with refugee children in London, including training of older children and weekly visits to oversee quality.
• Supporting the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning function of the CfC projects, conducting observations and generating project reports. 

2. Local fundraising 

• Identifying opportunities and assisting with grant applications.
• Accessing diaspora and local philanthropy by planning events.

3. Communications and administrative support

• Planning and implementation of weekly social media calendar.

• Keeping abreast of enquiries email account.
• Supporting incoming interns with functions e.g. communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills and experience needed:

• Demonstrable previous experience of working with children and young people in the UK, either early years or primary school age (can be a non-teaching capacity).
• Relevant academic experience, ideally in social sciences, education, international development or related field. 
• Ability to provide a valid Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate (issued within the last year).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
• Strong research and analytical skills.

Core skills needed:

• Self-starter, with strong organisational skills able to take initiative and work independently. 
• Ability to work with a diverse range of people and in particular to be able to work with and engage children. 
• Ability to self-structure, prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to and address the evolving needs of a small organisation. 

Desirable criteria: 

• Subject specific knowledge in education, child psychology or child development, particularly in the UK.
• Understanding of social research methods - designing and conducting face-to-face interviews facilitating focus group discussions etc. 
• Familiarity with safeguarding mechanisms for project beneficiaries.

TERMS 

• 6-month part-time contract contract (3 days/week, with 3-month probation period).
• Salary will be commensurate with experience. 
• Home-based work with once-a-week in-person meeting in London, and some travel e.g. to partner school in Brent.