RLS Caseworker / Solicitor
As a RLS Caseworker / Solicitor you will conduct a small strategic caseload of asylum and refugee family reunion cases and assist on litigation (where eligible) under our legal aid contract to push for better decision-making, secure results for individuals and pursue improvements in the relevant law, policy and practices.
You will also act as the supervising caseworker/lawyer for the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI), which is a specialist casework project delivered by RLS with funding and pro bono assistance from 11 leading commercial law firms. As part of this role, you will supervise pro bono lawyers to provide high quality legal representation for Afghans on matters including family reunion, the ARAP scheme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and others. The project is now in its 3rd year and won the Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award at the Law Works Pro Bono Awards in 2022 as well as being nominated and commended for numerous other awards in 2022 and 2023. Please note that RLS recognise that pro bono legal work is always an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, an adequate system of publicly funded legal services.
Key responsibilities
- Have conduct of a small strategic caseload and provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients
- Supervise the work of volunteer pro bono commercial lawyers on cases
- Deliver training to pro bono commercial lawyers
- Ensure that all legal work is promptly and accurate recorded on RLS’s case management system and keep relevant time recording
- Develop and disseminate relevant information on legal developments in this area for relevant stakeholders, including both the Afghan Community and building the capacity of other practitioners
- Work in close collaboration with the other project Lawyer/s to develop and share experiences and best practice in relation to all aspects of casework (legal, evidential and procedural) and relevant internal processes
- Work in close collaboration with the Legal Director and Casework Supervisorto ensure that appropriate steps to achieve the aims and objectives of the project are taken, including ensuring that relevant data is obtained and assisting with the timely completion of the project Operational Plan/s
- Work in close collaboration with the APBI Coordinator to contribute to the production of materials such as project periodic reports, information on emerging and strategic issues in relation to ‘safe’ routes for use in advocacy, content for newsletters, social media posts and articles to raise awareness of the project and its aims and outputs
- Participate in, and contribute to, RLS’s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework
- Be an active member of the RLS team participating in team meetings at both the UK and International level: engaging in a collegiate and collaborative environment that includes participating in the development of a new and exciting legal organisation
- Work in close collaboration with the Community Engagement and Research Lead to contribute to the production of information sheets and other materials to disseminate to the Afghan community/ies
- Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR
- Adhere to RLS safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Person specification:
Essential
- Be either a member of the Bar, a solicitor and accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, or OISC accredited to Level 3
- Experience of asylum casework
- Experience of refugee family reunion procedures and applications, including applications outside of the Immigration Rules reliant on Article 8 ECHR and other human rights provisions
- Experience of online immigration applications
- Demonstrable knowledge of legal aid provision and ECF applications
- Experience of and commitment to working in a collaborative way on legal cases
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail, responsiveness, reliability and dependability
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills and an ability to deal professionally and collaboratively with both legal and not-for-profit stakeholders
- Computer literacy
- Right to reside and work in the UK
- Enjoy working with a small team in a flexible and fast-paced environment, as well as being an independent self-starter able to work with a high degree of autonomy
- Have a strong commitment to upholding the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees
- Commitment to the aims of the project and the values of RLS
- The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not a barrier to the role.
Desirable
- Demonstrable supervision experience strongly preferred
- Those with lived experience of navigating immigration systems are strongly encouraged to apply and will be favourably considered
- Experience of legal aid casework
- Experience of conducting immigration appeals and/or public law litigation
- Experience of supervising commercial lawyers in a pro bono project setting
- Experience of preparing and delivering training
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this.
Their vision is to find a cure for all types of brain tumours. To achieve their mission, they are looking for a Community Fundraiser who will proactively engage with supporters, community groups and volunteers across the West Midlands to join their team of 12 Community Fundraisers across the UK.
The Community Fundraiser (West Midlands) is responsible for providing support and guidance to fundraisers within their communities to achieve their ambitions and ultimately raise vital funds for Brain Tumour Research. This is achieved through a wide variety of activities such as helping supporters to make the most of their own fundraising, engaging participants with externally organised events such as the Great Birmingham Run, and encouraging communities to get involved in events organised by Brain Tumour Research such as Wear a Hat Day and Walk for Hope. The Community Fundraiser will be the face of Brain Tumour Research in the area, providing excellent stewardship to existing supporters, and building great relationships with new supporters.
This post has been vacant since Autumn, and as such needs a fundraiser with confidence and capability in fundraising to join the team, provide donor love to the loyal supporters in the area, and approach developing the areas potential with energy and enthusiasm. If you have fundraising experience and are keen to join a charity with ambition and an amazing supporter base, then this could be the role for you.
Please note the successful candidate will need to live within the region (Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Gloucestershire), have access to a car and be willing to travel around their region. If you are not currently based in this area, please clarify if you have plans to relocate.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please follow instructions in the pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call.
As this role has been vacant for some time, we are running rolling interview to see suitable candidates as they apply. Interviews will be kept to one stage, and organised to suit the candidate, where possible. Don’t delay – apply today!
Location: Remote in Europe
Salary: Depending on experience (including unpaid and other experiences) and capacity to take on responsibility, the salary range is:
-
£73,135 - £79,230 for the United Kingdom
-
€60,150 - €76,263 for France
-
€83,439 - €89,399 for Netherlands
If the successful candidate is outside of the UK, France, or NL, the salary and benefits will be adjusted based on local market equivalencies.
About Us
The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations united by a common mission: scaling social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. We've developed a unique model that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning, supporting interconnected organizations to create powerful change aligned with our mission.
The Sunrise Project Inc. is a proud member of The Sunrise Project network. Our organizational culture is dynamic and adaptable. We're committed to supporting our team members to thrive as we tackle the urgent challenge of climate change. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our strategies, teams, and movements.
The Sunrise Project Inc. takes the broadest possible view of diversity and encourages First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. Find out more here.
About the Program
The Europe Regional Finance program has evolved out of our Financial Regulation and Policy Program that began in 2019 with a narrow focus on European central banks. Since then, we've expanded to shape financial regulation and policy globally to accelerate clean energy and create lasting systemic change in how public finance addresses climate challenges. Now the Europe Regional Finance program will focus on EU Policy and Finance and UK Policy and Finance.
About The Role
The purpose of this role is to contribute to achieving the objectives in the EU Financial Policy and Regulation project, specifically the work on public finance, fiscal policy and industrial strategy. Together with partners and allies, this role will help stop the political polarisation of net zero and contribute to building the broader case for public investment by establishing and propagating a narrative linking the opportunities of the clean energy transition with improving conditions for households and communities. This role sees the big picture and can translate it into actionable plans for maximum impact.
We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations.
About You
You have experience working on public finance, fiscal policy, or industrial strategy. You understand what it takes to hold the big picture, and translate complicated campaign strategies into actionable steps. You enjoy digging into the policy details, but are able to focus on the key ways to move the campaign forward for maximum impact. You’re able to work with diverse networks of organisations from trade unions to business leaders. You have a strong understanding of the political context which dictates our work and what's possible, but also innovative in thinking through solutions and opportunities to do things differently. You have experience working in Europe. You’re flexible and willing to change course when needed and respond to opportunities, but are able to keep the systemic change we want to achieve in mind.
Key Responsibilities
-
Leads on the development and implementation of high-impact campaign strategies and tactics to achieve our programmatic goals, objectives, and key results, in accordance with our values and JEDI commitments.
-
Sources, builds, and maintains strategic relationships with key partners, facilitating collaborative efforts to co-develop and implement strategies.
-
In collaboration with the research team, identifies and develops a plan to fulfill complex research and analysis to inform the development of effective campaign strategies and plans.
-
Provides strategic advice to partners and community groups to enhance the strategic impact of their campaigns.
-
Ensures alignment between global public finance work and associated projects across the wider Global Finance Program.
-
Fosters the development and growth of a well-informed, effective, and powerful network and individuals dedicated to our cause, and contributes to the broader movement's progress.
-
Designs and evaluates grant proposals and strategies in collaboration with partners, manages grants and oversees a portfolio of grantees ensuring the delivery of high-impact initiatives to support the movement's impact.
-
Drives and facilitates inclusive and transparent strategic decision-making processes, including campaign evaluation and impact reporting.
-
Acts as a key influencer, coach, and strategic advisor, and may manage consultants and/or teams with responsibility for the management, development and growth of others.
-
Regularly evaluate projects at 3 months, 6 months and annually during the first year and every 6 months after that.
-
Aligns programmatic strategies and OKR’s with Sunrise’s Values and mission.
Required skills and experience
-
Advanced level campaigning experience in European public finance, industrial strategy, and fiscal policy in a similar role including unpaid, grassroots or lived experience.
-
Proven experience researching, building, and incubating new strategies in consultation and coordination with partner organizations.
-
Ability to work with the team to execute grants.
-
Ability to successfully manage across cultures, and a track record of creating inclusive work cultures, both internally and with partners.
-
Demonstrated ability to work in a very dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility and agility.
-
A high level of emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal communication and group facilitation skills.
-
A passion for action on climate change and a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity.
Desirable Skills and Experience
-
Experience grant making would be beneficial.
-
Experience working fundraising would be an advantage.
Job requirements
-
You must have full working rights in the country in which you will be working. The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.
-
Previous employment reference checks will be required for successful applicants.
-
Attend local in person partner events as appropriate.
-
Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be/is required.
How Sunrise supports its staff
The Sunrise Project is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. Sunrise has the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff. The successful candidate will be hired via a Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) on behalf of the Sunrise Project, so conditions of employment may vary.
-
Statutory benefits and entitlements of the country/province in which you are employed.
-
Sunrise may provide additional benefits, where in-country entitlements are less than our standard package, where applicable including:
-
Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program
-
Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)
-
Public Holiday + Cultural Leave
-
Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000* for home workspace & IT equipment + $800* every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet (equivalent local currency) .
-
Shared office support
-
Additionally we offer:
-
Flexible Working Policy
-
VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing
-
Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats
-
Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for every staff member
-
Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings
-
Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback
-
A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities
-
We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, caucuses, working groups, and surveys.
How to apply for this job
We recognise that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience.
You’ll be taken to Be Applied to complete your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.