Senior policy officer jobs in kilmarnock, east ayrshire council

• Are you ready to kickstart your marketing career in a role where every task helps make education more accessible?
• Do you enjoy bringing ideas to life through creative content and campaigns?
• Are you looking for a varied, supportive role in a friendly, remote-first team?

Then this could be the role for you.

Learning on Screen is looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Marketing Assistant to join our team. This entry-level role is ideal for someone looking to build hands-on experience across digital marketing, events, and communications, while supporting the promotion of our products, services, and partnerships. You will work closely with our Head of Marketing & Sales and Business Development Officer to help drive awareness, engagement and income generation—through campaigns, content, events, and CRM activity.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the delivery of marketing campaigns that promote our services and drive revenue
• Helping manage content across platforms, from LinkedIn posts to website updates
• Assisting with the planning and delivery of online events and webinars
• Updating our CRM, supporting lead generation, and preparing basic performance reports
• Coordinating marketing materials and tracking assets and deadlines
• Contributing to market research and keeping up with developments in the education sector

What we are looking for

• A qualification or relevant experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
• Great organisation and time management skills
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail
• A team player who’s eager to learn, take initiative, and grow
• Some experience with content, digital platforms, or event coordination (even through volunteering, coursework or internships)

You will be part of a small, supportive team working to make a big impact. If you are looking for a role where you can learn by doing and grow your skills in a creative, flexible environment—we would love to hear from you.

About us
Learning on Screen is a membership organisation that champions the use of moving image and sound in post-16 education. We give educators and students access to millions of films, TV programmes and radio broadcasts—spanning over a century—and support our members to use this content confidently and creatively. From expert copyright advice to innovative partnerships, we help bring teaching to life and open up new possibilities for learning. If you're passionate about education, media, and meaningful impact, you’ll feel right at home here.

The National Lottery Community Fund is recruiting for a Stakeholder Engagement Manager, a key role in our External Affairs Team sat within our newly formed Communications Directorate.  

This role is part of our ambitious transformation as we implement a significant pivot in our communications approach – building on our support for grant-making to demonstrate the powerful impact communities have in strengthening society and improving lives.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape our stakeholder engagement during a time of exciting change. You will position the Fund as a convening force in civil society, advancing community priorities through evidence-based advocacy that demonstrates how our funding strengthens communities.

Using your insight into the sector, you will work with colleagues to map and manage priority stakeholder relationships relevant to our missions and the impact of our funding. You will develop targeted engagement strategies to strengthen and diversify our stakeholders, delivering key activities including communications, events, briefings and meetings to support the development of these relationships.

Working with colleagues across communications and funding teams, you will identify and act upon opportunities to demonstrate the impact of our funding on communities and how it aligns with relevant and influential stakeholders and organisations. You will have strong project management experience, with a robust approach to tracking relationships and managing stakeholder data, ideally through the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong communications and engagement background, as well as experience in working with senior level stakeholders. Ideally you will have had exposure to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors. You should excel at building relationships with diverse stakeholders and be adept at navigating complex external environments.

Key responsibilities:

• Map and prioritise the Fund's stakeholder framework, identifying key influencers and decision-makers across sectors, ensuring an effective cadence of engagement (making it clear who are we talking to, when and why)
• Design strategic engagement plans that align stakeholder relationships with our missions and corporate plan, as part of the Fund’s integrated communications strategy
• Lead the creation of stakeholder toolkits and narrative materials that enable senior leaders and colleagues to engage effectively
• Coordinate high-profile events and engagement opportunities that strengthen the Fund's position in civil society
• Build measurement frameworks to evaluate the impact of stakeholder engagement activities
• Provide expert counsel to colleagues on relationship management and influencer engagement
• Maintain the SRM system and support colleagues across the Fund to use appropriately.
• Work with Communications Business Partners to integrate stakeholder engagement into portfolio strategies

Location: You will be expected to be based in the country you will be supporting. We have a hybrid approach to working with work pattern and exact location agreed with the successful candidate. Our offices are in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interview date: Week commencing 7th July - virtual

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development, with a track record of advising at senior levels
• Proven ability to design and deliver engagement programmes that meet organisational objectives
• Experience building stakeholder mapping tools and evaluation frameworks
• Strong project management, coordinating complex engagement activities
• Experience drafting and delivering high-quality presentation materials, often under tight timeframes
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of, or background in VCSE, public sector or civil society partnership development
• People management experience

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

This is a permanent full-time role, home based with regular UK wide travel.

This is a key role supporting the NFF team to amplify the experience of flooded people and the work of the National Flood Forum.  We’re looking for a proactive and people-focused Communications & Campaigns Manager to join our team. This role will support national campaigns, amplify our key messages and activity across regions, platforms and stakeholders. You will be a key contact and will help us tell powerful stories about flooding and flooded people.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Storytelling

• Translate community activity and project work into compelling stories and campaigns that raise the voices of those affected by flooding.
• Contribute creative ideas to grow awareness of the National Flood Forum’s work and impact.
• Adapt messages to resonate with a variety of audiences, including policymakers, partners, media, and communities.

Content Creation & Digital Media

• Create engaging digital and written content, including newsletters, blogs, website content, case studies, and social media posts.
• Support and build on the development of the NFF’s website
• Drive integrated campaign work by aligning digital, press, and stakeholder communications.
• Identify and utilise external opportunities (e.g. climate events, flooding anniversaries, policy milestones) to share relevant content.
• Create a bank of case studies to highlight the issues flooded people face.

Campaigns & Public Engagement

• Co-ordinate campaign timelines and content plans to support campaigns
• Report on the performance and reach of campaigns and support the wider team in evaluating impact.
• Organise, devise, attend and support events—online and in person—helping regional teams share their work effectively.

Media & External Relations

• Identify and cultivate relationships with the media, write press releases and media materials and identify case studies or spokespeople.
• Build strong working relationships with community flood groups to help them share their stories in the media.
• Monitor media coverage and engage with media opportunities aligned with NFF’s mission.

Internal Communications & Capacity Building

• Work with the leader team to manage the internal communications and support staff with templates, messaging guidance, and digital tools.
• Produce and distribute the internal newsletter, gathering updates and impact stories from teams and regional staff.
• Support staff and volunteers with communications training and briefings to build confidence and skills.

Knowledge Management & Brand Consistency

• Keep internal communication and campaign assets up to date.
• Feed insights from staff and communities into the improvement of communication tools and templates.
• Work to ensure consistent branding and accessibility across all channels.

Day-to-Day Activities

· You will create content for a variety of audiences and stakeholders in a number of different formats  

· Working with colleagues you will drive forward and support social media management

· You will work with the team to help shape and deliver campaigns on the issues that matter most to flooded people

· You will support the development of the NFF’s website & support digital updates

· You will be the main point of contact for local and national media and public relations

· You will carry out Internal Communications

· You will carry out Monitoring & Evaluation activity to ensure campaigns are effective and impactful

· You will ensure that all communications meet any regulatory and compliance requirements

Skills & Knowledge

• Communication: Writing to a range of different audiences including the media, online, political and internal staff teams. Expertise in building relationships,
• Story telling: Outstanding story telling skills bringing to life the lived experience of flooded people.
• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in partnership working and managing stakeholders.
• Empathy: Ability to empathise with flooded individuals and communities.
• Organisation: Highly organised, flexible, and capable of senior leadership.
• Collaboration: Team player with a solution-focused mindset.
• Experience: Relevant degree or equivalent experience.

How This Role Contributes to Our Strategy

• Raising the NFF profile: Ensuring the work of the NFF and the experience of flooded people is amplified.
• Partnerships: Developing strong relationships with partner organisations.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative approach within the organisation.

Warm Welcome Partnerships Manager

Location: Fully remote with flexible working arrangements

Salary: £38,584 per year FTE, dependent on experience

Contract: We are open to this role being part time (0.8FTE) or full time. We offer fully flexible working.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 6th July, 11:59pm

Due to high numbers of applications, prior to interview we plan to carry out initial screening calls with prospective candidates before selection for interview. We will be asking about your reasons for applying and how you think your skills and experiences align to the role.

First interviews: w/c 21st July 2025

Start Date: ASAP – this is a new post.

About the Warm Welcome Campaign

Founded in 2022, the Warm Welcome Campaign wants everyone in the UK to find a place of belonging and reconnection at a Warm Welcome Space near their home. We have a bold ambition to enable a more deeply connected society where we all have free access to welcoming community spaces. 

We resource, connect and champion a network of over 5300 Warm Welcome Spaces and bring together a growing coalition of local, regional, and national partners representing the worlds of charity, faith, business, government, and philanthropy. By working together, we can unlock the power of community spaces made by and for everyone, creating a thriving network of hope and reconnection fueled by human warmth. 

We’re working hard to reach everyone with the message that a Warm Welcome is waiting for them just around the corner, all through the year.

Throughout all our work and within our team we live out our values of being inclusive, collaborative and courageous and our personality that is friendly, adventurous and uplifting.

It’s an important moment for us – in the last year we have launched a new five year strategy which shows a clear picture of the path we have set ourselves ahead to continue to deliver and deepen our impact. In October 2024 we launched our 100% Pledge Campaign. and in January delivered a hugely successful first ever Warm Welcome Week in collaboration with a wide variety of partners.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and proactive individual to work within a small (but growing), friendly and dynamic team in a varied role. If you are brilliant at engaging and mobilising a wide variety of organisations and individuals, and passionate for your input to shape work that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives, this could be the role for you.

To support the range and depth of partnerships we have and the potential we see, we are looking for a Partnerships Manager to work primarily on building partnerships with Local Authorities and public sector organisations, charities and social enterprises, faith-based and inclusion-focused organisations and other groups who might help us strategically grow and resource the Warm Welcome network across the UK (NB Corporate Partnerships are managed by our newly appointed Fundraising Lead for Corporates). The Partnerships Manager will also help develop our support for Warm Welcome Spaces, including overseeing our Champions Programme which offers more intense support and a Community of Practice to a smaller cohort of local groups. 

We’re looking for someone who thrives on the variety of connecting with a huge range of people and who is organised and systematic while at the same time has room for creativity and innovation.

Joining during an exciting period of growth, you will be inheriting a hugely diverse and highly engaged coalition of Warm Welcome Partners who have supported the campaign and local Spaces over the last 2 and a half years. At the same time, there remains a huge untapped potential in terms of possible partners and relationships to be developed and you will be working together with the Campaign Director and team to strategically identify and develop these new connections.

At Warm Welcome, we value diversity and we recognise the enormous benefits and the social imperative of bringing together diverse groups of people. We therefore warmly welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

Building Partnerships

● Developing our Partnership Strategy to identify and engage the best potential partners to help us grow the network and reach our ambition of 100% of the population living within a 30-minute walk of a registered Warm Welcome Space. This will involve identifying and engaging partners in geographical ‘cold spots’ for the network (utilising our mapping tool developed with UCL), as well as forming partnerships to unlock new or under-represented types of Warm Welcome Spaces (e.g. Housing Association Community Spaces, cinemas, community spaces created by new housing developments etc).

● Leading the development of our Local Co-ordinators Cluster which brings together Local Authorities and others who are leading place-based networks of community spaces.

● Overseeing and developing the Champions Programme, providing more intensive support and connections to a smaller cohort of Warm Welcome Spaces.

Engagement and Inclusion

● Developing our Inclusion Strategy to identify and engage the best potential partners to diversify our Coalition and support local Spaces to become more accessible and inclusive.

● Working with the team to develop regular engagement activities for Warm Welcome Partners.

● Producing compelling communications (written and verbal) to promote the work of the Warm Welcome Campaign and grow the depth and breadth of partnerships - to include but not limited to partnership proposals, pitches and reports.

Good Practices, Standards and Systems

● Supporting, maintaining and developing existing partnerships and manage the systems (including CRM use) needed for excellent partnerships delivery, stewardship and development.

● Leading Warm Welcome Space good practice and driving up quality standards across the network, including through developing a Warm Welcome Awards programme.

● Promoting good practice in volunteering and supporting Spaces to maximise and grow volunteering opportunities.

● Working with the team and, using our new CRM, track, measure and analyse our partnerships delivery.

● Supporting the delivery of other Warm Welcome efforts, as appropriate

Reporting to the Campaign Operations Director, you will work closely with them and other Senior Directors to grow the range and impact of Warm Welcome partnerships. The role will also work closely with the Communications team and with our two Warm Welcome Co-ordinators who deliver our Champions programme and provide a direct link between the campaign and Warm Welcome Spaces.

Person specification

Building Partnerships

● Successful experience of securing, maintaining and developing highly impactful partnerships for charitable benefit with a wide range of different types of organisations.  

● Experience of writing, creating inspiring and successful pitches, proposals and assets and verbal presentations.

● Experience of developing and delivering partnership-related strategies.

● Clear understanding of organisational motivations and dynamics related to partnerships and collaboration.

● Ability to network, finding and grabbing opportunities to make new connections and deepen existing ones.

Engagement and Inclusion

● Experience of developing impactful partnerships focused on inclusion.

● Ability to communicate across a range of mediums, to a range of audiences.

Good Practices, Standards and Systems

● A strong team player who is flexible, positive and responds with strong influencing and negotiation skills and a commitment to the organisation and team working.

● Understanding the value of accurate record keeping and the ability to create high functioning, accessible systems for the whole team’s use.

● Highly organised with ability to prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met and opportunities are maximised.

● Competent with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

● Able to use a CRM for pipelines, relationship development, reporting and evaluation.

Working Arrangements

● Current members of the team are based across the UK, with some in London, Reading, Bristol, Manchester and Northern Ireland. Applicants must be able to travel to Bristol once a month for a Tuesday full team meeting. Given the nature of this role we would also expect the applicant to carry out a reasonable amount of travel to both Warm Welcome Spaces and partners across the UK.

● This role is fully remote, with flexible working arrangements.

● All employees, volunteers, partners, suppliers and consultants working with GFP are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies. GFP’s commitment to safeguarding means we seek to ensure that no harm comes to people as a result of contact with the organisation’s programmes, operations or people.

● You will need to have the right to work in the UK.

Supporting your Application

● We’d be very happy to answer any specific questions relating to this role - please email us with ‘Query for Partnerships Manager role’ in the email subject line and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

● We are happy to discuss and make any reasonable adjustments you might need at any stage of the recruitment process.

● To apply, send a cover letter (max 1 side of A4) which specifically addresses the requirements listed in the person specification, along with a CV, as we will use this to shortlist applications. Email these  with ‘Application for Warm Welcome Partnerships Manager role’. Applications must be received by Sunday 6th July, 11:59pm.

● For more information, see our webite or find us on twitter at @goodfaith

The Good Faith Partnership – The Warm Welcome Campaign’s host Organisation

The Warm Welcome Campaign was incubated by and is hosted by the Good Faith Partnership. Founded in 2016, we create solutions to society’s most difficult problems by bringing together leaders and organisations from different sectors. Our clients are diverse and complex, from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to faith-based organisations, businesses, charities and funders. We connect businesses, governments, charities, philanthropists, foundations and communities to make lasting change - from incubating projects like the Warm Welcome Campaign, helping support the Home Office’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme or co-ordinating public affairs for the Patriarch of Jerusalem in the UK, US and EU.

We are relational, ambitious, curious and solution-focused. At our core, we believe in the power of strong, unlikely relationships, to drive positive social change.

Competencies and Behaviours in our Team

The core competence of everyone in our team is the ability to build trusted relationships among people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

We are looking for people who are:

●  Exceptional with people and committed to the power of relationships to facilitate social change

●  Collaborative, ambitious and inclusive, aligning with our core values

●  Self-starters with high levels of commitment, energy and motivation to build a vision from scratch

●  Curious and show initiative, with problem-solving skills and an ability to learn quickly and adapt to a rapidly changing context

●  Skilled at working in a complex environment with cross cultural, interfaith and political partners

●  Willing to pitch in to help other team members if needed

●  Organised with effective time management skills.

The Association for Cultural Enterprises (AfCE) supports over 500 member organisations across the UK and internationally, helping the cultural sector generate earned income through commercial activity. As an Arts Council England-funded organisation, AfCE delivers sector-leading training, benchmarking, data-led insights, events, and advocacy to drive financial resilience in arts, heritage, and culture.

AfCE runs a year-round programme of live training events around the UK and Europe, as well as its signature annual Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show. We have ambitions to grow attendance at these events, as well as growing our membership.

The Association is a charitable organisation, which also has a trading company, Cultural Enterprises (Trading) Limited (CET).

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to join a small, friendly, and ambitious team, to review the day-to-day processes and policies and identify opportunities to improve reporting  and make operational efficiencies. The Association is growing, so now is an exciting time to join our team and work with our members across the cultural sector.

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide sound financial management for the Association and CET through:

• Statutory financial reporting in line with Charity SORP/UK GAAP, including annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Management accounting, reporting and analysis to funders, management, staff, and Trustees/Directors

• Preparation and maintenance of budgets, forecasts and plans, including cashflows and project budgets

• Supervision and control of day-to-day accounting transactions, including oversight of the finance aspects of the Apprentice role

• Oversight and implementation of robust financial systems, policies, and procedures

• Responsible for financial queries, working with the Apprentice as first point of contact for external contacts
   

Main Duties

• Supervise day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate financial record keeping, including coding, allocations, reconciliations, and tax accounting

• Oversee invoice generation and debt recovery processes

• Process payments and staff expenses for authorisation

• Produce regular management accounts on an accruals basis, providing interpretation and advice to the Executive Team, Finance & Risk Committee, Trustees/Directors, and funders

• Lead on budget preparation and forecasting, including project-specific budgets; monitor and reforecast as needed

• Prepare statutory accounts in compliance with charity SORP and liaise with external auditors and the Treasurer

• Manage contracts with financial services providers, including bookkeepers, auditors, banks, and investment managers

• Attend AfCE and CET Board meetings

• Fulfil company secretarial duties, including:

  • Filing confirmation statements and annual accounts for ACE and CET with Companies House and Charity Commission

  • Filing changes in Trustees/Directors

• Complete Arts Council England (ACE) returns, including provision of financial information for quarterly payment processes when required

• Negotiate and implement insurance policies including:

  • General insurance

  • Cyber security

  • Life assurance

  • Staff sickness policy

  • Trustees’ liability

  • Conference insurance

• Oversee monthly payroll, including statutory payments to HMRC and pension providers, and liaise with bookkeepers for payroll updates or changes

• Review VAT returns for accuracy before submission to HMRC
   

Note on External Bookkeepers
External bookkeepers currently provide support limited to payroll and VAT processing.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Self-disciplined, organised, proactive and self-motivating

• Logical and methodical approach to finance and administration

• Trustworthy, honest, reliable and conscientious

• Confident, professional, and personable, able to communicate easily within a small team and with external stakeholders
   

Professional Competencies

Essential

• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

• Strong knowledge of charity SORP and charity finance regulations, including VAT and Gift Aid

• Experience with Xero or equivalent cloud-based accounting systems

• Strong reporting skills

• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Experience producing management accounts and supporting senior leadership and boards

• Ability to interpret financial data for non-financial colleagues
   

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or business

• Understanding of the cultural or charitable sector

• Experience of remote working
   

Benefits

• Unlimited holiday policy

• 5% employer pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Flexible working arrangements by agreement with the CEO

We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of experience, merit and organisational need.

Consultancy work (Afghanistan Programme)

Terms of Reference for a Final Evaluation and Report

ToR

Consultancy work: Final Evaluation and Report

Commencement date

4 July 2025

Duration

c. 8 weeks (subject to change)

Accountable to

CAFOD Afghanistan team – Grace How and Kitty Chevallier

Overview: Conduct a Final Evaluation for a project entitled ‘Provision of humanitarian and livelihood support’, also known as ‘HELA’ (Humanitarian and Economic Livelihoods Assistance’). The 3-year project is funded by Misereor / Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe (KZE), with co-funding provided by CAFOD. It is implemented by two local partners in Afghanistan, in three provinces, between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2025.

CAFOD has been supporting local organisations in Afghanistan, including the two implementing partners for this project, since the 1980s to help tackle issues of poverty and injustice and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

Background and Context

Project Brief: This project is a result of partnership and joint work between CAFOD and the consortium members. The project builds on CAFOD’s existing programming in Afghanistan which strengthens the capacity of at-risk households by diversifying their livelihood options. The project focuses on meeting basic needs as well as promoting inclusive development, with the objective of strengthening resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable. As the project approaches the final few months of implementation, CAFOD is seeking to engage an external consultant to conduct a participatory final evaluation for this project. This will evaluate how effectively the project has been implemented, its major impacts and lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar programming. It is expected that the final evaluation will have a particular focus on the consortium partners’ ways of working: the strength of their collaboration, the efficacy and suitability of monitoring and evaluation approaches, and the benefit of learning events and strategies used through the project.

CAFOD and our partners are working with the same target group throughout the duration of the project, not only providing humanitarian and livelihood support, but also raising awareness amongst participants of families' rights from an Islamic perspective. Over the past two decades, much work has been undertaken to empower Afghan households and enable them to exercise their agency. Partners are taking a variety of approaches to further these aims in the project.

Ultimately, the project aims to support and ensure that the rights of poor and vulnerable people in Bamyan, Kabul, and Kunduz provinces are upheld and they have increased agency in their social and economic development.

Directly, the project has been planned to achieve programme outcomes:

1. The basic needs of targeted households are met.
2. Targeted participants have improved resilience through diversified livelihoods.
3. Targeted community leaders and members (male and female) are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to promote and uphold their rights from an Islamic perspective.

Project Target Group and Location: The project will reach a total of 350 participants in three provinces of Afghanistan (Bamyan, Kunduz and Kabul) with a combination of humanitarian assistance, livelihoods training and other activities.

Project Duration: September 2022 – August 2025 (36 months)

Scope of the Final Evaluation:

The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the overall performance and objectives of the completed project, in relation to the specified objectives, logical framework, and work plans. The evaluation will examine the extent to which project outcomes have been achieved, the quality and sustainability of results, and the relevance and appropriateness of strategies employed and ways of working. This participatory evaluation will analyse not only what has been achieved, but how it was achieved, how it was measured, and what could have been improved. This will include an examination of accountability measures, and how participants and other stakeholders were engaged throughout the implementation process, including how participants were given the opportunity and encouraged to share feedback and help shape the design of the project. The consultant will make and explain recommendations for consideration in implementing future projects of a similar nature.

The evaluation should include a review of the project’s monitoring data, secondary documents, a workshop with staff, and some direct data collection from key stakeholders including targeted participants taking part in the livelihoods training activities, as well as their relatives and community members. Findings of the evaluation will be used to guide and improve future project design and implementation. They should be written up into a final evaluation report (no more than 30 pages) which will be made available to CAFOD, Misereor and both partners.

As well as assessing progress towards logical framework indicators, the evaluation should focus on capturing, documenting and assessing lessons learned to inform future project design and implementation.

The assessment will be conducted in close coordination with CAFOD’s Afghanistan team, including the Country Programme Representative, Programme Officer, and Programme Support Officer.

Objectives of the Final Evaluation:

1. To assess the project and its effectiveness in meeting its three outcomes and supporting targeted Afghan households, through material assistance, livelihoods skill training and associated support, advocacy initiatives, and other activities.
2. To evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the projects MEAL systems:
   1. To what extent did project monitoring and evaluation help track project progress and achievements?
   2. How effectively was participation and accountability built into project design and implementation, and partners’ ways of working with stakeholders?
   3. How effectively were learning opportunities used throughout the project (including peer learning and exchange visits, learning workshops, regular progress workshops, etc.)?
3. To assess and review consortium functionality, partnership dynamics, and collaboration.
4. To capture and assess key lessons learned from the project from various stakeholders including project staff, participants, civil society groups involved in the project, community leaders and other community members.
5. To assess the sustainability and impact of project achievements, including:
   1. Changes in participants’ social and economic agency and participation
   2. Shifts in community attitudes and behaviours
   3. Capacity built among local partners and stakeholders.
6. To produce a high-quality report, no longer than 30 pages, which will be shared with CAFOD, Misereor and implementing partners.

Deliverables and proposed deadlines:

• Develop a short inception report with proposed methodology, plans and tools for collecting data from stakeholders, for the final evaluation (1st and 2nd week of contract), to be discussed and agreed with CAFOD and partners.
• Gather data from relevant stakeholders (3rd and 4th week of contract)
• Submission of draft report (6th week of contract)
• Review and revision of report based on feedback (6th and 7th week of contract)
• Submission of final report (8th week of contract)
• Presentation of report to CAFOD and partners– date to be confirmed.

Methodology:

• The evaluation should adopt a participatory mixed-methods approach, beginning with a desk review before integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that data collected is triangulated and can be communicated, explained and contextualised.
• It is expected that the consultant will combine surveys/questionnaires with structured interviews, FGDs and KIIs. Note that to enable the open and unrestricted sharing of opinions and information, the data can be anonymised where relevant and appropriate.
• Evaluation team members are encouraged to use innovative methods to collect and analyse data. The qualitative component will allow for more in-depth data gathering to gain more insightful findings from relevant target groups regarding their experience of the project and its impact.
• Data is expected to be gathered from key project stakeholders, including:
  • Targeted participants (in vocational training, first aid training, and Local Leaders Committees).
• The midterm evaluation will be supported by two workshops: an initial developmental workshop in which the data collection methods will be discussed with CAFOD staff and representatives from partners to obtain feedback and input; and a feedback and validation workshop after submission of the draft report, to obtain input on findings and recommendations.
• The consultant(s) are expected to propose the most suitable method of sampling/randomisation and the sample size will be determined in collaboration with CAFOD and partners. Information shall be collected from across specified beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders.
• All data collected during the baseline study will be disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location.

Ethical Considerations

The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the midterm evaluation:

• The evaluation will be conducted by an independent and impartial external consultant.
• Quantitative data will be obtained from a randomly selected representative sample. 
• Participation in the study will be voluntary, and individuals must be able to curtail their participation in the study at any time. 
• The safety of participants and implementing partner staff will be paramount.
• Anonymity, confidentiality and safeguarding of study data (both during data collection and for data storage) will be guaranteed. 
• There will be no risks and benefits for individual participants.
• The culture, norms and traditions of study populations will be respected and laws of the country upheld.
• Participation in the evaluation will involve no additional security or safety risks for participants, in light of the current context in Afghanistan.
• The content of the evaluation will be treated confidentially and only shared with CAFOD, partners and Misereor.

Required Competencies:

• A minimum master’s degree in social sciences or relevant field;
• Other training/certifications in thematic areas relevant to the project will be an asset (livelihoods, gender, behavioural change communication etc.);
• Other professional training on Research Methodology, Development Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation from recognised institutes/universities would be an asset;
• A proven track record of an ability to pragmatically apply in-depth knowledge and experiences of issues and practices in the fields of humanitarian, livelihoods and gender in Afghanistan;
• Strong computer and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical documents/ reports, conduct interviews as part of background research.

Demonstrable Skills and Experience:

• Record of publication of social research documents, evaluation reports, survey reports, study reports on livelihoods and rights issues is a strong asset;
• Experience of carrying out mixed-methods studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (at least 2 recent reports should be submitted with the RFP);
• Strong background of statistical data analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages (in Stata or SPSS);
• Member of professional societies/forums (e.g. evaluation society) will be an asset;
• At least 6 years’ experience managing evaluations, baselines and/or assessments for community-based programmes, including since August 2021;
• Experience in delivering high quality assessments, research or evaluations for institutionally funded projects such as FCDO/DFID, EU or USAID;
• Experience working with and/or evaluating the work of national NGOs and CSOs in Afghanistan;
• A gender-balanced team (at all levels) is highly desired;
• Ability to adapt plans and approaches, sometimes at short notice;
• Fluency in English essential; ability to conduct interviews in Dari and Pashto essential.

CAFOD is committed to creating a safe environment for all project participants, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The consultant will be expected to follow these commitments and sign and adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by 29 June 2025. Please see CAFOD website to email the documents requested below

• Updated CVs (lead consultant and associates if any)
• Technical proposal with proposed methodology and detailed work plan
• 2 examples of similar assessments, evaluations, research, analytical report writing in English
• Financial proposal: Up to a maximum of USD 14,000. This fee should include all consultancy costs, including data collection costs (travel, accommodation, food etc.) as well as all applicable VAT and Tax.

Submissions will be reviewed and scored according to a) the criteria and considerations listed in this Terms of Reference, b) the suitability of the project plan/method statement and c) value for money.

Management and Reporting Arrangements:

The recruitment and initial briefing to the consultant will be managed by CAFOD, in consultation with the project partners.

Both in-country implementing partners will provide logistical and administrative support and guidance, including supply of relevant documentation, and help with the organisation of meetings and interviews (the financial costs of this will be covered by the consultant). Additionally required costs such as refreshments for FGDs will be paid for by partners. The consultant will be responsible for working with partner staff to arrange interviews and field visits ensuring all relevant stakeholders are available at the place and time agreed; the consultant(s) will provide facilitation of workshops, FGDs, meetings and field visits.

Deliverables will be reviewed, appraised and accepted by members of CAFOD’s Afghanistan staff, in consultation with the relevant partner staff members. 

Summary Timeline (subject to change):

19 – 29 June

Circulation of TORs and Invitation to Submit Quotations

29 June

Closing date for applications

2 July – 3 July

Interviews with short-listed consultants

4 July

Final consultant selection and contract signing

5 July – 4 August

Planning, document review and fieldwork

14 August

Submission of draft report to CAFOD

15 - 23 August

Review, feedback and revision of report

31 August

Presentation of report findings and recommendations to CAFOD, partners, and Misereor.

The selection consultant(s) will be expected to fully agree to comply with all relevant CAFOD policies during the contracted period including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide references.

We’re looking for a Carer Assessment Service Manager to lead our countywide team in delivering statutory and preventative assessments in line with the Care Act 2014. You’ll provide leadership and day-to-day support to your team, oversee assessment allocations, and manage referrals through our internal CRM and West Sussex County Council’s systems.

You’ll also deliver staff supervisions, attend management and partner meetings, contribute to training, and support service development projects. A key part of the role involves quality assurance, trend analysis, report writing for senior leaders and commissioners, and managing assessment processes and budgets. You’ll stay up to date with Care Act legislation, ensure staff are trained accordingly, and take part in the duty manager rota to provide out-of-hours support and safeguard service continuity.

The role is mainly remote / homeworking with the expectation that you may need to travel on occasion to in-person meetings and training across the county. This role would therefore suit those located in, or close to, West Sussex.

Job Role

• Lead the specialist, countywide Carer Assessment team to deliver best value, high quality statutory and preventative carer assessments and ensure that outcomes are compliant with the Care Act 2014.
• Work with Heads of Service to grow and develop services including identifying gaps, managing risks and demand, proactively seeking opportunities, increasing the digital offer and supporting funding bids to respond to changing needs.
• Develop, deliver and monitor the Carer Assessment Team delivery plan, aligning to CSWS’s strategy ensuring all KPIs are met and a high-quality service is provided to carers.
• Be a proactive member of the Operational Managers Team to develop services, promoting collaboration with your teams, build internal relationships and encourage team to share good practice and work collaboratively with the wider staff group.

Employee Benefits

• Healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme with perks and discounts.
• Holidays 33 days increasing to 35 days after completion of two years and 36 days after 5 years of service (Inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Flexible hours available to help work around your commitments.
• Remote/Hybrid working with occasional visits to our offices or venues in West Sussex.
• Team of kind and caring colleagues.

Before you keep reading

Please do not see everything in this job advert as a "Must Have", but rather a guiding list of what we are looking for. We know no candidate will be the perfect match for all we have mentioned in this advert, so do not be afraid to apply if you feel you are close to the brief but not "Spot On". For example, some of our wonderful Carer Wellbeing Workers come from a non-social care background and they do amazingly well!

Our Culture and Diversity

At Carers Support, we are building an inclusive workplace where everyone can do their best work and be proud to belong.

We believe that talent is distributed to all of us in equal measure and our differences are a strength not a weakness. We recruit for potential, not perfection. At Carers Support West Sussex, we value everyone's unique history. Our doors are open to individuals of all races, religions or beliefs, abilities, ages, nationalities or citizenships, ethnic origins, marital, domestic or civil partnership statuses, sexes, sexual orientations, family structures, and gender identities. 

The carers we support come from such different walks of life that we are particularly interested in attracting candidates from similarly diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Arab, Black, Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups, White Other (e.g. Eastern European, Gypsy, Roma) and any other Ethnic minorities. 

Values we are looking for in Candidate

We are focused, putting carers at the heart of everything we do.

We act together, working with and for carers, the communities they live in and the people that can make a difference to them.

We are leaders, working with each other to find potential and opportunities across all communities, enabling carers to be identified and involved.

We are committed to behaviours that support:

Quality – the highest practical level we can reach in outcomes, learning and behaviour

Inclusivity – respecting people, cultures, and organisations

Caring – improving quality of life and influencing behaviour change

Integrity – operating with honesty and reliability

Loyalty – long-term committed partnerships and co-operation

Innovation – driving our service development and our will to succeed

If you are still unsure if our organisation is a good fit, have a look at our Good Place to Work page and the results of our recent engagement survey. We can't wait to hear from you! 

Interview Date: 7 July 2025.

Disclaimers

Please note we reserve the right to close this role prior to the stated end date, should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered.