Community Sponsorship Officer
Nasc the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre is looking for a Community Sponsorship Worker to help expand safe, community-based pathways for refugee settlement in Ireland.
Nasc the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre (Nasc) is a registered charity and NGO located in Cork City. Nasc, the Irish word for "link" empowers migrants to realise and fulfil their rights. Nasc works with migrants and refugees to advocate and lead for change within Ireland’s immigration and protection systems, to ensure fairness, access to justice and the protection of human rights. Nasc is part of a consortium of organisations working to implement the Community Sponsorship Ireland programme.
Salary range: €36,000 - €38,500
Work Schedule: This contract will involve working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (some flexibility may be required).
Location: Hybrid working is available for this role. Travel will be required.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Community Sponsorship Officer will be responsible for recruiting and supporting community sponsorship groups and supporting newcomer refugee families settling in Ireland through the Community Sponsorship programme. The Community Sponsorship Officer will work as part of a small, dynamic team and will report directly to the Community Sponsorship Manager.
Key responsibilities
Promote awareness and understanding of the Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) programme among the general public, community groups, and relevant stakeholders.
Identify, engage, and recruit new communities to participate in the CSI programme.
Support Community Sponsorship Groups (CSGs) throughout the full sponsorship process, including registration, training, and development of settlement plans.
Provide ongoing guidance and assistance to CSGs following the arrival of sponsored refugee families, ensuring a smooth transition and integration experience.
Assist newly arrived beneficiaries in navigating key administrative processes such as obtaining PPSNs, accessing social welfare supports, and applying for housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including local community members, NGOs, civil society organisations, and public officials at local and national levels.
Maintain accurate, confidential case records and ensure compliance with data protection regulations and programme reporting requirements.
Actively participate in programme-related meetings, training sessions, workshops, reporting activities, evaluations, and networking events.
Contribute to the development and refinement of initiatives that align with and enhance the Community Sponsorship model in Ireland.
Support learning and innovation through engagement with international community sponsorship programmes, including input into a European Union transnational project.
Adhere to all legal and organisational requirements, including Child Protection, Safeguarding, and Data Protection policies.
Perform other duties as reasonably required in connection with this role.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must, on or before the closing date, demonstrate the following:
A university degree in human rights, social work, international development, community development, or a related field.
Legal right to work in Ireland at the time of application and for the full duration of the contract.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with diverse and vulnerable populations.
Strong organisational and administrative skills, including experience maintaining accurate records.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
A full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland and access to own transport.
The following will be advantageous:
Direct experience supporting individuals in applying for social welfare and housing supports, including HAP.
Strong working knowledge of Ireland’s social protection and housing systems.
Demonstrated experience working empathetically and effectively with refugees, asylum seekers, or other marginalised communities.
Experience managing your own caseload or providing one-to-one support in a community or outreach setting.
Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Recruitment and selection decisions are made on merit - in line with the job and skills requirements set for the vacancy.
Application details
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a cover letter addressing their motivation for applying and detailing how their experience is relevant to this role. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete an application screening questionnaire and attend an interview.
Applications will be acknowledged but no further feedback will be provided to candidates unless they're invited to attend interview.
This project is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland
