Programme & Communication Coordinator - Asylum

Essex County Council; Braintree; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

Braintree District Council has an exciting opportunity for a Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum to join the team.

Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum - The Role:

We have a great opportunity for a Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum to join our team in Braintree, Essex.

We are looking for a keen professional with project management experience, a communications background and strong relationship management skills to join our team.

You will take the lead role in managing and coordinating the Council's response to asylum issues, with a focus on those arising from the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.

You will coordinate effective partnership working with the Home Office, their partners and voluntary and community sector organisations to assist both the community at the Wethersfield Asylum site and the communities surrounding it. This will include co-ordinating the Multi Agency Forum set up to work with the Home Office to support the operation of the site, working with local communities and ensuring effective collaboration and efficient management of government grants.

A key part of the role will include leading on effective media, stakeholder and resident engagement. You will be responsible for creating and implementing communication plans and taking the lead role on media handling in relation to the Councils response to asylum, migration and the Wethersfield accommodation centre.

Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum - Key Responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate the delivery of the Council's programme of works to influence the safe operation of RAF Wethersfield as an accommodation centre and minimise the impact on the local community.
• Responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to effectively engage with internal and external audiences and key stakeholders.
• Manage media relations, horizon scan and deliver communications activity in relation to the Wethersfield accommodation centre and be the key point of contact for partners, the Home Office and the media.
• In collaboration with the Home Office, their partners and voluntary and community sector organisations, support interventions for the community at the Wethersfield asylum site and the surrounding communities.
• Lead the implementation of the Council's response to asylum and migration issues, considering the specific challenges arising from the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.
• Co-ordinate and support the Multi Agency Forum (MAF) to influence the safe operation of the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre, ensuring effective collaboration among partners.
• Address and manage conflicts that arise within the surrounding communities or among stakeholders, ensuring resolutions that promote cohesion and understanding.
• Be the Council's key point of contact for partners, the Home Office, Media and third-party contractors responsible for managing the delivery of the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.
• Work with the finance team to monitor the Asylum Large Sites and Vessel Grant, ensuring adherence to the funding instructions and managing reporting requirements.
• Work with the Home Office, their partners and voluntary and community sector organisations to develop interventions that support both the community at the Wethersfield Asylum site and the communities surrounding the site.
• Provide updates to senior management and stakeholders, representing the Council in external meetings and events related to asylum and migration issues.
• Coordinate the Council's response to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) enquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses, maintaining records and compliance with legal requirements and Council policies.

Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum - You:

• Extensive experience of programme management and stakeholder engagement at a senior level including delivering complex collaborative programmes.
• Qualification or experience in communications, media, journalism or a related field.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of vulnerable populations, ideally in relation to asylum and migration.
• Experience of working with central government and local public sector partners, understanding local government responsibilities.
• Experience of managing community grants programmes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UK asylum system.
• Extensive experience of working with communities and understanding their needs.
• Experience of working effectively in a political environment.
• Well developed project management skills.
• Exceptional organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to navigate and communicate complex issues.
• Highly developed understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to research and analyse complex information needed for decision making.
• An understanding of strategy development and how to contribute to this process.
• Confident in influencing, negotiating, and leadership skills, with proven involvement in delivering successful projects or other initiatives through partner collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, adaptable to present complex information, data, and concepts to a diversity of audiences using differing appropriate methods.
• Ability to adapt to change, manage uncertainty and solve problems within unpredictable environments and changing priorities.
• Leadership and communication skills for influencing and negotiating at a senior level.

Programme & Communications Coordinator - Asylum - Benefits:

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach which is led by our employees. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our benefits include:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid working arrangements may be available in this role subject to business need
• Free parking
• Local government pension scheme
• Learning and development for all employees
• Employee recognition schemes
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: Midnight on Monday 31st March 2025.