Buddy and Participant Coordinator

Fixed term to December 2026, with possibility of further extension. To commence in January / February 2026. 

3 days per week (22.5 hours) 

Hastings based office / Remote Working Area of responsibility: Hastings and / or   Wealden (see below)* 

Reports to CEO

Benefits:

Holiday: 20 days additional to bank holidays (pro-rated for part time), rising with service to max of 30 days

Pension: 5% salary sacrifice met by a 3% contribution from The Refugee Buddy Project

Employee training budget Family-friendly workplace 

Overall purpose of role 

Support Coordinator – Migrants and Displaced People

Working with all the displaced communities locally including (but not exclusively):

·       Ukrainian Guests

·       Resettled Syrian and Afghan families and individuals

·       Asylum Seeking families and individuals

Our Support Coordinator will work with migrant and displaced communities, ensuring their needs are being met and assisting them directly or referring them internally or externally where necessary.

Responsible for running activities and events, building relationships and networks locally which enable migrants and displaced people to develop their ideas and independence.

A large part of the role will be listening to people’s concerns, ideas and helping guide these conversations to action. You will facilitate the capacity building for local people by providing one- to-one support, mentoring, and training.

Events Organising:

You will take the lead on specific projects and events. Within all your work, you will ensure compliance with in-house systems and multiple contractual and funding requirements. You will support the team to achieve wider service deliverables and may include targeted outreach and marketing for other contracted or funded services.

Project Monitoring:

Your work will include contributing to the impact measurement and other communications output of The Refugee Buddy Project’s work, including producing copy, case studies, periodic reporting, blog posts and website content. A strong understanding of how your role sits within the wider work of the organisation and building strong relationships internally, as well as using your excellent communication skills to work within the wider community, is essential to the role.

Due to the nature of the role, evening and weekend work will be required. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given for these hours. 

Key responsibilities 

Working with participants

·       Deal with day-to-day issues and concerns, while compiling these into broader reports to analyse patterns and devise actions in response

·       Register participants and carry out Individual Needs Assessments (INA)

·       Refer to other specialised services as identified in the INA

·       Recruit local Ukranian guests to take part in Refugee Buddy project activities and be matched with a local buddy

·       Promote the benefits of having a buddy amongst the Ukrainian guests in the Wealden area through meetings, presentations, social media and any other relevant outlets

·       Organise regular participant support meetings/workshops and social gatherings

Working with volunteers

·       Recruit, coordinate & support volunteers buddy’s

·       Establish and run volunteer information events to recruit new volunteer leaders, and create pathways for volunteers to engage in our campaigns

·       Organise regular volunteer reflective practice meetings

Working with partners and external organisations

·       Developing the partnership network of The Refugee Buddy Project in close consultation with the CEO

Media and Comms

·       Work regularly with the social media and comms team

·       Speak to the media on behalf of The Refuge Buddy Project in close consultation with the CEO

Other

Other duties as required by the organisation 

Personal qualities, skills and experience required 

Talent & Capabilities (Essential)

·       Demonstrated talent for project and event management

·       Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders

·       Strong alignment with our vision and a commitment to building a refugee & migrant led service.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

·       An understanding of campaigning work.

·       Experience running trainings, information sessions and/ or volunteer meetings

·       Strong communication skills and experience motivating people to take online and offline action through email and social media.

·       A marketing/events management & promotions background

Other Requirements 

To comply with the policies and procedures of the Project, including but not limited to GPDR, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity.

The ideal candidate must be a keen supporter of refugee and migrant rights, and show commitment and resilience.

Candidates must have a good knowledge of the area they will be working in. *Due to the level of travel involved the post holder for Wealden must be a qualified driver with access to a car.

Travel expenses will be paid. 

Training 

To be provided by the Project in the first month of the role, and on an ongoing basis where required. 

To apply:

Email your CV and covering letter on 1 side of A4 max telling us why you are the best person for the job.
info@therefugeebuddyproject.org

Deadline for applications: 2nd January 2026

Interviews:14/15th January