Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

Campaigning for justice in immigration, nationality & asylum law & policy since 1967

Application Pack: Policy & Campaigns Officer

JCWI has been a leading organisation protecting immigrant rights in the UK since 1967. We give a voice to immigrants in public debate and counter the often unbalanced and ill-informed narratives that abound. We work on all aspects of immigration and asylum law and policy to create a system that respects human rights and the rule of law. To this work we bring a unique range of skills to the table. Our staff conducts immigration and asylum casework, strategic litigation, policy research, campaigning and advocacy to protect the human and social rights of immigrants in the UK.

We are recruiting for a Policy & Campaigns Officer to join our team at this exciting time.

Key Information
Job Title / Policy & Campaigns Officer
Reporting To / Legal Policy Director
Salary / £27,924 - £31,846
Employment Status / Permanent
Hours / 35 hours per week
Application Deadline / 18 December 2017
Interviews to take place from 19-22 December 2017
Start Date / January/February 2018

Responsibilities of the Post

The Policy and Campaigns Officer will have the following core responsibilities at JCWI:

  • Contribute to our policy work and research and work with colleagues to ensure our messages reach a wide audience;
  • Work with the policy, communications, and legal teams to develop joined-up strategies to further JCWI’s aims, including through public campaigning, parliamentary advocacy, and strategic litigation;
  • Create accurate and persuasive content on policy developments and contribute to JCWI’s strategic planning;
  • Develop, conduct and evaluate compelling public facing campaigns based on JCWI’s legal and policy priorities;
  • Organise and assist with events, meetings, seminars to promote JCWI’s aims and objectives;
  • Manage volunteers and contracted providers of services;
  • Work with colleagues to draft responses to new policy proposals, consultations, amendments to bills, and briefings for Parliamentarians and other key decision makers;
  • Build partnerships with NGOs, parliamentarians, civil servants and other key actors;
  • Maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant political, campaigns and policy developments in the field of immigration and asylum law and human rights in the UK.

Person Specification

Requirements / Essential / Desirable
Proven experience of policy and campaigning work / x
A good understanding of immigration, nationality, and asylum law and policy / x
Understanding of the Parliamentary and legislative process in the UK / x
Experience scrutinising legislation and policy documents / x
Experience responding to government consultations / x
Experience of managing and developing effective public facing campaigns / x
Experience of community-led organising and campaigning work / x
Experience of policy or campaigning attitudes research from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective / x
An excellent understanding of how NGOs can effect policy change and/or change public attitudes through advocacy and campaigning work / x
Excellent written and oral communication skills / x
Ability to effectively communicate complex legal and policy issues to a wide range of audiences / x
Proficiency with basic office software including MS Office Suite and experience using digital campaigning tools (including social media) / x
Proven ability to work and build good relationships with a large range of partner organisations and individuals from all walks of life / x
Excellent interpersonal skills / x
Proven ability to show creativity and energy to approaching a complex workload with both short and long term projects / x
Self-motivated with a proven ability to manage tight deadlines and work under pressure / x
Sound political judgment with a commitment to JCWI’s work in promoting migrant and refugee rights / x
Commitment to promoting equality and anti-racism in and out of the workplace / x

What you can expect from us:

We will reqard you through a combination of exciting and creative work, together with a sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement and a commitment to your development.

We offer an excellent benefits package including a competitive salary (reviewed on a yearly basis), 25 paid vacation days, pension contributions, access to JCWI trainings and discounted gym membership and flexible working arrangements (in consultation with your line manager).

JCWI is an equal opportunity employer and we aim to be a diverse and inclusive place to work. It is the policy of JCWI to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants for employment and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, orientation, religion, disability, marital status or political affiliation. Individuals from communities that traditionally experience discrimination are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter, outlining why you are interested in the position and how your experience and skills make you a suitable candidate to no later than Monday 18 December. Interviews will take place on 20, 21 and 22 December.

JCWI, 115 Old Street, London, EC1V 9RT

Tel 020 7251 8708 Fax 020 7251 8707 Email:

JCWI is a Charity and a non-profit making Company Limited by Guarantee.

Charity registration no 1117513. Company registration No.2700424. VAT No. 629 2825 20.

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