Job Title: Schools of Sanctuary Coordinator

Organisation: Schools of Sanctuary Ireland

Location: Work from home. Extensive travel will sometimes be required, including County Dublin, the Midlands and northern counties.

Application Deadline: 3pm, Ist December 2023

Contract Details and Benefits:

- 35 hours per week with flexibility for daily work hours (between 8am and 6pm)

- Salary is €35,000-€40,000 pa depending on experience

- 25 days annual leave (3 days Christmas holidays are given additionally)

- 100% Working from Home (WFH) role, with a WFH home expenses allowance

- Travel and subsistence expenses

- Initially a 12-month contract with a 3 month probationary period

About Schools of Sanctuary Ireland:

Schools of Sanctuary (SoS) is a growing stream of Places of Sanctuary Ireland. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming educational environments for students from diverse backgrounds, especially families seeking International Protection. Our mission is to support primary and postprimary schools across Ireland to develop and strengthen a culture of inclusion, integration, and diversity among students and their families, especially refugees, migrants, ethnic minorities, and other marginalised communities. We have strong connections with almost 100 schools of which over 20 have been nationally awarded Champion Schools of Sanctuary.

Position Overview:

The Schools Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting schools by directly working with teachers to facilitate, include, and integrate students from diverse backgrounds. This role will suit someone who enjoys working from home, has creativity and drive and a passion about making Irish education as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communications skills along with knowledge and experience of the Irish education sector and of the challenges faced by marginalised student populations, especially refugees. They will also be a self-starter who is comfortable working remotely and on the phone for some of the time, while remaining a dedicated and integral part of a team.

We may consider employing two part time coordinators to fill the role, if circumstances allow.

Key Responsibilities:

1. School Outreach: Build and maintain strong relationships with primary and post-primary schools to promote a culture of welcome, inclusion and integration of students and families from refugee, migrant, and other marginalised communities. This will involve regular visits to schools and a lot of phone/on-line support.

2. Support and Development: Provide hands-on information and support to school staff and students through school visits, workshops, webinars and events that enhance the effectiveness and meaning of the Schools of Sanctuary message and ethos in schools.

3. Sanctuary Ambassadors: Collaborate in the training and support of Sanctuary Ambassadors, including people from refugee and migrant backgrounds who volunteer to share their stories in Schools of Sanctuary.

4. Community Engagement: Foster ways to work with local and regional partners that will build awareness of SoS and also bring added strength to schools’ participation in the programme, e.g. local migrant support services, Local Development groups, Direct Provision Centres, Local Authorities, Universities and Libraries of Sanctuary,

5. Research and Reporting: Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and challenges within the Irish education sector and the migrant and refugee sector. Collaborate in regular reporting procedures with the Schools of Sanctuary Ireland team, including funder reports and reports about school monitoring visits.

Qualifications and Experience:

● A third level qualification (minimum QQI Level 8) in education, social sciences, community development or a related field or equivalent professional experience.

● Strong knowledge and understanding of the Irish education sector, including policies and challenges related to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Criteria:

● Understanding and empathy with the core values and aims of the Sanctuary movement

● Previous experience in working with schools, teachers, or educational institutions.

● Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the unique needs of marginalised populations, especially people seeking sanctuary (refugees and international protection applicants)

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with individuals or groups, including spoken and written communication and listening skills.

● Proven ability to plan, devise, organise, and deliver training for teachers and school students in primary and post primary schools

● Passion for promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

● Flexibility and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

● Excellent administrative and writing skills including facility with Google Suite, MS Office, Zoom.

● Full clean Irish driver’s licence holder and car owner and access to reliable transportation for travel to schools, meetings and events.

Desirable Criteria:

● Experience of working or volunteering in the area of refugee/migrant supports and integration initiatives and/or in intercultural contexts

● Skills in event planning and management and in social media communications

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications for the position.

Please send your application with the subject line "Schools Coordinator Application + [YOUR NAME]”

Please also state clearly if you wish to take on this role in a full time or part time capacity.

Applications should be sent by email to schools@ireland.cityofsanctuary.org

Final date for applications: 3pm, December 1st 2023

Shortlisting/Interviews:

Candidates will be informed before the Christmas break if they have been successful in being called for an interview. Interview dates, which will take place in early January, and requirements will be advised before Christmas.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Places of Sanctuary Ireland is the governing body of Schools of Sanctuary Ireland and is the direct employer in this regard. PoSI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, status, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age or otherwise

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