We’re recruiting: Community Engagement Officers

We’re looking for two people to join our team and help refugees and people seeking asylum build connections, access opportunities and participate in their communities.

Role: Community Engagement Officer
Positions available: Up to two
Closing date: 04 October 2026
Interviews: W/C 12 October 2026
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, worked across 3 or 4 days
Salary: £25,500 FTE / (£16,393 per year for 22.5 hours)
Contract: Fixed term for 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding
Start date: November 2026
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, with work delivered across the region
Reports to: Chief Executive

Some travel across Newcastle and occasional travel elsewhere in the North East will be required.

About the role

We are recruiting up to two Community Engagement Officers to join our team.

We are looking for hands-on, well-organised people who enjoy working with others, take initiative and can confidently deliver a varied portfolio of projects and activities.

As a Community Engagement Officer, you’ll help recruit, support and coordinate volunteers; organise and deliver community activities and projects; deliver talks and presentations to a range of audiences; and provide personalised guidance to clients to help them access opportunities, develop their skills and progress as they rebuild their lives in the region.

This isn't a role where every week will look the same. We are looking for people who are comfortable taking responsibility for their work while being part of a small team where colleagues regularly work together across different projects.

What you'll be doing

As part of the role, you will:

• Coordinate an agreed portfolio of WERS’ projects, which may include supported volunteering, employability courses, sport and cultural activities in community and outreach settings.

• Support our community participation, including the recruitment, induction and coordination of volunteers.

• Deliver myth-busting and awareness training to clients and external audiences, including schools, statutory bodies and community partners, and develop and maintain up-to-date training materials.

• Provide appropriate one-to-one support to WERS clients, including information, signposting and referrals to help people access services and opportunities.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, volunteers and partners, developing opportunities for participation, progression and collaboration.

• Maintain accurate records, gather feedback and help identify emerging themes, using learning and evidence to improve services and inform wider influencing.

• Contribute flexibly to WERS' wider development, including providing content for communications and contributing to other organisational priorities as the needs of our clients and communities evolve.

This list is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may develop as WERS' work and the needs of the communities we support evolve.

Who we're looking for

Essential

You should have:

• 1–2 years' experience coordinating projects, activities, services or community-based work.

• Proven experience recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, providing guidance and helping ensure volunteers work safely and consistently within organisational values.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work inclusively and build trust with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and take responsibility for agreed areas of work.

• Good written, administrative and digital skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and systems.

• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a small team and working effectively with colleagues, volunteers and partners.

• The ability to work comfortably in a small, evolving organisation, responding flexibly to changing priorities and contributing across different projects.

Desirable

It would also be helpful if you have:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: employability, volunteering, community engagement, outreach, awareness-raising, monitoring or project delivery.

• Confidence facilitating groups, delivering presentations or speaking to a range of audiences, and/or experience gathering feedback and monitoring outcomes.

• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

We are interested in experience gained through different routes and settings, including paid employment, volunteering and community involvement.

How we work

WERS is one of the longest-established refugee organisations in the region. The charity is governed by a committed and engaged group of Trustees, bringing together professional expertise, community experience and first-hand experience of seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Operationally, we are a small team working alongside a committed group of volunteers. Our administrative office is based in Newcastle city centre, while much of our work is delivered in community settings across Newcastle and increasingly across the wider North East.

Most of our activities take place during the day, although some evening and weekend work is occasionally required.

We work flexibly and support one another to deliver our work safely and effectively, sharing responsibility when additional capacity is needed. We are a caring and agile team where collaboration really matters. We naturally step in when needed and contribute beyond the boundaries of individual projects.

No two days are quite the same, and we value colleagues who are practical, adaptable and willing to take shared responsibility for making things happen.

Salary and benefits

The full-time equivalent salary for the role is £25,500 per year. For 22.5 hours per week, the actual salary is £16,393 per year.

The role also includes:

• 15 days' paid annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and 3 additional seasonal days. This is the pro-rata entitlement for a 22.5-hour contract.

• Workplace pension with 4% employee and 4% employer contributions.

• Flexible working arrangements and TOIL where appropriate.

• Access to training and development opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing and support.

Inclusion matters to us

We welcome and encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, nationality or ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

WERS is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we work with, and we particularly value the perspectives that come from lived experience of migration, seeking asylum and rebuilding life in a new place.

We believe diversity strengthens WERS by bringing different experiences, ideas and perspectives to our work. We want everyone who works with us to feel valued, respected and able to contribute fully.

Our recruitment process

The application form includes:

• four short questions asking you for examples of things you have actually done,

• one short scenario to understand how you would approach a situation you might encounter in the role,

• one question about your motivation for applying to WERS,

• your contact details and CV.

Responses have clear character limits. We're looking for specific, concise and practical answers, not lengthy or highly polished statements.

What happens after you apply?

Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email confirming that we've received it, together with a copy of your responses.

We use a structured, points-based scoring system when shortlisting. Applications are reviewed against the same agreed criteria. During the initial shortlisting stage, personal information, including your name, will not be considered.

If you're shortlisted

We'll tell you clearly what to expect from your interview.

• We will send you the interview questions in advance, so you have time to read and prepare your answers.

• If we ask you to complete a presentation or practical task, we'll provide clear instructions in advance and explain what we're assessing.

• We welcome reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. You don't need to disclose a diagnosis or medical condition to request an adjustment.

• Lived experience shapes the work we do, so our interview panel will include a representative from the community WERS works alongside.

Want to know more?

We recognise that applying for a job is a two-way process, and you're welcome to speak to us before deciding whether the role is right for you.

If you'd like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our Chief Executive (Andy Durma) at andy@wers.org.uk and we'll arrange a convenient time.