Founded 20 years ago, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

We are a value-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food provisions, casework and legal services.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

Our Values

The human rights of people seeking asylum and refugees are at the foundation of all we do and the workforce makes it happen, doing the work to bring the vision and purpose to life.

Our organisational values are:

• Welcoming
• Authentic
• Courageous
• Collaborative

About The Role

The Community Organiser will develop and build organising and advocacy capacity in Victoria, leading the roll out of Victoria-based organising strategies in support of the ASRC’s Advocacy and Campaign priorities. Working in partnership with the community-led movement to build local networks and alliances in targeted and strategic electorates, the Community Organiser will recruit, train and manage a team of volunteer community organisers.

With a primary focus on enhancing the overall effectiveness of the organising program—through strategic program design, resource development, and strategy formulation—the Community Organiser plays a vital role in the ASRC Organising Program and the Refugee Leadership and Advocacy Stream.

About You

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience in organising and mobilising communities to take action, preferably in a political context, and will be able to hit the ground running in this role.

In addition to your experience managing volunteers and exceptional communication skills, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience organising and mobilising communities to take action, preferably in a political context
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholder groups
• Experience shifting community attitudes using values-based framing to create compelling narratives
• Proven experience in the development and delivery of capacity building activities, (e.g. facilitating workshops, creating materials and developing tools) to support community organising.
• Previous experience managing volunteers, preferably in an organising context
• Excellent digital skills and capacity to learn new digital tools quickly
• Knowledge of the policy context of practice with asylum seekers visa categories/conditions, and the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. Knowledge of policy and issues impacting on people seeking asylum in Australia as well as previous experience working with diverse populations, would also be advantageous.

Employee Benefits

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

• Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
  • Leave due to Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
  • Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
  • Gender Affirmation Leave
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
• Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
• Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Position Description

Please find the Position Description to address the Selection Criteria.

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.