About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Founded 19 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 values-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.

About The Role

The ASRC believes that people with a lived experience of seeking asylum are best placed to advocate for the policy changes that affect them. The ASRC is committed to promoting the voices of people with lived experience in order for them to be present in community discussions around refugee rights in Australia.

These newly created roles are designed to amplify the voices of people with lived experience of seeking asylum. The successful candidates will develop into these roles through coaching, mentoring and on the job training from seasoned advocacy, campaigns and organising professionals.

The successful candidates will develop the ability to participate in and guide the refugee movement through 6-months of on-the-job training. Each intern, with lived experience of seeking asylum, will support the ASRC’s advocacy work in one of three key areas:

• Detention advocacy;
• Safety-net advocacy;
• Pathways to permanent protection advocacy.

About You

When stepping into this newly created role, you will draw on your interest in advocacy, organising and mobilising communities to take action against the inhumane policies affecting people seeking asylum.

By utilising your storytelling and values-based framing to create compelling narratives, you will help shift community attitudes.

In addition to good communication skills and the ability to create positive relationships with a diverse range of people, the successful candidate will hold:

• Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia
• Interest in the development and delivery of capacity building activities, (e.g. facilitating workshops, materials and tools) to support organising
• Strong digital skills and capacity to learn new digital tools quickly
• Commitment to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre values
• Experience working as part of a team

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:
  • Bonus Paid Leave over the December-January Holiday Season
  • Paid Pandemic Leave
  • 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 here 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.