Programme Manager - Asylum and Community Cohesion - Braintree District Council

You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the Council's response to asylum and migration issues, focusing on those arising from the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.

In this role you will operate strategically and operationally to influence the safe operation of the Wethersfield accommodation centre, ensuring effective collaboration and efficient management of government grants, development and implementation of policies, strategies, and initiatives that address the safe operation of the Asylum centre and the surrounding area.

Accountabilities:

• Design, and lead delivery of the Council's programme of work to influence the safe operation of RAF Wethersfield as an accommodation centre and minimise the impact on the local community.


• Lead the development and implementation of the Council's strategy to respond to asylum and migration issues, considering the specific challenges arising from the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.


• Lead and facilitate effective partnership working, including coordinating the Multi Agency Forum (MAF).


• Be the Council's key point of contact for partners, the Home Office and third-party contractors responsible for managing the delivery of the Wethersfield Accommodation Centre.


• Manage the Asylum Large Sites and Vessel Grant, ensuring adherence to the funding instructions and managing reporting requirements.


• Work with the Home Office, their partners and voluntary and community sector organisations to develop interventions that support both the community at the Wethersfield Asylum site and the communities surrounding the site.


• Monitor and evaluate the impact of Council-funded initiatives related to the site, making necessary adjustments to enhance effectiveness.


• Provide updates to senior management and stakeholders.


• Represent the Council in external meetings and events related to asylum and migration issues, sharing and learning best practice.
  
  Extensive experience of programme management and stakeholder engagement at a senior level including delivering complex collaborative programmes.


• Extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of vulnerable populations, ideally in relation to asylum and migration.


• Experience of working with central government and local public sector partners, understanding local government responsibilities.


• Experience of managing community grants programmes.


• Knowledge and understanding of the UK asylum system.


• Extensive experience of working with communities and understanding their needs.


• Experience of working effectively in a political environment.


• Highly developed project management skills, with experience of simultaneously managing complex multiple projects which improve outcomes for vulnerable cohorts.


• Exceptional organisation and prioritisation skills.


• Highly developed understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.


• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to research and analyse complex information needed for decision making.


• An understanding of strategy development and how to contribute to this process.


• Confident in influencing, negotiating, and leadership skills, with proven involvement in delivering successful projects or other initiatives through partner collaboration.


• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, adaptable to present complex information, data, and concepts to a diversity of audiences using differing appropriate methods.


• Ability to adapt to change, manage uncertainty and solve problems within unpredictable environments and changing priorities.


• Leadership and communication skills for influencing and negotiating at a senior level.
  
  Why choose Braintree District Council?


Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

Visit our website to read more about what our district offers residents, visitors, businesses and employees. You can also view our strategic investments and the innovative projects setting up home in our region.

Braintree District Council offers an excellent benefits package to all its employees which includes:

• Competitive pay and benefits



• Flexible working



• Free parking



• Local government pension scheme



• Learning and development for all staff



• Staff discount scheme



• Staff recognition schemes



• Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership



• Employee assistance programme