Overall purpose

We are seeking a motivated and empathetic Volunteer Integration Officer to lead a dynamic initiative that empowers International Protection Applicants and communities to come together through volunteering.

The successful candidate will bridge the gap between accommodation centres and the wider community. You will facilitate meaningful volunteering initiatives that not only support local charities but also foster social cohesion, active citizenship, and mutual understanding. A key component of this role is advocacy—highlighting the positive contributions of new community members to shift public narratives in Irish society.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Facilitation & Engagement (The “Inform & Promote” Aim)
  • Outreach: Organise information sessions and workshops within accommodation centres to explain the benefits of volunteering and the Irish volunteering landscape.
  • Develop Volunteering Plans for IP Centres: Create a “Volunteering action plan” for each IP site with hard figures/outputs dependent on the needs analysis carried out.
  • Create Opportunities: Identify or develop local volunteering roles that can engage the accommodation centre residents as a cohort alongside local residents.

 

  1. Community Partnership (The “Integration” Aim)
  • Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with local community groups, charities, sports clubs, and Tidy Towns committees to create welcoming volunteer roles.
  • Social Cohesion: Act as a liaison between accommodation centres and the host community to ensure integration is a two-way process built on respect and collaboration.
  • Training: Provide support or training to host organisations on diversity, inclusion, and how to best support volunteers from displaced backgrounds.
  1. Communications & Advocacy (The “Shifting Perception” Aim)
  • Storytelling: Identify and document success stories and case studies that showcase the positive impact IPAs are having on their local communities.
  • Campaigning: Work with the communications team to highlight these contributions via social media, local press, and community newsletters to challenge stereotypes and shift public perception.
  • Events: Organise community mixers or recognition events that celebrate the joint efforts of local residents and IPA volunteers.

Key competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and qualities:

  • A commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
  • Paid or voluntary experience in a related field e.g., community or voluntary sector.
  • Strong understanding of the barriers faced by marginalised groups in engaging with civil society.
  • Knowledge of the motivations for and benefits of volunteering, and a passionate commitment to support volunteering.
  • Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Experience in managing projects, determining objectives, setting priorities and successfully implementing solutions.
  • High-level IT skills with an ability and an interest in working across multiple online platforms.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and in an engaging manner, verbally and in writing.
  • A methodical and organised approach.
  • Ability to advise, inform, motivate, and support individuals and organisations.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and foster a culture of collaboration.
  • Self-motivated with a friendly and approachable manner.
  • Access to a car (or a full driving licence to drive our community vehicle)

Place of work

This role covers the South Dublin County area.

We have an office in County Hall in Tallaght and in Citywest Transit Hub, which is available for the team to use, and we also facilitate flexible and hybrid work. You will regularly travel to community venues and International Protection sites to help facilitate volunteer activities across the County. On occasion, travel to other parts of Dublin may be required.

Hours of work

35  hours per week with some hours at evenings and weekends required. Time off in lieu of overtime (TOIL) will be given for hours worked in excess of normal weekly hours.

Salary

South Dublin Volunteer Centre operates a banded salary scale. This role will operate at Level 5 (Specialist/ Professional Staff), with a salary of between €38,791 and €42,7976 per annum. Movement within the scale is dependent on performance as determined by annual review. 

To Apply

Please answer a few introductory questions and upload your CV here – https://volunteerdublin.fillout.com/integration

Applications will be assessed on the following areas, which your application and CV should address:

  • Knowledge/experience of volunteering and volunteer management
  • Experience working with diverse communities
  • Project coordination skills
  • Communication skills
  • IT and digital literacy
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Closing date: 1 pm Friday 12th December
Shortlisting will apply.

Due to the anticipated application volume, we are not in a position to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted. Appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Contract

This role is an initial 1-year contract, subject to funding.

About South Dublin Volunteer Centre

South Dublin Volunteer Centre is an independent non-profit organisation and registered charity, working closely with the three other Volunteer Centres in Dublin.

We develop volunteering in the County by supporting individuals to volunteer and organisations to involve volunteers. Our mission is to make volunteering easier and more impactful.