The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is looking for an Economic Empowerment Programme Manager to lead the development and delivery of its economic integration services in Hampshire. This is a limited-term position until November 30, 2026 with the possibility of extension. You will manage a portfolio of grants and contracts focused on refugee employment, workforce development, small business support, and financial capabilities, ensuring programme quality and driving growth.
What You'll Do
- Effectively manage the development, implementation, compliance, and completion of all grants and contracts within the department.
- Lead the development of grant proposals, identify new funding opportunities, and strengthen donor relations to grow the Economic Empowerment portfolio.
- Monitor service provision through regular case file reviews and quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance and quality.
- Participate as an active member of the RAI management team and relevant internal and external groups.
- Support, formally evaluate, recruit, and train Economic Empowerment team members.
- Represent the IRC in public, professional, and governmental forums.
- Facilitate interdepartmental communication and information sharing for monthly newsletters, program reports, and other needs.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum five years of related program management experience including staff management, program development, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Minimum three or more years of experience implementing economic empowerment programmes (e.g., workforce development, financial inclusion, small business development).
- Knowledge and familiarity with UK integration services for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
- Direct experience delivering economic empowerment programmes tailored to people facing barriers such as refugees, migrants, women returning to work, the long-term unemployed, or ESOL learners.
- Strong understanding of the UK employment support ecosystem (e.g., Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, DWP-commissioned programmes, adult education funding, local careers/employer networks).
- Knowledge of employer needs, labour market trends, and sector-based recruitment models in the UK (e.g., health & social care, hospitality, logistics, construction).
- Strong analytical and training skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Highly organized self-starter with proven success managing multiple priorities, making critical decisions, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
- Solid diplomacy, relationship building and networking skills; ability to effectively manage internal and external relationships.
- Demonstrated success achieving goals and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
- Demonstrated proficiency in working with MS Office applications, with a strong command of Excel.
- Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality.
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
Nice to Have
- Proficiency in a second language.
- Demonstrated experience working with relevant key partners including industry/private sector, adult education and/or colleges, the workforce system, public benefits system(s), financial service(s) providers, and/or small business centers.
- Previous fundraising and grant writing experience.
- Knowledge of effective approaches for: ESOL-for-Employment models; Skills assessments and vocational profiling; CV and interview preparation, coaching, and workplace readiness; Sector-based work academies (SWAP), work experience and employer engagement; Self-employment/micro-enterprise pathways relevant to refugee communities.
- Track record building partnerships with UK employers and training providers to create inclusive recruitment pipelines.
- Experience influencing employers to adopt refugee-inclusive recruitment practices (e.g., guaranteed interviews, contextual hiring, supported placements).
Technical Stack
- MS Office applications
- Excel
Team & Environment
You will manage an ESOL & Adult Education Lead and Employment Caseworkers, and you will be part of the RAI management team. The role involves working closely with the Finance Manager, other Programmes Managers, and a Senior Programme Development Advisor.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary: £48-51,000 per annum pro rata.
Work Mode
This role is based locally in Hampshire, UK. You must have the right to work in the UK.
IRC UK strives to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
