Scottish Refugee Council is Scotland’s national charity working to support refugees to build new lives in Scotland. Our central ambition is for Scotland to be the best place for refugees to thrive, challenge injustice, achieve their ambitions, and empower their communities—no matter where they have come from or how they arrived.

We want policies and practices affecting refugee children to be ambitious, equitable, and rooted in children’s rights. We advocate for a fairer, anti-racist asylum and protection system in the UK and work to ensure that Scotland provides the best possible support and opportunities for people seeking asylum, refugees, and other displaced people.

We are expanding our Policy and Advocacy team to achieve this vision and are seeking a Policy Officer to focus on key advocacy priorities affecting refugee children in Scotland.

This role will be instrumental in ensuring that the rights of refugee children are upheld, protected, and implemented. You will focus on key advocacy priorities relating to children, using evidence, research, and engagement with stakeholders to influence policy and legislative change. A key aspect of the role will involve close collaboration with partner organisations – particularly Aberlour, Scotland’s Children’s Charity – to ensure that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children receive the care, support, and protection they need.

You will be passionate about driving forward our core mission, with a strong understanding of the social issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers, as well as how meaningful change is achieved. You will bring excellent research and written communication skills, along with the confidence and ability to engage effectively with elected representatives, civil servants, key stakeholders, community groups, and – most importantly – the people we are here to serve.

The vision is for a Scotland in which all people seeking refugee protection are welcome. A place where men, women and children are protected, find safety and support, have their human rights and dignity respected and can achieve their full potential. Together, we can build a better future with refugees in Scotland. Find out more at scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk.

Employee benefits package

• 39 days of leave (including public holidays)
• Progressive salary structure
• Flexible working options
• Training and development opportunities
• Union recognition
• Fresh fruit, tea & coffee in office
• Enhanced pay benefits
• Enhanced pension
• Counselling & coaching service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care scheme
• Death in service & 24-hour GP service