One Newham is looking to appoint a coordinator, to support the network of community and voluntary organisations in Newham so that they can respond effectively to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background

Voluntary, community and faith organisations play a vital role in supporting Newham residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.  They provide support to very vulnerable people, facilitate community effort and keep us sane.  The efforts of staff, volunteers and trustees is phenomenal, yet the challenges are enormous.  Many organisations have seen their supplies, financial donations and staff/ volunteer numbers dwindle, many lack the skills, resources or equipment to respond to increased and changing demand under tight restrictions.

One Newham is a network of voluntary and community organisations that are rooted in local communities and work to improve the lives of people in Newham.  One Newham was created so that members learn from each other, benefit from each other’s strengths and expertise and through collaboration, innovate to find the best solutions to the issues that concern local people and communities.  One Newham is a growing network and there are currently 50 members.

One Newham was awarded a grant from LB Newham to play a coordinating role across the VCS and a liaison role with LBN regarding Help Newham – the authority’s approach to supporting vulnerable residents through the Covid-19 pandemic.  Funding was awarded for three months.

The task

The One Newham Coordinator will work as part of a team.  S/he will work under the direction of the trustee board of One Newham, and in close collaboration with the One Newham secretariat.

1.     To build a collaborative voluntary and community sector network, working from neighbourhood level to boroughwide level.

2.     To develop an offer of practical support and capacity building, drawing on a range of resources provided by businesses, other VCSE organisations, grant making trusts and foundations, and local and central government.  This could involve the launch of a Newham Covid-19 Crisis Appeal.

3.     To tackle the challenge of logistics – working with a range of partners to ensure that local organisations can access supplies, funds and volunteers quickly and effectively.

4.     To support the development of the One Newham website, ensuring it is fit for purpose and can support an effective Covid-19 response from the sector.

5.     To work as part of a Newham-wide Covid-19 response team, involving One Newham, the local authority, Active Newham, the CCG, ELFT and other health organisations, the Newham Covid-19 neighbourhood response groups and key people contracted to provide VC sector information, mapping, needs assessment and brokerage.

6.     To support the Chair and Board of One Newham in their role as sector advocates.

The person

We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running.  S/he needs to bring the following experience, skills, knowledge and qualities:

 

1   A good knowledge of Newham, its geography, people, history and traditions, and above all, its voluntary, community and faith sectors.  A good knowledge of how the local authority works, and its officers and members, would be a key advantage.

2.     An ability and experience of navigating different interests, making sure to respect the traditions and concerns of different groups and authorities.  The ability to negotiate with an eye on solutions that make a difference and need to be delivered collaboratively with each partner working to their strengths.

3.     Excellent communication skills using different media and channels, and the ability to get complex messages across, making it simple and finding the right tone with different audiences.

4.     A rare combination of strategic thinking and a practical outlook to ensure we build workable solutions.

5.     Authority and humility.

6.     Ability to work independently and taking initiative wherever necessary and appropriate.

7.     Peronsal resilience, a calm approach, and an ability to lead and support people at a time of crisis

 

The terms

We are looking for someone who can take on the role of Coordinator immediately and is available for three months.  We are open to employing someone, engaging someone on a freelance contract, or we can offer the role as secondment opportunity.

 Salary/fee is competitive and statutory benefits apply.

 Given the current lockdown, we expect the Coordinator to work from home and be set up to do so.  The salary/fee includes a contribution to the cost of broadband, phone and computer technology.  Should the situation change during the course of the contract, travel throughout Newham will be expected.  There is then the option to be based at Community Links in Canning Town, the home of the One Newham secretariat.

We expect the Coordinator to be able to work unsocial hours if and when the role demands.

 How to apply

To express an interest in the role, please outline your offer in response to the role description and person specification on no more than two pages of A4.  Please provide the names of two professional referees. 

Expressions of interest should be emailed to Susanne Rauprich, Chair of the One Newham Board at susanne.rauprich@onenewham.org.uk.  You can call her to discuss the role informally before the closing date on 07989 424483.

Closing date for expressions of interest is Friday, 3 April and we will hold short interviews on Monday 6 April via Zoom.

 We expect the successful candidate to be able to start in their role immediately.