Jobbing

So my job search is going nowhere. Here’s the kind of “essential criteria” that I lack: "Record of programmatic leadership and strategy development with relevant experience in an equivalent senior role in ESG/risk analysis within the financial sector or a related business.” ESG is environment/social/governance. I think the above was for a job at an asset manager that has a strong ESG focus. But the problem is the same on the NGO side, where I lack experience at an NGO or running an issues campaign or working in PR or lots of other things.

The other thing that gets me is the long list of duties attached to the jobs I’m looking at. I get tired halfway through the list. Here’s a job description I saw the other day for an NGO job. I don’t expect anyone to read all this, but I’m just saying that I’m having a hard time visualising myself in a lot of the roles I look at, given that I have no superpowers.

Job purpose

To lead the policy, research and training work of a national charity and consortium with the aim of advancing the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for everyone in the United Kingdom.
To ensure the resourcing and administration for Just Fair, as well as supporting project work and coordinating the promotion and marketing function of the organisation.

Job description

Research and Writing:
• Research on economic, social and cultural rights in the United Kingdom and the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, independently or in collaboration with expert consultants; write articles and reports on economic, social and cultural rights in the United Kingdom, in particular on inequality.

Training and awareness raising:
• Draft training materials for Consortium members and third parties regarding economic, social and cultural rights.
• Devise and facilitate training and awareness raising sessions

Event creation:
• Devise and run events on economic, social and cultural rights in the United Kingdom with a range of different speakers, including academics, lawyers, judges, journalists, economists, artists and people affected by violations of economic, social and cultural rights.

Campaigning and communication:
• Devise and manage campaigns to raise awareness of economic, social and cultural rights in the United Kingdom, including on social media.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy for Just Fair by, among other activities, developing relationships with the media, drafting media releases, and building Just Fair’s online and social media presence.
• Communicate and liaise with Just Fair Consortium members regarding Consortium activities, as well as third parties, including academic institutions, funders, the public, Members of Parliament and Government bodies.
• Ensure Just Fair’s website is maintained, updating with news and new items where relevant, including ensuring the website is fit for purpose
• Work in partnership with others to ensure the organisation’s Facebook and Twitter presence is maintained and in line with the organisation’s policies.

Expert advice to the board:
• Provide expert advice to the Just Fair’s Board of Trustees regarding latest developments on economic, social and cultural rights in the United Kingdom and Just Fair’s overall strategy.

Administration and Finance:
• Maintain systems for responding to, passing on and recording (where relevant), all incoming communications
• Take part in Just Fair fund-raising activities when required
• Maintain computer and filing systems
• Provide administrative support for Just Fair events as required.
• Coordinate the placing of publicity and advertisements, including for recruitment, and to ensure all publicity materials are printed in accordance with the organisation’s needs

Volunteer coordination:
• Supervision and management via email, phone and in person meetings to ensure the work of Just Fair volunteers meets professional standards.
Working within Just Fair
• Participate in office duties such as dealing with enquiries as required.
• Attend regular supervision meetings with the chair of Just Fair.
• Comply and assist with project monitoring as required by the funder, including conducting assessment of project outcomes and satisfaction with the service.
• Ensuring all Just Fair services are provided to a consistently high standard and that monitoring returns are delivered to a high standard and within the agreed timescale

General
• Implement Just Fair’s Equal Opportunities Policy and ensure an anti-discriminatory approach to all aspects of this role.
• Keep accurate records of your work and provide reports to Just Fair and other agencies as requested.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the post as requested by your line manager.
• Work flexible hours including occasional evening/weekend meetings/events.
All of the above working duties will be further discussed with the successful applicant before starting the role.

It goes without saying that, like all London-based NGO jobs, I would make enough to share a bedroom in a flat with maybe six other people. I’m making some inroads developing a network in Belfast, but it’s slow going.
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