Rise With Us Consultancy Ltd is a small research and consultancy organisation based in the UK  with expertise in strategic philanthropy, migration systems, facilitation and participatory process. We are inviting expressions of interest for Learning Associates to support a  collaborative learning and programme development process focused on immigration detention and alternatives to detention. 

This work is being delivered for Porticus. Porticus is an international organisation that manages and develops the philanthropic programmes of charitable entities established by  Brenninkmeijer family entrepreneurs. Porticus collaborates with partners around the globe to foster human dignity, social justice and sustainability and focuses its work on four sectors. Each sector consists of different ‘challenges’. Porticus delivers programmes and grants - in line with the challenge strategies - through regional teams in six regions worldwide. Porticus is now planning a new programme focused on immigration detention, as part of the People on the  Move programme. The programme focus regions and countries are planned as Southern Africa  (South Africa), Asia (Thailand and Malaysia,) and Europe (countries to be decided). This process of designing the programme will take place from January - September 2023 and will work in a  participatory way with key stakeholders and partners to design the parameters. To inform this new programme, Porticus is keen to hear from relevant perspectives and stakeholders (e.g. civil society organisations, people with lived experience, researchers, etc.) based on the principle of equity.

We are seeking associates to support the initial phase of this work which will focus on understanding the context, funding landscape and views and experiences of communities directly impacted by detention. There will also be opportunities to share knowledge and learning with peers and partners. At this stage, we are focused on recruiting associates with experience in Thailand, Malaysia and South Africa. 

The role of the associates is to share their perspectives and understanding of the context and issues in the focus countries and regions.  

Tasks will include: 

1. Inputting into the learning questions for the work 

2. Briefing Porticus and Rise with Us on the context and issues at the regional level 3. Highlighting of strengths, challenges and opportunities for change  

4. Brokering introductions to key organisations and networks 

5. A small number of targeted one-to-one interviews  

6. Supporting the creation of online opportunities for learning exchange among key  stakeholders

Associates will need to be based in, or with detailed recent knowledge of, the following  regions/countries:  

1. Associate 1: Asia (Malaysia & Thailand) 

2. Associate 2: South Africa 

The timeframe for the first phase of the work is from March to June. The available budget per associate for this phase is £3600 inclusive of all VAT and expenses. 

A work plan and key deliverables will be worked out with the successful applicants, to take  account of skill set, areas of interest and availability. 

We are particularly keen to hear from people who have lived experience of immigration  detention, along with the ability to demonstrate that they have the following: 

Profile: 

1. clear, confident and concise communicator and a good listener 

2. excellent networks with activists, change-makers and practitioners focused on the issue  of immigration detention and creating positive change 

3. strong values base with a passion for justice, equality and human rights 4. experience of gathering information and insights from a range of sources 5. ability to synthesise complex information into clear points 

6. ability and familiarity with working online using a range of tools 

7. commitment to confidentiality and data security 

8. an open and collaborative style of working 

9. lived experience of forced displacement and/or experience (directly or indirectly) of  immigration detention is highly valued 

To send an expression of interest, please share your CV or linked-in profile and a short cover letter or email setting out how you meet the profile above. 

Please indicate which countries/region you are proposing to focus on. 

Please send expressions of interest as soon as possible to  sarah.cutler@ymail.com and copy info@risewithus.org.uk

Deadline: 22nd February 2023