African Refugee Vacancy: Higher Education Case Manager - Tel Aviv, Israel

The African Refugee Development Center (ARDC) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by refugees and Israeli citizens to assist, support and empower refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. The ARDC seeks to ensure access to basic social services, to facilitate integration and promote self-sufficiency. It also advocates for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and for a humane and fair Israeli asylum policy. The ARDC's work includes individual counseling, humanitarian aid, education, community development, awareness raising and policy initiatives. Through the ARDC, diverse communities are drawn together to promote understanding and cooperation amongst refugees and the broader population.

A number of African refugees in Israel have finished their baccalaureate degrees and many more have incomplete degrees or are looking to begin their undergraduate studies. A university degree can be the key to socio-economic advancement, and to serve this need the ARDC higher education team works to facilitate the acceptance of refugees into colleges and universities and to ensure their success once on campus. ARDC provides assistance with the application process and helps refugees adjust to the unique challenges of being full-time students. For applicants, academic preparation is coupled with logistical and bureaucratic aid, while students are helped with securing scholarships and grants and gaining access to social services on campus. Members of the higher education team work on all aspects of this process while helping refugee students gain their B.A/B.S., Masters, or even PhD degrees.

Responsibilities

• Work side-by-side with ARDC in providing the refugee and asylum-seeking population in Tel Aviv with assistance with and access to education 
• Help students sign up for preparatory classes/tutors and admissions tests, and helping applicants prepare financially for university 
• Have the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of international students 
• Make connections with university administrators and Israeli NGOs 
• Work alongside like-minded individuals committed to refugee rights, community empowerment and social development. 
• Facilitate the application process by advising students in finding programs in Israel and abroad suited to their needs and interests, helping organize and arrange necessary document verification and tests, and following up on cases with university administrators.
• Locate and secure scholarship funds for students by contacting organizations, applying for grants, and working within the university system. 
• Help integrate students into campus life by communicating with student organizations.

The position requires your ability to contact universities, maintain an organized record of your client's progress, and a willingness to work hard to better the educational opportunities available to your client. You will be working with 5-10 clients. Meeting face to face is not necessary, however weekly communication with your client and the Higher Education Coordinator is expected.

Qualifications & Skills

• Native speaker of English or Hebrew 
• Experience volunteering, ideally in the fields of teaching or community development 
• Any background in social work, education, or tutoring is ideal, however not necessary 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Punctuality, commitment and a passion for education

Desirable

• B.A. or B.S. from an accredited university. 
• Experience in working with refugees and/or asylum seekers 
• Arabic, French, or Tigrinya speaking and writing skills

Time Commitment: 12 weeks, 24 hours starting

7th July 2014 (1 position)

28th Sept (2 positions)

How to apply:

Please fill in the application form and send with your CV to volunteer@ardc-israel.org. Please save your documents as PDF and label as follows:

CV - First name, Surname CV (e.g. John Smith CV) Application Form - First name, Surname Form (e.g. John Smith Form)

Closing Date: 03 Aug 2014

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