Program Administrator

Why Southwark?

Southwark is a borough built on community, solidarity, and a commitment to supporting every resident to thrive. Our Stronger Neighbourhoods Division plays a central role in bringing essential services closer to the people we serve and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need. As a borough of sanctuary, Southwark is proud to champion the rights, wellbeing, and inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. By joining us, you become part of an ambitious, compassionate, and forward-thinking council dedicated to positive change.

What You'll Be Doing

As Program Administrator within the Community Support Unit, you will be at the heart of coordinating key programmes that support some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents. Your work will help drive the effective delivery of initiatives such as:

• No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) services
• Homes for Ukraine Scheme
• Afghan and Syrian Resettlement Schemes
• Borough of Sanctuary Working Group activities
  
  

In this role, you will:

• Support effective collaboration between managers, council teams, voluntary sector partners, and external organisations.
• Track project progress, analyse data, and recommend improvements.
• Manage and enhance data systems to ensure reliable reporting.
• Organise meetings, coordinate actions, and support smooth communication flows.
• Assist in budget oversight, prepare financial reports, and liaise with Finance, vendors, and grant recipients.
• Administer and track significant payments, invoices, and grants.
• Respond flexibly to emerging needs, including crisis situations, working closely with senior managers to adapt service delivery.
  
  

Your role is both operational and strategic, providing essential support that ensures services remain effective, responsive, and aligned with local and national policy developments.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is passionate about social justice, human rights, and supporting vulnerable communities. You will bring:

• Strong project management knowledge and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Understanding of refugee and migrant issues, including NRPF and local policy.
• Experience working with local authorities, government agencies, or voluntary sector partners.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and adapt quickly.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to use initiative.
• A compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to working with diverse communities.

Additional Information

Application Closing Date: 11.59pm on 8th February 2026

Interview and Assessment: 23rd February 2026

*Please note, we reserve the right to close applications prior to the closing date indicated above - please apply as soon as possible - we look forward to receiving your application.

• Grade: 7 (APT&C National Conditions of Service)
• Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday–Friday, with access to the Council’s Flexible Working scheme (subject to service requirements).
• Location: Community Support Unit, part of the Stronger Neighbourhoods Division.
• Clearances: Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Other requirements: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. This role is politically restricted.
• Probation: 26-week probation period applies.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Benefits

Working for Southwark Council – Southwark

Attachments

• Please click here for the job description and person specification