ABOUT US

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity based in London and established in 2001 with a long history of delivering advice, support and integration support for refugees and asylum seekers across the UK. ACAA was founded by Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, who arrived as a refugee in the back of a refrigerated container with his young family in 1999. The charity has steadily grown and is now the largest Afghan diaspora-led charity in the UK, with 4 offices across the UK - Hounslow, Harrow, Birmingham and Liverpool.
ACAA has a solid reputation for high quality, culturally sensitive services based on utilising the lived experience of its’ Director, Trustees, staff and volunteers. Most recently, ACAA has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services and the Founder Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi has received both the British Citizens’ Award and the MBE. Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi has been awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree by Royal Holloway.

Our core services in the UK include:

• Education, training and development opportunities – ESOL for Integration, Supplementary Schools, British citizenship test preparation, business and employment advice and support, Assistance with financial issues, benefits issues, CV and Cover letter writing workshops, practice Job Interviews, support with digital skills, 1:1 pastoral support, skills/training, in particular ESOL skills for work, Volunteering and Work Placements, Job Brokerage
• Women’s outreach and women-only projects – empowerment, development, advice and support
• Legal and advice clinics to Advice Quality Standard and OISC accreditation, using volunteers and pro bono solicitors, focusing mainly on immigration, housing, business and employment issues
• Social and cultural activities and events promoting community cohesion, music and fitness, volunteering
• Football, Yoga and Zumba sessions for disadvantaged and socially excluded women and girls

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of UK and Afghan relations
• Excellent interpersonal and writing skills
• Interest in the charity sector, refugee issues and current affairs

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who would like to develop their research and communication skills within a political context, improve their knowledge and understanding of the NGO sector and learn more about the significance of grassroots community organisations in shaping policy and supporting the most vulnerable in society.

MAIN TASKS:

• Working with ACAA staff on advocacy, policy and communications
• Developing ACAA’s media presence and PR
• Helping ACAA’s fundraising efforts
• Helping ACAA to secure awards and patronages
• Building partnerships with local groups, mosques, charities and local authorities
• Organising events and conferences
• Administration and research work
• Writing and responding to emails
• Organising fundraising events