Victim and Survivor Network Engagement Lead, Ministry of Justice, UK – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Victim and Survivor Network Engagement Lead for the Office of the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales. This crucial role is ideal for experienced professionals, including Nigerians and other African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary range of £42,914 - £53,081 (depending on location), this full-time, flexible position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to vital social policy in the UK.

Job Description

As the Victim and Survivor Network Engagement Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and coordinating a victim and survivor panel for adult survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE). Your work will directly inform government policy and practice, ensuring survivor insight is deeply embedded in decision-making processes across safeguarding, criminal justice, and child protection systems.

This specialist position requires a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach, as you will lead the development of the Panel’s wider network. You will forge trusted relationships with established survivor forums, community groups, and sector partners, ensuring ethical and purposeful engagement that enriches cross-government policy work on CSAE. This role is offered as a 2-year temporary appointment, with potential for extension.

Requirements

• Proven experience in trauma-informed, survivor-centred engagement.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong coordination skills to align engagement activities with various schedules and safeguarding duties.
• Understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in working with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to various audiences.
• Applicants must either have the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with a London weighting option.
• Flexible working patterns, including hybrid work model.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant government policy and make a tangible social impact.
• Generous annual leave and Civil Service pension scheme.
• Access to comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment championing diversity.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Civil Service role, preparation is key. Ensure your CV is meticulously tailored to UK standards, highlighting your experience in trauma-informed engagement and stakeholder management with quantifiable achievements. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect this professional polish, aligning with UK employer expectations. Craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description, demonstrating your understanding of the Victims' Commissioner's mandate and your capacity to handle sensitive topics with ethical integrity. Be prepared to discuss any relevant professional registrations or background checks, such as a DBS, if required for the role’s sensitive nature.

• Thoroughly research the Office of the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales and the current policy landscape around CSAE.
• Prepare specific examples of your experience in trauma-informed engagement and relationship building for interview questions.
• Articulate clearly how your skills and experiences align with the specific responsibilities outlined, particularly regarding stakeholder partnerships and trauma-informed coordination.
• Be ready to confidently discuss your visa sponsorship needs and current immigration status during the interview, reassuring the panel of your commitment and eligibility.
• Practice competency-based interview questions, a common format in the UK Civil Service, focusing on behaviours like 'Communicating and Influencing' and 'Working Together'.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Yes, visa sponsorship is available for this role under the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa route. Foreigners, including those currently residing outside the UK, are explicitly encouraged to apply. If your immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice and clearly state your current situation and needs in your application or during the initial stages of the recruitment process.