Settlement Lead

Refugee Settlement Programme - Invercargill

6 month Fixed -Term until July 2027 (Parental Leave Cover)

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

We have an exciting fixed-term opportunity in Invercargill for a Settlement Lead with personal experience as a refugee lived experience and a comprehensive understanding of the refugee settlement process. The purpose of the Settlement Lead is to assist newly arrived refugee families from the Democratic Republic of Congo with practical aspects of their initial settlement; provide linkages to relevant mainstream and community-based services and organisations; and assist families to understand how things work in New Zealand and in and around their new homes. 

This senior role contributes to the development of Red Cross as a competent professional cross-cultural agency by providing support and mentoring for new cross cultural workers and cultural advice and a former refugee perspective to the local leadership team.

 In this role you will: 

• Provide generalist casework services to newly arrived refugee families from Democratic Republic of Congo;  
• Provide language and cultural support alongside settlement case workers and social workers as required;
• Provide support, training and mentoring to new cross-cultural workers to promote best practice;
• Coordinate the orientation programme in the community;
• Contribute to opportunities for raising public awareness of the refugee experience;
• Contribute to development and training of mainstream service providers to promote full accessibility for clients;
• Provide a cross-cultural perspective and leadership to the wider Red Cross team.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? 

To be successful you will have: 

• Have refugee lived experience and have a comprehensive understanding of the resettlement process;
• Experience in refugee settlement and/or the social service, health or rehabilitation sectors;
• Relevant diploma or tertiary qualification (desirable);
• Experience in cross cultural service delivery and direct client contact with families and individuals who are marginalised, preferably from refugee backgrounds;
• Are fluent in English and Swahili languages of settling refugee background communities in Invercargill. Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and French languages would be an advantage
• Good understanding of the New Zealand system and local social services;
• Ability to relate to, support and negotiate with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds;
• Good computer skills, including Excel, Word, email and database systems;
• Effective communication and relationship skills to network, establish and maintain effective partnership;

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 09/11/2026

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Michelle McGee at michelle.mcgee@redcross.org.nz   

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early. 

Click here for the Job Description