Job Description

FODI - Friends of the Drop In for asylum seekers and refugees is a charity established in 2011 whose mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees in Sunderland by running a drop-in and a range of other projects to lessen social isolation and promote integration into the wider community. FODI has been a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) since 2018.

FODI works extensively with other local organisations and voluntary sector groups to further these aims and has to date worked with over 30 groups across the city.

Job Title:

FODI ESOL PROJECT COORDINATOR AND TEACHER

Responsible to:

Manager - Friends of the Drop-In for Asylum Seekers and Refugees (FODI)

Location:

Sunderland, based at the FODI office and classroom

Hours:

30 hours per week (0.8 full-time equivalent), fixed term for 12 months, subject to 3-month probation period, with the intention to extend if funding is secured. The worker will work regular weekday hours as planned with the Manager.

Holidays

: 30 days per annum pro rata, inclusive of statutory holidays.

Salary range

: 25,000-27,000pro rata based on 37.5 hours per week.

Disclosure

: This position is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Purpose:

FODI is looking for a dynamic and passionate part-time (0.8) ESOL project coordinator and teacher who is committed to growing ESOL classes for asylum seekers and refugees in Sunderland and the surrounding area and to enhancing their wellbeing via out-of-class activities.

Funding is via National Lottery Awards for All and also the Orp Foundation.

The number of hours to be taught by the coordinator will be negotiated with the FODI manager, with due consideration to other duties within the role. There will be some flexibility in the number of teaching hours, but it will be no fewer than 12. Currently, two other CELTA-qualified teachers deliver a 2-hour session each, and both are available to continue doing so.

FODI is highly committed to this project, given the overall landscape of ESOL provision in Sunderland.

It will be a requirement of the role to arrange, manage and participate in out-of-class visits with a view to promoting language development, providing cultural activities and reducing social isolation.

Responsibilities:

- To teach ESOL to learners at a range of levels.

- To work alongside, assist and possibly recruit experienced volunteer ESOL teachers who will also teach the classes.

- To develop initial and ongoing learner assessment and appropriate materials for different ESOL levels.

- To advertise and register students for the classes at FODI drop ins - in particular focusing on those who have no ESOL classes and/or who may be socially isolated.

- To network and support/ develop projects in partnership with other groups across the city who already do or wish to work with asylum seekers.

- To maintain spreadsheets to record monitoring information e.g. participation numbers, individuals' participation and progress and to provide feedback from participants for FODI and funders.

Experience

Experience of teaching ESOL-essential

Experience of teaching vulnerable groups- essential

Experience of developing resources and teaching materials-essential

Experience of co-ordinating projects-desirable

Experience of reporting to stakeholders on the delivery of projects-desirable

Experience of working with or managing volunteers-essential

Knowledge

Knowledge and understanding of the asylum system in the UK-essential

Knowledge and understanding of the UK voluntary sector-essential

Further Education or Higher Education qualification in TESOL - DIP/CELTA//PGCE/MASTERS ESOL/EAL field or equivalent- essential

Knowledge of the cultural landscape and providers in Sunderland- desirable

Skills

Ability to engage and build trusting, effective relationships with a wide range of people -essential

Ability to enthuse, energise and motivate others- essential

Planning and organisational skills-essential

Communication and interpersonal skills, including good English language skills, both written and spoken-essential

Ability to work flexibly as part of a team as well as lone working-essential

Time management skills and a calm approach- essential

Admin, IT, and clear and accurate record keeping skills-essential

Personal Qualities

Respectful, non-judgmental and understanding approach -essential

Willingness to seek and use support and supervision -essential

Commitment to the charity's values, aims, objectives and outcomes-essential

Demonstrable commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people-essential

Inclusivity:

We welcome applicants, regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, faith, age and gender. We especially welcome those from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector including those with lived experience of the UK asylum system.

Application Process:

Please apply by submitting a CV and covering letter outlining why you feel you are a good candidate for this role. Refer to the job description and person specification when preparing your application. Email both documents to info@fodisunderland.org by midnight Sunday 25th January 2026

If you would like more information about the post, contact FODI Chair Steve Newman via email s.newman@fodisunderland.org or on 0751 2193039 by 18th January.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 25,000.00-27,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person