The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) is a mission driven, small, agile, relational organisation at the nexus of being and creating community. BASP works to welcome and practically support people seeking asylum and refugees, and to change the systems and structures which continue to cause so much harm. We are looking for a caring, compassionate and strategic leader to help deliver on a newly adopted strategic plan and be a vital part of support for people seeking asylum in Melbourne and Australia. BASP is housed within the Brigidine Ministry Centre, located in Albert Park, but has a footprint across metropolitan Melbourne through provided accommodation and active volunteer network. BASP has national connections through belonging to the broader work of Kildare Ministries. Are you someone who can help meet the practical needs of people seeking asylum, while also attending to the strategic concerns of the organisation and structural change required for a more welcoming Australia? This role may be for you. This is a full-time leadership position with CEO responsibilities, working with a co-CEO to report to the Board, supporting and working with a small staff team and many volunteers to meet the four aims of BASP: · Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum; · Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers; · Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum; · Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues. This role is based in Albert Park office, but may require working at various locations across Melbourne as required. Apply by midnight Sunday 3 August to chair@basp.org.au with a resume and a cover letter that addresses the skills and attributes listed in the position description. Do not apply through LinkedIn. For questions about day-to-day operations of BASP, contact Sr Brigid Arthur csb or Libby Saunders on (03) 9696 2107 or queries@basp.org.au. For all other queries regarding the role please contact either Josh Lourensz (joshua.lourensz@gmail.com / (03) 9287 5566) or Rita Grima (rita.grima.martin@gmail.com / (03) 9337 5311) Position Description Position Title: CEO, Brigidine Asylum Seekers ProjectReports to: Chair, Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project Conditions: 1 FTE: Remuneration package will be negotiated commensurate with experience and in light of the responsibilities of leading a small charity.Current as at: May 2025 Location: Brigidine Ministry Centre, 54 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206 and working remotely/at various locations across Melbourne, as required ABOUT THE ORGANISATION:The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) was established in 2001. It is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters whose motto is Strength and Kindness. The Brigidine Sisters have been engaged in education and social justice in Victoria since 1886. The co-founders of the project are Sr Brigid Arthur AO and late Sr Catherine Kelly. Libby Saunders OAM was appointed the co-coordinator in 2015. In 2018, BASP was entrusted to the care of Kildare Ministries as one of its ‘Community Works’ with its own Board and retaining its specific organisational identity and mission. BASP was established to work for a humane, just and inclusive approach for people seeking asylum in Australia. The main work of the Brigidine Sisters for over a century in Australia has been education but this has broadened to include work for more vulnerable people in society. BASP continues this work, with the ongoing financial, spiritual and practical support of the Brigidines, the work of a few paid staff, and many volunteers. BASP does not receive government funding but is supported by donations from the broader Australian community, in kind and pro bono support, and specific financial assistance from a number of Religious congregations. BASP aims are to: · Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;· Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;· Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;· Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues. BASP believes that every person, irrespective of age, race, gender or religion has the right to live safely, free from persecution. When applying to Australia for protection, asylum seekers should be treated with dignity and respect and their claims should be processed with expediency. Underpinning this work are the core principles of the dignity of each person - manifested in universal human rights and Australia’s responsibilities to those seeking asylum, especially the need for just and accessible procedures and structures. BASP works with, and for, people seeking asylum both in detention and in the community. Concerned and compassionate women and men across cultures and generations contribute to the work of BASP. BASP believes Australia is both richer and stronger for welcoming those seeking asylum. OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE As co-leader of the organisation, you will undertake and hold responsibility for the operational and strategic work of BASP. This role is concerned with responding compassionately and constructively to the personal, community and systemic issues faced by people seeking asylum in Melbourne and Australia. This is a full-time leadership position with CEO responsibilities, working with a co-CEO and a small team to meet the four aims of BASP: - Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;- Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;- Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;- Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues. This position reports to the Committee of Management (Board) and works with the Board and Kildare Ministries to ensure that mission, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation are maintained and strengthened, while simultaneously enacting care, hospitality, and practical assistance for people seeking asylum, as well as engaging in various opportunities for community education and broader systemic advocacy. In assessing and addressing needs, a nuanced and sensitive way of working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds is required. This includes a good understanding and appreciation of:a) The complexities of the situation facing refugees and asylum seekers in Australiab) The appropriate avenues and resources for seeking support and clarification when handling sensitive situations and information.c) Working with those in need where there is respect for the dignity and innate worth of each person no matter what their background, understanding and respecting Catholic Social Teachings. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION: a) A world view that honours and respects human dignity and socio-cultural diversity.b) An authentic and personal engagement with people seeking asylum, co-workers and other organisations furthering BASP’s four core aims: Hospitality, Advocacy, Networking and Community Awareness and Education.c) A positive approach to life, a generous spirit and a passion for social justice, with positive energy for the work.d) A respect for the mission, identity and values of Kildare Ministries and BASP.e) Able to give and receive advice, assistance and direction — with an understanding of the need to be accountable to the BASP community (Board, donors, associated ministries, staff and volunteers).f) Flexible and open to reflective learning and continuous growth.g) Contribute to building a culture that respects the Catholic traditions of BASP in line with the ethos and identity of Kildare Ministries and Brigidine spirit. ATTRIBUTES: a) Confidence and enthusiasm about the work of BASP and its strategic intentions.b) Able to work at conceptual, strategic and very practical levelsc) Compassion, objectivity and clarity when handling difficult situations and sensitive information.d) Capacity to work sensitively with individuals and families who have complex health, social and legal issues.e) Creativity in seeking support and justice for the people we seef) Competence in governance and financial responsibilities in leading the organisation SKILLS (demonstrated): a) experience in leadership of a mission-based organisationb) experience in working directly with individuals and families who have complex mental health and social issues.c) ability to work collaboratively, flexibly, independently and creatively.d) capacity to relate well with people of all backgrounds, cultures and religions.e) ability to research and identify reliable information on Government policy, current immigration legislation.f) capacity to use Technologies (ICTs): Microsoft system, database management, accounting software, online and mobile applications.g) ability to integrate habits and practices of supervision, ongoing review and evaluation to ensure continuous project and personal improvement and development. OTHER REQUIREMENTS a) Current Australian Driver’s Licenceb) Criminal Record Checkc) Valid Working with Children Checkd) Flexibility to vary working hours to fulfil the requirements of position as required
