Refugee Settlement Manager

Refugee Settlement Manager

Lead change. Build belonging. Transform lives.

Timaru | Full-time | 40 hours per week

Presbyterian Support South Canterbury is seeking an experienced and passionate leader to manage our Refugee Settlement Services programme in Timaru.

This is a rewarding opportunity to lead a dedicated team supporting former refugee families as they settle, build connections and work towards independence in South Canterbury. The role combines leadership, programme management, community engagement and service delivery to achieve positive outcomes for former refugees and their families.

About the Role

As Refugee Settlement Manager, you will provide operational leadership for Refugee Settlement Services and ensure high-quality, culturally responsive support is delivered in line with contractual and organisational requirements.

You will:

• Lead, support and develop a multidisciplinary settlement team.
• Oversee programme delivery, service quality, reporting and budget management.
• Build strong relationships with government agencies, community organisations and refugee-background communities.
• Support staff working with complex cases, assessments and emerging support needs.
• Promote continuous improvement and culturally responsive practice.
• Support former refugee families towards independence and successful settlement.
• Represent the service within community partnerships, stakeholder groups and local initiatives.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Experience managing programmes, projects or contracted services.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or significant equivalent experience.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in social services, community development, refugee settlement or a related field.
• Knowledge of case management, assessment and risk management practices.
• Strong planning, communication and report-writing skills.
• Budget management experience.
• A commitment to inclusion, cultural responsiveness and positive community outcomes.
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence.

Previous experience working with former refugees, migrant communities or within a multicultural environment would be highly regarded. Arabic language skills would also be advantageous, although they are not essential.

Why Join Us?

At Presbyterian Support South Canterbury, you will lead a service that makes a genuine difference in people's lives while helping to create a stronger, more inclusive and connected community.

We offer:

• A meaningful leadership role with real community impact.
• A supportive and values-based organisation.
• Professional development opportunities.
• The chance to work alongside passionate staff, volunteers and community partners.
• An opportunity to help former refugee families thrive in South Canterbury.

Some flexibility is required, including occasional work outside normal business hours and travel as needed.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Rawiri Morunga at [email protected]

A copy of the position description and an online application form is available on the PSSC website - www.pssc.org.nz/jobs.

Apply now and help create a place where everyone belongs.