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Country Programmes Officer TALENT POOL 2021 - Anglophone countries

Multiple locations

  • Organization: JRS - Jesuit Refugee Service
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Refugee rights and well-being
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 56 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the field of education, reconciliation, livelihood activities and psychosocial support. Currently, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

The Talent Pools serve to ensure a source of external qualified candidates for core positions that are regularly recruited for and/or for which a sudden need may arise.

JRS Talent Pools will be opened every year. Applications to this Talent Pool will be received at any time within the indicated deadline of 31st December 2021. Expression of interest for this Talent Pool is valid for the calendar year in which the application is submitted and for the following calendar year, until 31st December 2022. After this period, candidates need to re-apply in order to be re-included. 

Within this time frame, if and when a relevant job opportunity becomes available, pre-screened candidates will be contacted for a test and/or an interview. Assignments may be offered in various locations worldwide. JRS is present in more than 50 countries with operations especially located in the African continent.

Only pre-screened candidates will be contacted. JRS regrets it cannot respond to all applicants.

Application information

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents:  

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address;
  • A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position;
  • Copy of academic qualifications.

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT/ROLE

The primary responsibility of the Country Programmes Officer (CPO) is to coordinate and support the implementation of all aspects of programming within the country with the guidance and support of the Country Director and the Regional Programmes Officer. He/she will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the country programmes, under the direction of the Country Director. He/she is required to identify and develop key opportunities for programmes focused on refugees, IDPs and other populations affected by conflict. Together with the Country Director, the CPO will also be responsible for fundraising and grant management. The CPO will work in close collaboration with the Project Office in defining all aspects of the project cycle. The Country Programmes Officer will implement positive and effective relationships with key partners and stakeholders in the interest of promoting JRS’s objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination of JRS programmes at country level

  • In consultation with the Country Director and relevant stakeholders, regularly analyse the unmet needs of refugees and other populations of concern and suggest new initiatives to the Country Director;
  • Through a consultative process within the country and field visits, assist in the development of strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to new and emerging challenges;
  • Assist in and provide inputs developing the country operations plan, aligned with the global strategic framework and priorities, and regional priorities, as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.

Project-related activities

  • With the Country and Project Directors, be responsible for the planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of JRS projects within the country;
  • Plan and conduct annual needs assessments for each project site, according to JRS standards and guidelines;
  • In consultation with the Country Director and in collaboration with the Project Directors, set methodologies, timetables and resources for project evaluations;
  • Produce project proposals and reports according to JRS standards and donor-related requirements (funding proposal / reports) in collaboration with the Country Director and Regional Office;
  • Carry out frequent project visits to monitor and evaluate the activities to ensure timely and quality implementation according to the JRS vision and mission, standards and guidelines and donor specific requirements, and provide feedback to the field;
  • Frequently travel to the field, to train and update Project Directors and other key field staff (i.e., coordinators) in project writing, management, compliance, monitoring and evaluation as well as suggesting improvements of planning, programming implementation and current processes;
  • Ensure project learning is generated, documented, and shared within the JRS network.

Support and communication

  • When requested, represent JRS in country meetings;
  • Communicate regularly with the Regional Office and with the IO Desk Officer in the Programmes and Innovation Department informing them on all major issues and developments in programming within the country.

Relations with partner and donor agencies

  • Maintain close working relations with JRS’s partner agencies, as well as with other international development organisations, funding agencies and Church bodies;
  • Support the organizational fundraising actions by maintaining regular contact with donor representatives and by submitting project funding proposals and managing donor reporting;
  • In close collaboration with the Country Director, negotiate funding or partnership agreements;
  • Attend cluster and other relevant coordination meetings;
  • Build strong rapport with the major partners/donors as well as with government counterparts (i.e., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Welfare);
  • Explore and help create possibilities for new partnerships/ donors;
  • Develop relevant communication tools to keep team members, partners and donors regularly informed of progress of activities;
  • Represent the organisation in meetings, giving talks and presentations when requested by the Country Director.

Work with the Country Team

  • Work closely with other members of the Country Office to fulfil its function of shared leadership through the coordination of all programming efforts in the country;
  • Attend regular team meetings, planning meetings and workshops; in particular, collaborate with the Country Finance Officer and any other Officers.

Budgeting

  • Regularly monitor project income and expenditure in conjunction with the Country Finance Officer;
  • Assist the Country Director in ensuring that projects have enough funding for their implementation;
  • Submit, in conjunction with the Country Finance Officer, the annual budget for the projects to the Country Director for approval.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced University degree, preferably in Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent;
  • At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in a similar capacity;
  • Good knowledge and experience in working with NGOs proposal and reports writing, project evaluation and monitoring;
  • Experience in an NGO and/or international organization is a significant asset;
  • Previous experience with a faith-based organization is a significant asset.

Languages

Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English; a professional working knowledge of a language spoken in the country and/or other JRS official language (French, Spanish) is desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising projects;
  • Excellent knowledge of the project cycle and logical framework approach;
  • Possess good knowledge of planning and strategizing financial and budgeting issues;
  • Experience with basic financial management skills including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting;
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment;
  • Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of software programs and Internet;
  • Self-direction, creativity, and follow up skills to ensure work is accurate and deadlines are met;
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and promote effective teamwork;
  • Strong ability to work under pressure;
  • Strong management, analytical and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work with and maintain good relationships with multiple stakeholders;
  • Demonstrated experience in working in developing countries is highly desirable;
  • Willingness to work and travel to refugee settings in challenging environment;
  • Ability to perform in cross-functional team approach and job responsibilities;
  • Good understanding of the organization's overall business and its objectives.

Travel

The position requires regular travel to JRS locations.

Core values and ethics

  • Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
  • High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;
  • Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
This vacancy is now closed.
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