International Programmes Officer (IPO) for Middle East North Africa, Asia Pacific and South Asia

International Programmes Officer (IPO)

For Middle East North Africa, Asia Pacific and South Asia (MENA/APR/SAS)

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 57 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 Reconciliation, MHPSS, Education & Livelihoods and Advocacy. Currently, more than 1 million individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

Operational Context

The position is part of the IO Programmes and Innovation (P&I) Department. Overall, the Department creates and coordinates opportunities, provides technical and sectoral expertise, offers programmatic strategy and solutions, and manages programmatic knowledge and learning, thereby enabling JRS to have a meaningful and effective impact on those we serve. It does so in response to increased levels of global displacement and in the context of JRS’s 2019-2023 Strategic Framework.

Key Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the International Programmes Manager, the Programmes Officer for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Asia Pacific (APR) and South Asia (SAS) Regions will be performing the following tasks:

General

• Provide programmatic and grants support to the MENA/APR/SAS regions
• In Regions of concern, work closely on the Strengthening Country Operations (SCO) Project to ensure adequate programmes participation from pre-assessment phase to the implementation of recommendations
• Ensure that SCO recommendations are followed up and implemented in order to improve JRS programmes quality through the standardization of policies, procedures, guidelines and tools
• Provide support to the MENA/APR/SAS Offices with their (multi-)annual plans, through revision of drafts and coordination of feedback from the Joint Programmes Team (IO and JRS-USA)
• Redirect Programmes related matters to the relevant units within the Programmes & Innovation Department as well to other IO and JRS/USA Departments where applicable
• Channel international funding opportunities to MENA/APR/SAS
• In collaboration with the relevant P&I Unit, support the Regional and Country Offices with the preparation of ToR for project assessments
• Support the organization of capacity building workshops
• Develop and maintain regular contact and good professional relationships with the Regional and Country Offices, primarily with Programmes staff and also Regional and Country Directors, and where appropriate with Project Directors and field personnel
• Act as point of contact and sounding board to MENA/APR/SAS regions on global strategic priorities and provide guidance to IO Departments on matters of critical interest from the regions
• Provide standardized quarterly reports about the programmatic situation in countries

Grants proposals development

• For funding sourced through the IO, and in line with the Responsibility Matrix on Funding Applications, contribute to grant/funding applications and ensure that all necessary documentation (narrative, LogFrame, concept note, budget, project timeline) is submitted to the Grants Unit and Comms & Fundraising Department for successful submission to funders
• For funding sourced through the MENA/APR/SAS, support the Offices with agreed upon concept notes and funding proposals

Reporting

• For funding sourced through the IO, review project reports submitted by the CPO/RPO so can they be submitted to the funder
• Provide guidance and support the Regional/Country Offices on the revision and accuracy of grant reports

Funding Needs

• Invite Country/Regional Offices to share funding needs through the Funding Needs Table and help keep the table accurate and up to date
• In coordination with the Grants Unit, support the CO by reacting to the needs presented, giving feedback and seeking funding possibilities

Qualifications and Competencies

• Advanced university degree in Management, Political Sciences, Law, International Development or another related discipline
• At least five (5) years of practical work experience with humanitarian/development programming and with donor-funded programmes, particularly with INGOs in a similar setting
• Familiarity with templates and procedures used by foundations and institutional donors such as the EU and UN agencies particularly UNHCR
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and Access
• Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English
• Excellent communication and presentation capacities, able to persuasively articulate JRS’s message and impact to external audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, international, professional environment
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with displaced communities
• Ability to innovate in a changing environment and promote creativity within the organisation
• Strong analytical, strategic-thinking and planning skills
• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international humanitarian standards

Desirable

• Proficiency in French or Arabic is an asset
• Previous working experience with CRM, grants and programmes systems is an advantage
• Previous working experience with faith-based organisations is an asset

Required Core Values

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; the 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

Travel

The position requires frequent travel to JRS locations (up to 30%).

Terms and Conditions

Please note that this position will be based in Rome, Italy or Beirut, Lebanon.

Contract is for one year, based in Rome or Beirut, renewable with an initial probationary period. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. Benefits and compensation package will be discussed with short-listed candidates