Program Officer, Central American Minor Family Reunification

Background

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading non-sectarian non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Staff and volunteers provide shelter, medical and public health assistance, education, training, and income-generating programs for refugees in nearly 30 countries. IRC also helps refugees resettle in the United States. IRC’s field offices across the US ensure that new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing. IRC staff work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency through English language classes, job training and placement services and participation in community activities. Committed to human dignity and self-reliance, the IRC serves a symbol of hope and renewal for those who have taken flight in search of freedom.

The Program Officer, Central American Minor Family Reunification manages processing of reunification applications as a part of the Central American Minor Technical Assistance project. The Program Officer ensures timely vetting, submission, and tracking of Central American Minor (CAM) applications. The position also delivers regular programmatic updates and trainings to CAM Technical Assistance project colleagues at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). The Program Officer reports to the Senior Program Officer, Family Reunification and works closely with other RAI staff and external partners.

Major Responsibilities

• Manage vetting, submission, and tracking of Central American Minor (CAM) applications filed by KIND. Support vetting for other family reunification programs as required.
• Maintain AOR and CAM mailboxes, providing timely responses to KIND, IRC offices, RSC inquiries, and organizing email correspondence.
• Provide CAM AOR processing training to colleagues at KIND as needed. Provide trainings on family reunification to IRC field offices as required.
• Become expert with processing functionality of USP’s information systems: IRIS, ETO, and WRAPS. Participate in user testing for new functionality and enhancements and recommend improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date subject matter expertise in R&P program requirements and PRM guidance. Analyze impact of new requirements, identify gaps and process improvements, and assess compliance.
• Create and/or update SOPs for vetting and submission of applications.
• Support proposal writing and other grant reporting efforts.
• Work closely with the Program Officer for Data Quality and Visualization to enhance application tracking and reporting.
• Analyze trends across the network and advise the Senior Program Officer of areas of concern.
• Support all family reunification related processing functions as required.
• Serve as back up for other Processing functions, including allocations, assurances, and travel coordination.
• Provide support to the Resettlement team as needed, including participating in desk monitoring, supporting annual headquarters monitoring, and other tasks. Backfill/TDY for Resettlement team absences.
• Other ad-hoc projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Program Officer, Family Reunification or Director of Processing.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Senior Program Officer, Family Reunification
Position directly supervises: n/a

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Processing team colleagues; USP HQ colleagues; USP field colleagues

External: Refugee Processing Center, Resettlement Support Centers, Other Resettlement Agencies, IOM

Job Requirements

• Fluency in Spanish.
• Bachelor’s Degree; advanced degree a plus.
• 2-4+ years of experience in refugee resettlement field; demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the US resettlement program.
• Strong computer skills: advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel; Adobe; familiarity with IRIS a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• Solid diplomatic and networking skills: the ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships.
• Multi-cultural sensitivity and ability to work as a member of a team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines; exceptional attention to detail.
• The ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment; aptitude for ongoing learning and adjusting to frequent changes in processes.

Working Environment:**

Remote

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.