Program Officer, Housing Technical Assistance

Job overview

The Program Officer, Housing Technical Assistance works within the HQ Resettlement Team and reports to the Program Officer, Affordable Housing Solutions. The Program Officer’s primary responsibility is to provide housing training and technical assistance to housing logistic and case management staff in the IRC’s 25 U.S. locations to build staff capacity and to ensure housing stabilization for recently arrived refugees in the US. The Program Officer, Housing Technical Assistance ensures that refugee housing practices are aligned with national, state, local and donor requirements as well as IRC’s strategic objectives. In addition to training and technical assistance, the Program Officer will engage in research, evaluation, and work in conjunction with the Program Officer, Affordable Housing Solutions to administer housing programs.

Major Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Training

• Provide technical assistance and training to the IRC’s network in the areas of housing compliance with federal, state, local and donor requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and training to the IRC’s network in the implementation of housing solutions, including but not limited to housing logistics, use of housing funding, outreach, and partnership building.
• Develop technical assistance, training materials, and program guidance for implementation across IRC offices which promote compliance, innovative practices, and longer-term housing solutions.
• Modify existing client facing housing orientation materials to educate clients about home safety, emergency procedures, general housing safety practice, and lease agreements.
• Participate in Housing and Logistics Community of Practice with field staff.
• Conduct regular housing audits to ensure IRC offices’ compliance with program requirements and standards.

Research and Evaluation:

• Update minimum housing standards and requirements for each of the cities where IRC operates.
• Conduct a desk review of IRC’s current housing data to identify areas for improvement and new data to be collected and analyzed.
• Produce periodic housing data reports on local housing conditions and IRC’s housing data in IRC’s 25 U.S. locations.

Program Administration:

• Administer housing programs or projects as assigned.
• Identify other funding sources for housing and participate in grant writing to seek housing funding assistance.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy and Administration, or related field a plus
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in affordable housing programs and services, housing research, residential real estate, or similar experiences preferred
• Acumen for developing and facilitating training for adult learners
• Knowledge of low income, immigrant and/or refugee populations preferred
• Strong critical thinking, research, and analytical skills
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners
• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure
• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner

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.

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.