Reconciliation Coordinator

Jesuit Refugee Service

Job Description

Identification of Position

Position Title: Reconciliation Coordinator

Location: Kasulu – Kigoma, Tanzania

Reports to: Project Director

Position Requirements

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international non-governmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees. The organization was founded in November 1980 and has a presence in over 56 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term wellbeing of refugees and displaced persons, while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. JRS offers opportunities to a wide variety of staff, local and international, while maintaining a realistic and localized scheme of salary/stipend, insurance, etc.

Operational Context/Role

The main responsibility of the psychosocial and reconciliation coordinator is to manage, coordinate and administer the psychosocial and reconciliation program of the JRS Kasulu project, which includes the identification of the vulnerable population, support groups, awareness campaigns, individual support by refugee counselors and sports/recreational activities for young people, among others; and build the capacity of staff, refugees and the host community to work towards sustainable reintegration based on constructive, just and peaceful relationships. A focus will be put in having a reconciliation approach to the work JRS is carrying out with Children with Disabilities so the society will be more ready to integrate them.

Key Responsibilities- Reconciliation

The main goal of the reconciliation project is to build the capacity of refugees and the host community to work towards sustainable reintegration based on constructive, just and peaceful relationships. This project is an integral part of the International Bureau’s reconciliation program. The JRS approach to reconciliation is faith-based, which involves building on the faith of refugees/returnees and host communities in activities aimed at achieving the goal of reconciliation. The Coordinator will therefore be responsible for ensuring that the JRS vision and principles of reconciliation and the overall JRS mission are integrated into all project activities. The coordinator will also be expected to have a sensitive approach towards people with disabilities, especially children, which are a key part of the project, and support the implementation of psychosocial activities.

The coordinator is expected to demonstrate collaboration, cooperation, flexibility, integrity, creativity, resilience, and courage in the performance of his/her duties, while reflecting JRS values.

Under the supervision of the Project Director and in coordination with the National Reconciliation Coordinator, the Coordinator will ensure the smooth running of all project activities related to reconciliation projects. Psychosocial activities will be directly supervised by the Project Director and reconciliation activities will be directly supervised by the National Reconciliation Coordinator.

The different responsibilities and tasks assigned to this component are:

  1. Communicating with the beneficiaries about the needs and objectives of the reconciliation projects.
  2. Ensure the application of JRS reconciliation principles in the implementation of activities with the field teams.
  3. Ensure proper coordination and implementation of reconciliation projects in the field.
  4. Conduct regular conflict assessments including a disability sensitive approach to identify conflict and peace factors in the project areas.
  5. Coordinate regular trainings for community and refugee stakeholders to strengthen their skills to mitigate and resolve conflicts, and to build reconciliation and social cohesion, either by conducting these trainings personally or by organizing resource persons to do so;
  6. Follow up and support/mobilize community stakeholders to take steps to proactively prevent conflicts, to deal with conflicts that do arise quickly, and to build peace through education and awareness raising activities, with JRS support as necessary.
  7. Organize regular meetings with beneficiaries to:

– Gather needs;

– Plan and organize activities;

– Inform on the progress of the project;

– Follow up on activities carried out in previous projects;

– Take stock of the situation of the refugees.

  1. Support in the monitoring and coordination of activities with field partners and ensure networking between field partners and JRS.
  2. Participate in the collection of data and information for the project. This includes:

– Life stories of beneficiaries,

– Impact stories related to the project.

  1. Organize and deliver training and sessions to beneficiaries as part of the project.
  2. Participate in the conduct of field studies for the benefit of the project.
  3. Contribute to the development and planning of reconciliation-related project activities
  4. Report on the progress of field activities.
  5. Participate in meetings organized by partners or any other institution related to the reconciliation component.
  6. Adhere to JRS values and policies.
  7. Perform other duties as reasonably assigned and mutually agreed upon with the Project Director and National Reconciliation Coordinator.
  8. Staff management
  • Recruit, supervise and train community volunteers involved in the project.
  • Plans the staff needs for the Department in collaboration with the Project Director.
  • Control resources in the Department
  1. Reporting
  • Brief the Project Director on project activities by providing relevant correspondence, reports and minutes of meetings as well as providing regular updates.
  • Maintain communication with other JRS team members, partner agencies, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders and participate consistently in relevant coordination forums.
  • Responsible for the prompt submission of accounting documents from the psychosocial and reconciliation department to the project accountant/project director.
  • Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to the project manager.
  • Collect, complete and submit monthly means of verification to the project manager.
  1. Networking
  • Responsible for the coordination and liaison between JRS and other agencies, local government, local communities and displaced communities regarding the JRS psychosocial and reconciliation program, in collaboration with the project director.
  • Represent JRS at stakeholder meetings as required, e.g. psychosocial and reconciliation cluster meetings.

Required Competencies and Leadership Behavior´s

  • Managing resources
  • Ability to work and promote effective teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Working with Stakeholders
  • Decision Making
  • Empowering and building trust
  • Strategic Planning and vision

Qualifications and Experience:

Education

  • University degree in Conflict resolution, Peace studies, sociology, social workers or related field from a recognized institution
  • Studies related to disability will also be an advantage

Experience

  • Experience (at least 3 years) working with NGO or other institution in peacebuilding sector, in reconciliation sector, in social work sector
  • Experience in managing people/teams.
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalized communities.
  • Experience working with People, especially children, with disability will be an advantage.

Language

  • Fluency in English and Swahili (written and spoken) and excellent writing skills.
  • Knowledge of French and Kirundi will be greatly advantaged.

Technical Skills

  • Strong analytical, reporting, strategic thinking and planning skills.
  • Strong monitoring and evaluation skills/experience.
  • Strong pedagogical competences.

Leadership Behaviours

  • Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills.
  • Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences.
  • A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility, and dependability.
  • An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary.
  • Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches to psychosocial matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.

Core values

  • Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving refugees and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
  • High integrity, honesty, and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.
  • Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
  • Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful, and unstable environment.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The candidate must be available to start immediately. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos of providing effective and professional services whilst expressing solidarity with those served. Salary is calculated using a post-adjustment multiplier and takes into account years of relevant experience and the degree of responsibility of the role. Details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Composition and submission of the file

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

1) A curriculum vitae (CV) in English including three (3) professional references with contact details, telephone and email address.

2) A cover letter describing the applicant’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how your qualifications and experience match this position;

3) Identity card;

4) Diploma, copy of the original;

5) Proof of service including last employer.

Applications should be submitted by one of the following means

– Hand-delivered to the JRS office located in the Radio Kwizera – Kibondo offices.

By email to [email protected], [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]

If the application is hand-delivered, it should be placed in a sealed envelope with the title: “Reconciliation Coordinator”. All applications (hand-delivered or emailed) must be submitted by 10 June 2022 at 12:00 noon.

Date: 27 May 2022

Name: Ousmane N’GAIDE

Position: Country Director, JRS

Signature:

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How to apply

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this job email your details to [email protected]


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