Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international nongovernmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organization was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 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.

Operational Context/Key Role

The Country Programs Officer’s (CPO) primary responsibility is to coordinate and support the implementation of all aspects of programming within the country with the guidance and support of the Country Director. He/she will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the country programs, under the direction of the Country Director. He/she is required to identify and develop key opportunities for programs 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 Offices in defining all aspects of the project cycle. The Country Programs 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 programs at country level

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

Project-related activities

•  With the Country and Project Directors, to be responsible for the planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of JRS projects within the country;
•  To 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, to set methodologies, time tables and resources for project evaluations;
•  To produce project proposals and reports according to JRS standards and donor-related requirements (funding proposal/ reports) in collaboration with the Country Director and Regional Programmes Officer.
•  To carryout 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;
•  To 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 according to JRS’s standards and guidelines as well as suggesting improvements of planning, programming implementation and current processes. 
• To ensure project learning is generated and documented, and shared within the JRS network
•  Liaise with country, regional, and international technical support officers as needed to ensure relevancyand quality of activities

Support and Communication

•  When requested, to represent JRS in country level meetings;
• To communicate regularly with the International Office (IO) Desk Officer in the Programes and Innovation Department informing them on all major issues and developments in programming within the country.

Relations with partner and donor agencies

•  To maintain close working relations with JRS’s partner agencies, as well as with other international development organizations, funding agencies and Church bodies;
•  To 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, to negotiate funding or partnership agreements;
•  To attend cluster and other relevant coordination meetings;
• To build strong rapport with the major partners/donors as well as with relevant government counterparts (i.e. ARRA, Charities and Societies);
• To explore and help create possibilities for new partnerships/ donors;
• To develop relevant communication tools to keep team members, partners and donors regularly informed of progress of activities;
• To represent the organization in meetings, giving talks and presentations when requested by the Country Director.

Work with the Country Team

• ToworkcloselywithothermembersoftheCountryOfficetofulfilitsfunctionofshared leadership through the coordination of all programming efforts in the country;
•  To attend regular team meetings, planning meetings and workshops; in particular, to collaborate with the Country Finance Officer and any other Officers.

 Budgeting

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

Key Performance Indicators

•  Timely production and submission of project proposals and reports
• Timely production of reports related to field visits highlighting recommendations and actions taken
• Timely production of annual needs assessment and activities plan for each project site
•  Funds raised during the year. Performance can be assessed against a pre-defined fundraising goal. Travel the position requires regular travel to JRS Ethiopia projects locations.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Contract is for 1 year, renewable with an initial probationary period of 45 days. 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.
• Gross Salary range: 30,000 – 35,000 Birr. Other Benefits will be further discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Job Requirements

Required Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced University degree, preferably in Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, Social Science, Development Studies or other related fields;
• At least four (4) years of experience working with NGOs proposal and reports writing, project evaluation and monitoring; projects coordination and management
• Professional experience in a similar capacity with international, non-profit organizations;
• Knowledge of and experience with strategic framework, log frame set
• Good understanding of dynamics of refugee issues, refugee policy and legal framework in Ethiopia

Languages

• Strong command over written and verbal communication in English

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
• 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 prioritize and manage several tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and promote effective teamwork;
• Strong ability to work under pressure;
• Strong management, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Good organizational skills and high attention to detail;
• Ability to work with and maintain good relationships with multiple stakeholders;
• 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;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Ability to work with in a team and provide support to colleagues;

Required Core values

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS;
• 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;

How to Apply

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.

Applications should be submitted before the deadline (i.e. by July 11, 2021):eth01.hr@jrs.net

The vacancy is opened external applications. Consideration of candidates and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.