United States of America: Program Officer


BACKGROUND:


The IRC is one of the leading providers of high quality programming for refugees resettling to the United States. The mission of the IRC’s US Programs (USP) Department is to create opportunities for refugees to survive and thrive in America. The IRC’s USP Department currently provides services in 26 U.S. cities and through the IRC’s Resettlement Support Center (RSC) in East Asia. The USP portfolio has grown to encompass a spectrum of support in five program outcome areas with numerous local partners, hundreds of corporate, foundation, and government donors, and thousands of individual givers. The IRC resettles over 10,000 refugees on an annual basis, has a budget of $89 million, and has over 850 staff and 3,500 volunteers.


Scope


The Program Officer is based at the IRC national headquarters with primary responsibility for coordinating technical assistance, program support and staff training; financial and programmatic reporting; grant management and compliance oversight; program and finance monitoring; and sub-award management oversight for IRC’s Office for Refugees in Kansas (KSOR) and New Jersey (NJOR). The Program Officer reports to the Regional Director, Atlantic Central Region.


Essential Job Functions


  • Primary responsibility for day-to-day communication and coordination with ORR and IRC senior management.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact between staff in KSOR and NJOR inquiries and HQ requests related to grant program.

  • Review KSOR and NJOR materials submitted in response to HQ and donor requests, and provide support to staff as appropriate to revise submissions.

  • Ensure IRC HQ senior team is informed of all relevant issues in the grant program through regular reports on status and activities being undertaken; and through appropriate escalation of issues.

  • Responsible for oversight of data review and analysis.

  • Identify training and technical assistance needs for the program; coordinate for the provision of training and technical assistance.

  • Work collaboratively with KSOR and NJOR teams to support planning and implementation of the annual statewide conferences.

  • Perform lead monitor responsibilities for program monitoring visits.

  • Provide support to KSOR and NJOR to prepare for donor monitoring visits of the program.

  • Conduct routine desk monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance in the program.

  • Develop and deliver a webinar to train field office staff on compliance changes in the grant program at least annually.

  • Prepare donor reports as required in the program guidelines.

  • Propose annual goals for the program using established criteria.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements


  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Social Work, International Affairs, or related field preferred;

  • Minimum 5 years relevant experience, including work in the U.S. refugee program;

  • Ability to work independently and as a team member in a diverse, fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the US refugee resettlement and detailed knowledge of core programs;

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners;

  • Previous experience in monitoring program compliance and providing technical assistance;

  • Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines;

  • The ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment;

  • Strong critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.




EmoticonEmoticon