Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU) Supervisor-International hire 238 views0 applications

Job Title:

Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU) Supervisor

Grade:

8 (I)

Level:

Level 1 Manager

Division:

Programs

Section:

Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU)

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya

CWS RSC Africa

The Resettlement Support Center (CWS RSC Africa) operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/ Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. CWS RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.**

Primary Purpose

This is a full time position that is responsible for the supervision of all ARDU staff assigned to them and for the planning and implementation of deployments in their purview. This includes coordination with CWS RSC Africa Programs and Administration divisions and UNHCR.

Supervision

This position reports primarily to the ARDU Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya.

This position primarily supervises the Resettlement Officer, Senior Resettlement Officer and Best Interests Determination (BID) Specialist positions.

Essential Duties

Compliance

1. Ensures all functions within ARDU strictly adhere to the DOS/BPRM, CWS RSC Africa and UNHCR policies, guidelines and procedures.
2. Ensures development, implementation, dissemination and monitoring of ARDU standard operating procedures (SOPs).
3. Conducts job function observations of ARDU staff to ensure compliance is met and identify any areas of improvement or training needs. This includes travel to UNHCR field offices, often on short notice, as needed.
4. Travels to deployment locations to monitor deployments, conduct performance evaluations and meet with partners.
5. Maintains a thorough working knowledge of the USRAP and refugee situations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
6. Completes RRF review for UNHCR country and regional offices as needed and ensures compliance and adherence to UNHCR policies and guidelines are met.

Data Management and Analysis

1. Oversees the finalization of Terms of Reference (TORs) for deployees in coordination with the ARDU Manager.
2. Ensures staff are prepared for deployments while ensuring all deployment logistical aspects have been arranged.
3. Acts as the point person for staff inquiries relating to deployment TORs and logistics.
4. Prepares reports for the ARDU Manager, both quantitative and qualitative, on deployees’ output and keeps the Program Manager informed.
5. Develops reports and quality control checks that ensure accuracy and efficiency as well as their use.
6. Establishes effective communication systems regarding data and ensures reports are accurate and efficient.
7. Assists with annual plan and strategic planning goals as communicated by the Field Processing Coordinator.

Representation

1. Develops and maintains effective relationships with UNHCR.
2. Ensures partner communication from the department is professional, timely and proactive.
3. Represents organizational policies and culture to staff.
4. Ensures the workforce is professional when representing CWS/RSC Africa to refugees, partners, the funder and colleagues.

Performance Management

1. Provides direct supervision and leadership to ARDU staff, including yearly performance evaluations, developing job descriptions, participating in hiring and coordinating leave.
2. Co-ordinates on-boarding of new staff and facilitates trainings, both in the office and while in the field. This may include deployments to UNHCR offices to train new deployees.
3. Organizes bi-annual trainings for ARDU staff.
4. Trains deployees prior to deployments and leads staff development between deployments.
5. Develops in-house training materials to enhance compliance and ensures existing training materials are kept up to date.
6. Ensures coaching, mentoring, feedback and corrective action plans are being carried out where needed.
7. Ensures establishment of performance expectations with staff under their supervision.
8. Monitors staff time and attendance.

Staff Care

1. Monitors and ensure a safe, healthy and professional work environment.
2. Ensures direct reports are accessing and using their benefits appropriately including leave.
3. Actively support staff by promoting safe space, open-door and the escalation policy.
4. Establish and communicate clear expectations to staff to foster a predictable and consistent work environment.
5. Ensures staff are safe in the field by coordinating with the RSC Staff Security Coordinator and disseminating information related to safety to staff in the field.

Program Administration

1. Monitors and ensures the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNHCR and CWS RSC Africa.
2. Any other duties as assigned by the ARDU Manager, the Program Manager and/or management at large.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, or four (4) years of related work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Master’s degree in a related field of study (including international affairs, refugee law, human rights or social work) is preferred.

Experience:

· Minimum two years of supervisory experience required, including in training and capacity building of staff.

· Familiarity with the UN Convention and Protocols relating to the status of refugees required.

• Previous experience working with international organizations such as UNHCR required.

· Previous experience with a resettlement deployment scheme preferred.

· Previous experience conducting trainings or presentations preferred.

· Previous reporting and monitoring and evaluation experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

· Demonstrated thorough knowledge of the UNHCR/U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

· Demonstrated knowledge of International Refugee Law required.

• Excellent interviewing and counselling skills.

· Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills.

· Excellent spoken and written English; secondary language skills such as French, Arabic and other African regional languages (other than Kiswahili) is preferred.

• Previous assessment/monitoring and evaluations skills preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.

· Excellent organizational and time management skills.

· Excellent computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office.

· Knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa refugee situations preferred.

Abilities:

The ARDU Supervisor must have the ability to:

· Represent CWS RSC Africa with partners;

• Travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and sometimes under difficult conditions;

· Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;

· Follow instructions with a positive and receptive attitude;

· Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;

· Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS RSC Africa;

· Maintain a high performance standard with meticulous attention to detail;

· Carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;

· Work independently and contribute to overall operations of CWS RSC Africa;

· Take initiative in the development and completion of projects within the specified timeframe;

· Maintain strict confidentiality with CWS RSC Africa administrative and operational information;

· Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;

· Work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation.

· Lead others and address issues as they arise

· Effectively manage CWS RSC Africa’s resources;

· If US passport holder, assist with collecting DNA; and

· Actively participate in the successful implementation of the U.S. government’s Refugee Admissions Program

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position must be able to travel to remote locations. The US Embassy rates Kenya as both HIGH in crime and HIGH in terrorism. Incumbents should fully understand the insecurities present within Kenya and the region.

Special Requirements: A background check, which includes references and an educational and criminal check, is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel.

The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. A certificate of good health is required before the start of deployment. The employee must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination and all required inoculations before traveling for CWS RSC Africa.

Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya and in deployment locations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification:

None required.

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyse information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Operational Leadership

Successfully lead a group to achieve operational goals. Examples of skills and behaviors include priority setting; timely decision making; planning and organizing; delegation; and managing and measuring work.

Building and Leading Effective Teams

Earn the respect of team members, create strong morale and spirit on the team and utilize the unique skills of all team members. Examples of skills and behaviors include managing diverse relationships; flexibility; being open and receptive; running effective team meetings; and exhibiting integrity and trustworthiness.

Strategic Leadership

Accurately anticipate future consequences and trends and translate them into the fulfilment of workable strategies and plans. Examples of skills and behaviors include problem solving; dealing with ambiguity, creativity; innovation management and business acumen.