Jesuit Refugee Service Country Director Jobs in South Africa
Role
The Country Director (CD)’s primary responsibility is to provide management of operations, staff and project initiatives that align with the JRS’ goals and objectives in South Africa. The CD will coordinate and support the initiation and implementation of all aspects of programming within the country with the guidance and strategic oversight of the Regional Office(RO).
He/she will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the JRS projects within South Africa, under the direction of the Regional Director, supported by Regional Office staff. The CD will also be responsible for fundraising for the projects, and management of grants.
Key Responsibilities
Coordination of JRS projects in South Africa
In consultation with the Regional Director and relevant stakeholders, analyze regularly the unmet needs of refugees and asylum seekers, and other populations of concern, and to suggest new initiatives;
Through a consultative process within the country and field visits, assist in the development of strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to current, new and emerging challenges for the country office;
Lead and manage the process of developing the country operations plan, aligned with the global strategic framework and priorities, and regional strategic priorities as well as with any annual programming/planning instructions from the Directors;
Attend meetings of relevant Cluster Working Groups with government departments and other stakeholders at national and provincial levels; and network and collaborate with organizations and government institutions working with our people of concern.
Coordinate JRS activities in Johannesburg, Pretoria and other areas accordingly.
Project related activities
Responsible for the overall planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of JRS projects within the country;
Ensure timely and effective planning and implementation of annual needs assessments for each project site, according to JRS standards and guidelines;
Set methodologies, timeframes and resources for project evaluations;
Develop project proposals and reports according to JRS standards and donor requirements in collaboration with the Regional Office.
Support and Communication
When requested, represents JRS in the country and in any relevant meetings;
Communicating regularly with the Regional Director and IO Desk Officers in the Programmes and Innovation Department informing them on all major issues and developments in programming within the country.
Support the country office team in South Africa to ensure its well-being and effective and efficient implementation of all operations and project activities according to local laws of South Africa and the guiding policies and procedures of JRS.
Relations with partner and donor agencies
Maintain close working relations and attend meetings with JRS’s partner agencies, as well as with other international humanitarian/development organizations including UNHCR, government departments, funding agencies and Church bodies;
Support the organizational fundraising actions by maintaining regular contact, including meetings with donor representatives and by submitting project funding proposals and managing donor reporting;
In close collaboration with the Regional Director, negotiates funding or partnership agreements with current and new funding partners;
Attend Cluster Working Group, collaborate with Church organizations and other organizations working in the same thematic areas, and attend other relevant coordination meetings;
Build strong rapport with the major partners/donors as well as with government institutions and structures;
Explore and help create possibilities for new partnerships/donors;
Develop relevant communication tools to keep team members, partners and donors regularly informed of country office projects and operations;
Represent the organization in meetings, giving talks and presentations.
Work with the Country Team
Leads and coordinates the JRS-South Africa country office team;
Works closely with other members of the team to fulfil its function of shared leadership through the coordination of all project efforts in the country;
Attend regular team meetings, planning meetings and workshops;
Promotes and creates trust and mutual support and care among the CO team members.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Oversee the drafting of the annual budget for the CO; and budgets for specific projects;
Regularly monitor project income and expenditure in conjunction with the Country Finance Officer and the Regional Finance Officer;
With support from RO, ensure that projects have enough funding for their implementation; and that project budgets expenditures adhere to approved budgets, especially including the ratio of project activities costs versus administration costs.
Submit the annual budget for the projects in conjunction with the project Finance Officer.
Ensure that audits are adequately prepared for and are done in time;
Ensure the submission of financial reports in time and of good quality.
Care for personnel
Ensures adequate supervision, professional development, training, coaching and mentoring of all country staff.
In collaboration with the Country Human Resources Officer, ensure that JRS Human Resources policies and procedures are implemented at country level and where necessary, adapted to local statutory requirements – respecting the local laws of South Africa.
Discerns and advises Regional Director on overall staffing needs in the project proposal process and in the operations of the CO.
Qualifications and Experience:
Advanced University degree, preferably in Project Management, Business Administration, or equivalent;
At least four (4) years of project management experience working with NGOs, which include project proposal and reports writing, project evaluation and monitoring;
Professional experience in a similar capacity with international, non-profit organizations;
Knowledge of and experience with strategic framework, log frames, etc.
Good knowledge and understanding of the socio-economic, political and legal context of South Africa. (Being a South African, living in South Africa in the recent past five years will be an added advantage).
Languages
Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English;
Professional working knowledge of French and some main local South African languages spoken in the country is desirable.
Required Skills and competencies
Some experience of working with or knowledge of migration and the situation of refugees and asylum seekers in Africa.
Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising projects;
Excellent knowledge of the project cycle and logical framework approach; Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Results-based Management Framework
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;
Demonstrated experience in working in developing countries is highly desirable;
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
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; Jesuit Refugee Service Country Director Jobs in South Africa
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