Overview of the Role
Reporting to the Regional Director - Southern Africa, the Country Director is to direct and support implementation of JRS works at a national level and in so doing foster the vision and mission of JRS in the Malawi context. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Project Directors and their financial administrators as well as with regional office personnel. The position is based in Lilongwe with travel to Dzaleka Camp.
Key Responsibilities
- Direction of the work of JRS at the country level
• To safeguard the vision, identity and unity of JRS in Malawi. • To develop project proposals for presentation to the Regional Director and the Regional Council for approval. • On consultation with the Regional Director and the Project Directors, to enter into negotiations and create agreements with the local Church, government or funding agencies on their behalf.
• Together with the Regional Director, to sign agreements with the local bishop, government or other funding agencies. • To direct and support the implementation of JRS works on a country level. • To facilitate reflection on and evaluation of projects and, when necessary, to determine how the process of withdrawal/closure/handover be effected in a particular project. • In consultation with Regional Office, to co-ordinate and define country policies, HR and other operational policies e.g., specific country security guidelines, and a country approach to education and social services. • To ensure that JRS project members receive training in the use of JRS International programme templates, finance reporting procedures and the project database of the Pedro Arrupe System (PAS). 2. Administration and Finance
• Together with the Regional Director, to sign agreements with the local bishop, government or other funding agencies. • To direct and support the implementation of JRS works on a country level. • To facilitate reflection on and evaluation of projects and, when necessary, to determine how the process of withdrawal/closure/handover be effected in a particular project. • In consultation with Regional Office, to co-ordinate and define country policies, HR and other operational policies e.g., specific country security guidelines, and a country approach to education and social services. • To ensure that JRS project members receive training in the use of JRS International programme templates, finance reporting procedures and the project database of the Pedro Arrupe System (PAS). 2. Administration and Finance
• To administer and be responsible for country finances and accounts, and in collaboration with the Regional Office, to ensure expenditure to budget. • Supporting the annual process of project level planning and budgeting. • To provide, with the finance officer, all the country documentation needed for the Regional Audit. • To administer project accounts and guarantee a proper accounting of all project expenses.
• To render any other necessary administrative or logistical service to the projects and the region.
• To render any other necessary administrative or logistical service to the projects and the region.
- Care for personnel
• To ensure procurement for work permits and visas for JRS internationally recruited staff. • To make regular visits to Project Directors and teams in the field, to listen and give support to each JRS team member. In case of problems and as appropriate, to draw these to the attention of the Regional Officers for follow up. • To provide special care to JRS staff, making sure they perform satisfactorily in their roles as well as receive necessary breaks and holidays. • To sign contracts with JRS collaborators at the country level and to terminate contracts, when necessary, in consultation with the Regional Director. • In situations of crisis within the country, to decide on security measures for JRS staff in accordance with JRS Security Guidelines, after consultation with the Regional and Project Directors.
- Communication
• To maintain regular communication with and reporting to the Regional Director on major issues and developments in the country or in JRS. • To communicate on a frequent basis with Project Directors and to pass on to teams all relevant information regarding the situation in the country, that of refugees and displaced persons, government policies and other news of JRS. • To submit brief country reports to JRS Dispatches with relevant information on JRS projects or on the situation of refugees and displaced in the country.
• To submit six (6)-month and annual reports to the Regional Director on the progress of projects within the country. • To keep the local Jesuit communities informed about the work of the JRS in the country.
• To submit six (6)-month and annual reports to the Regional Director on the progress of projects within the country. • To keep the local Jesuit communities informed about the work of the JRS in the country.
- Representation of JRS
• To establish and maintain contact with the local Jesuit Provincial(s), the diocesan Church, the government, and key NGOs in particular, UNHCR. • To enter into negotiations at the country level with the Church, government and UNHCR, as required. • To represent JRS at national level meetings of NGOs, UN or government.
- Advocacy
• In conjunction with the Regional Director and the Regional Advocacy Officer, to inform key JRS advocacy offices about significant advocacy needs, sharing with them relevant information as appropriate and passing on feedback from these sources to the Project Directors. • Where helpful and necessary, to intervene with the Government and UNHCR on behalf of refugees. • To animate and support local church structures in addressing issues involving refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
Qualifications Needed
• Recognised tertiary qualifications, preferably in social science fields. • Working knowledge of management, administration, program and key financial and human resources principles. • Previous experience in managing a team, preferably in JRS. • Strong computer skills. • Experience managing large budgets from diverse sources of funding. • Demonstrated experience in preparing and writing formal reports. • Demonstrated work experience in a multi-cultural work environment. • Enjoyment in working with refugees/displaced people and vulnerable people. • Flexibility and adaptability. • Fluency in English. French/Swahili an added advantage.
Conditions • 37.5 hours/week although may be asked to work irregular hours if work demands it. • JRS remuneration policy depends on the mode of engagement. Locally engaged employees are paid according to local policies and levels while internationally engaged volunteers are paid a stipend, based on local living expenses, in keeping with JRS ethos and their voluntary capacity, with support for accommodation and transport. Details will be discussed with candidates short-listed for interview. • Appointment is from 1 January 2013 for a period of 2 years renewable.
How to apply:
Please apply in writing to Fr David Holdcroft, care of jrs.sar.humanresources@gmail.com including the following information: • Cover letter stating motivation for applying • Current CV (Resume) addressing the key criteria above and including current contact details • Three professional references and their contact information, phone, email and address Applications close 9th November 2012. Late applications or those not meeting the above key criteria will not be considered.
Jesuit Refugee Service in Malawi COUNTRY DIRECTOR
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