Primary Purpose The RSC Director is responsible for the management of the CWS operated Resettlement Support Center Africa (RSC Africa) based in Nairobi, Kenya with sub-office in Pretoria, South Africa and a satellite office in Kasulu, Tanzania. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for refugee processing activities in 49 countries of sub Saharan Africa. The RSC conducts case processing and cultural orientation for eligible refugees throughout sub Saharan Africa for the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). CWS administers RSC Africa through a cooperative agreement with the US Department of State, as part of its Immigration and Refugee Program. Supervision This position supervises the RSC Deputy Director, Associate Director for Education/Cultural Orientation Coordinator, Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU) Coordinator, Associate Director for Information Technology, Office Manager, Site Coordinator in Pretoria and Program Integrity Specialist.
This position reports directly to the Regional Representative for Africa.
Essential Duties Representation and External Relations
1. Maintains regular communication with US Refugee Coordinators regarding the status of case processing activities.
2. Maintains collaborative and productive working relationships with USRAP partners, including US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
3. Oversees RSC Africa’s staff members’ communications with counterparts in PRM, USCIS, UNHCR and IOM.
4. Conducts periodic work travel to maintain strong relations with partners’ regional offices in West, Central and Southern Africa.
5. Maintains regular contact with CWS Relief, Development, and Protection staff to further One CWS team in Africa.
6. Maintains regular contact with CWS Headquarters to provide updates on pipeline, matters of program integrity and planning. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a related field required. Master’s Degree in International Relations, Business Management, Public Administration, Migration Studies or another relevant field is preferred.
Experience: 12 years of work experience required, of which 8 years of supervision including a minimum of 4 years supervising managers with direct reports is required. Minimum of 3 years senior management experience with an international organization, preferably focused on refugee case processing or other aspects of refugee resettlement, is preferred.
Experience ensuring compliance with government-funded projects is required.
Experience in managing a large and diverse staff, and the ability to lead teams in a multi-cultural environment is required.
Experience with staff performance management and conflict resolution is required.
Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of US federal government contract regulations.
Knowledge of oversees refugee case processing, including the management of electronic data via WRAPS, is highly desirable.
Proven leadership and decision-making skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated organizational skills, as well as strong analytical and problem solving skills. Abilities: The RSC Director must have the ability to:
Manage a large and diverse operational program, and to balance the competing needs and demands of different partner agencies.
Analyze budget data and financial reports, and to ensure cost-effective program implementation.
Maintain confidential information.
Travel in the region and/or internationally sometimes on a short notice.
Maintain high performance standards and attention to detail.
Conduct oneself in a professional manner and to represent the best interests of CWS RSC Africa and CWS global.
Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public.
Maintain a high performance standard with 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.
Effectively manage CWS RSC Africa’s resources.
Actively participate in the successful implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Working Conditions Physical: This position requires sitting, standing and using fine finger movements. This position might also require bending, squatting, crawling, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/ pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and carrying/ lifting moderate loads.
Environmental: Normal office working conditions. Incumbents in this position might be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, harsh weather climates, dust and infectious diseases, working in confined quarters and dangerous insects, animals, reptiles, spiders, etc.
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: Must be a US citizen. A background check which includes (but not limited to) references and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment. The incumbent will need to be confirmed by the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration 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 may be required to travel to the US on short notice. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.
