Primary Purpose
This position is primarily responsible for daily oversight of Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Cultural Orientation (CO) circuit rides, in accordance with US Refugee Admission Program (USRP) guidelines and RSC Africa CO standard operating procedures. This position also provides cultural orientation training to refugees approved for resettlement to the United States. Trainings take place in urban and camp locations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, often under difficult work conditions. This position works closely with CWS/RSC partners. The Cultural Orientation Field Team Leader works closely with the Cultural Orientation Coordinator, the Cultural Orientation Curriculum Development Specialist and the South African Site Manager.
Supervision
This position reports directly to the Site Manager with oversight from the Nairobi based Cultural Orientation Coordinator.
Essential Duties of the Field Team Leader
Serves as Field Team Leader (FTL) on CO circuit rides; Assists with the logistical planning and coordination of circuit rides and manages logistics in the field; ensures that standard operating procedures are being followed and consults with the Site Manager and CO Coordinator regarding matters of concern;
Prepares for CO circuit rides by reviewing information about the location and participants to be trained, developing lesson plans specific to those participants, coordinating and assisting with the gathering and packing of necessary training materials, the hiring of interpreters and child minders, and the printing of class lists and name tags;
Finalizes CO class lists for assigned circuit rides and schedules circuit rides in Worldwide Refugee Admissions Program System (WRAPS);
Maintains effective relations with UNHCR, IOM, and other implementing partners in accordance with established policies and guidelines as a representative of the RSC and CWS/IRP;
Serves as the point of contact on security matters for the CO team while in the field; Conducts cultural orientation in urban and camp locations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on
southern Africa. Manages the supervising and paying of interpreters;
Ensures technology and equipment used on circuit rides is well-managed and utilized;
Maintains current knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program and refugee resettlement;
Updates WRAPS to reflect participation in CO;
Writes and submits a trip report upon the circuit ride’s return within deadline;
Schedules and facilitates circuit ride briefings and debriefings;
Works on projects related to CO curriculum development, training materials development and other aspects of the CO division as assigned;
Performs other duties which may be assigned by the Site Manager, CO Coordinator or CO Curriculum
Development Specialist to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the CO division.
Qualifications for the Field Team Leader Job
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, or four years of related work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.
Six months experience in education or training required.
Two years’ work experience in any or a combination of the following is preferred: training; field work carrying out program activities and/or experience liaising with agency partners and/or vendors; or logistical experience organizing field missions.
Relevant experience in the United States preferred. Experience working with refugees preferred.
Knowledge / Skills
Ability to speak Somali, Kinyarwanda, Tigrinya or French preferred;
Demonstrated computer skills in database systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the internet required.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
Exercise good judgment and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems;
Travel frequently in Sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and often under difficult conditions;
Follow instructions from supervisors with a positive and receptive attitude;
Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
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;
Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in Africa.
Carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
Maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information.
Working Conditions
This position requires bending, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying light loads.
Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases and harsh weather climates.
Special Requirements
Certificate of Good Conduct 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. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.
Competencies for the Team Leader Job
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
Analyze 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.
Program Planning and Management
Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.
Leadership
Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.
Resource Building and Stewardship
Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.
