Director of Resettlement Support Center

The Director of the Resettlement Support Center (DRSC) is a senior managerial position responsible for providing the strategic vision and leadership for East Asia refugee processing and related programs including cultural orientation (CO) funded by the US Department of State; Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (PRM). The DRSC is responsible for ensuring:

• Quality design and delivery of RSC programs throughout the East Asia region
• Management of donor and government relations in conjunction with Regional Director (ACME)
• Development of a motivated and professional team
• RSC’s programmatic alignment with the overall IRC regional strategy

The DRSC manages the RSC Senior Program Coordinator in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok; and the Coordinators for Cultural Orientation, Processing and Case Management, all based in Bangkok.  The DRSC reports to Regional Director (ACME) to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of resettlement programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Management

• Develop resettlement program multi-year and annual strategic plans in alignment with donor requirements
• Prepare, in coordination with senior staff and direct reports, yearly performance plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks
• Oversee donor funded resettlement programs in East Asia through integrated planning and review exercises in close coordination with relevant senior staff
• Work closely with Regional Director (ACME) and Field staff to develop technical assistance resources for the IRC in Refugee Processing, Cultural Orientation programming and identify programmatic opportunities in these sectors
• Ensure all resettlement programming and structures comply with donor and IRC global standards

Program Quality and Development

• Actively monitor and respond to changing refugee dynamics and demography throughout the region by providing analysis of resettlement trends, host government asylum policies and USG resettlement priorities
• Ensure that fiscal year processing targets are met, including prescreening and presentations to DHS CIS
• Oversee the Worldwide Refugee Access Processing System (WRAPS) – functions of RSC
• Develop and monitor the RSC budget in conjunction with the Bangkok based Finance Controller and the Senior Program Coordinator of IRC Malaysia
• Ensure the continued successful implementation and management of a cultural orientation program for refugees approved for admission to the US
• Conduct regular program evaluations in the field sites, including Kuala Lumpur
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure proper coordination and management of all project activities

Key Partners & Donor Relations

• Ensure effective resettlement program implementation by leading and fostering relationships with key program partners in Bangkok and and the region including DOS PRM, DHS CIS, UNHCR and IOM
• Ensure that monthly programmatic, statistical and financial information is provided to the IRC leadership in compliance with donor reporting and internal IRC data analysis requirements
• Maintain relationship with US Programs and institute formal programs such as staff exchanges, conference attendance and exchange of knowledge within communities of practices, to enhance this relationship
• Ensure that RSC programs remain responsive to the Thailand and Malaysia governments and US Embassy and meets PRM’s requirements and needs
• Represent the IRC in key RSC meetings and host donor and Thai Government delegations to RSC programs throughout East Asia

Human Resource Management, Staff Development & Retention

• Oversee management of RSC program staff to ensure an efficient, cooperative and quality-conscious workforce capable of meeting emerging programmatic challenges
• Promote a team approach and positive learning environment that empowers staff to take responsibility and show initiative
• Identify training needs and recommend staff development opportunities
• Support and hold senior management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities
• Provide performance feedback on a timely and regular basis
• Ensure direct reports receive bi-annual evaluations in accordance with IRC PME guidelines
• Assess existing and future staffing needs to build appropriate capacity within the RSC in order to fulfill program objectives
• Ensure that RSC project staff are in compliance with IRC policies and report breaches/challenges to the REA
• Oversee recruitment of RSC program staff in coordination with  HR senior management
• Provide guidance and support in changes related to organization structure

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelors Degree required
• Masters Degree in a related field is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive work experience managing social service or humanitarian assistance programs. Experience in refugee progressing or resettlement desired.

Work Experience and Demonstrated Abilities

• Proven ability to lead staff and promote productivity particularly during program transitions
• Previous financial management experience

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural environment
• Solid organization and program implementation skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines
• Languages
• Fluent in English

Other

• Ability to work and live in a complex, insecure environment.
• Willingness to learn about both assistance and resettlement work
• Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to changing environment
• Client centre and service oriented mind/attitude
• Team player