KE_South Africa Resettlement Unit (SARU) Program Manager (National)

The South Africa Resettlement Unit (SARU) Manager will be responsible for the management of the SARU team which includes coordination with other RSC Africa units, PRM Regional Refugee Coordinators to ensure processing objectives are met. The SARU processing activities include statement of interest management, case identification screening, local security check requests and result management and referral interviews.  

Working Environment   

• Regular travel to the field  
• In-office work while in Nairobi 

Core Job Responsibilities:   

Leadership and Management (40%)  

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the SARU team, including yearly performance evaluations, developing job descriptions, participating in hiring and coordinating leave.  
• Develop and implement training modules for SARU staff training on different aspects of refugee processing, and that they are monitored and evaluated.  
• Ensure that QCs are being conducted and feedback is being provided to staff.  
• Ensure coaching, mentoring, feedback and corrective action plans are being carried out where needed.  
• Ensure establishment of performance expectations and communication, on-boarding and training.  
• Monitor staff time and attendance.  
• Monitor and ensure a safe, healthy and professional work environment.  
• Ensure direct reports access and use their benefits appropriately, including leave.  
• Actively support staff by promoting safe space, open-door and the escalation policy.  
• Establish and communicate clear expectations to staff to foster a predictable and consistent work environment.  

Compliance (25%)  

• Ensure all functions within the SARU team strictly adhere to the DOS/BPRM, RPC, USCIS and CWS RSC Africa policies, guidelines and procedures.  
• Develop processing SOPs for those areas of processing that will be conducted outside of the START database. 
• Report on departmental compliance and achievements to required internal and external stakeholders.  
• Ensure development, implementation, dissemination and monitoring of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deployments and ensure these remain up to date and adhered to.  
• Conduct job function observations of SARU staff to ensure compliance and identify any areas of improvement or training needs.  
• Conduct and participate in regular process reviews to compare requirements vs. outputs.  
• Travel to field locations to monitor output, conduct performance evaluations and meet with partners.  

Program Administration (20%)  

• Create SARU processing projections to ensure program indicators and deliverables are met. 
• Develop and implement department specific pipeline analysis to inform workload projections and staffing and to anticipate future workloads.  
• Manage reports, including the communication systems and quality control checks that ensure accuracy and efficiency.  
• Ensure annual plan and strategic planning goals are met. 
• Ensure SARU field activity is conducting the more effectively and accurately meeting processing quotes and upholding quality execution.  

Representation (10%)  

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with CWS RSC Africa’s processing partners. 
• Ensure partner communication from the department is professional, timely and proactive.  
• Represent organizational policies and culture to staff.  
• Ensure the workforce is professional when representing CWS RSC Africa to refugees, partners, the funder and colleagues.  

Additional Responsibilities (5%)  

• Other duties that may be assigned to enhance the quality and efficiency of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to attain set objectives and maintain high professional standards of RSC Africa. Execute special projects and other duties as assigned by CWS/RSC Africa Leadership. 

Experience:  

• A minimum of Eight (8) years paid work experience managing complex projects.  
• A minimum of Two (2) years of direct supervisory experience is required.  
• A minimum of Two (2) years of experience working in ARDU or other UNHCR deployment schemes is required   
• US refugee resettlement experience is required.  
• Previous program management experience preferred  
• Previous experience conducting trainings or presentations preferred.  
• Previous reporting and monitoring and evaluation experience preferred.  

Skills:   

• Thorough knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).  
• Knowledge of International Refugee Law required.  
• Excellent English writing skills and clear communication style.   
• Working level of French skill is preferred;  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.  
• Excellent computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office.  
• Knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa refugee situations preferred.  

Education & Certifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree, or four (4) additional year’s work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree.  
• Master’s degree in a related field of study (including international affairs, refugee law, human rights or social work) is preferred.   

Abilities:   

• Work and make decisions independently and contribute to overall operations at management levels;  
• Exercise good judgment and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems in the field;   
• Maintain a high-performance standard with attention to detail, completing tasks within set timeframes;   
• Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;   
• Manage large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.  
• Maintain the integrity of official records;    
• Analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;    
• Work under minimal supervision;  
• Maintain a high-performance standard with attention to detail;    
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;    
• Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP);  

Important Requirements:  

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.  
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.  
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.