The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 56 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS’s service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. 
The main services provided are in the field of education, reconciliation, livelihood activities and psychosocial support. Currently, almost 1 million individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects. 

Main responsibilities of the position 

Under the supervision of the Head of Global Advocacy the JRS Geneva Representative will: 

1. Develop JRS strategic, position and policy papers, as per the JRS Global Strategic Framework, based on the knowledge and understanding of the UN system, the humanitarian, development and peace nexus, and accountability to affected populations.
2. Provide analysis and information to JRS field and global offices on developments in the humanitarian, development and peace nexus and accountability to affected populations, as well as respond to inquiries from JRS field and global offices regarding UN activities, reforms and funding mechanisms and UNHCR’s policies and procedures. 
3. Represent the JRS to UNHCR, IOM, OHCHR, OCHA and other UN agencies, liaise with their governing bodies, participate in consultative processes, including maintaining and making strategic use of JRS’ ECOSOC status to advocate for the protection needs of the forcibly displaced persons. This includes troubleshooting on country or situation-specific issues, responding to UN inquires to JRS, as well as contributing to the Global Refugee Forum and reporting on pledge implementation, UN mechanisms, meetings, evaluations and policies around protection and human rights.
4. Represent the JRS to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See in Geneva and in the Catholic Forum, liaising with the Mission and other Catholic organizations on protection concerns where Church actors can make a difference.  
5. Represent JRS in the dialogue between UNHCR and faith-based organizations and contribute to shaping UNHCR’s policies for its collaboration with faith-based actors and working actively with other faith-based actors in the field of displacement.  
6. Represent JRS in and contribute to the work of various Geneva-based NGO coalitions, such as ICVA, working groups and briefings, including drafting or contributing to joint statements, joint advocacy strategies and policy developments through information gathering from the field and facilitating the participation of other JRS staff with technical expertise. 
7. Expand JRS’ advocacy network in Geneva to relevant diplomatic missions.
8. Increase the visibility of JRS and of the concerns of refugees and displaced persons through organizing occasional events in Geneva with field participation and through similar means. Provide first-hand experiences and convey views of the forcibly displaced to relevant actors to influence policy-making and organisational practices, by promoting and facilitating the participation of forcibly displaced persons in important fora so that they can speak on their own behalf.
9. Participate actively in the JRS Global Advocacy Network, including the preparations for decision-making on priorities, drafting of position papers, pro-active advocacy in priority areas in Geneva, and training of advocacy network. Report important developments to the Global Advocacy core group.  

Qualification and Competencies 

Required 

• Advanced university degree in international migration, international development, human rights or refugee law or in a related discipline. 

• Proven understanding of the UN system, humanitarian, development and peace nexus, and accountability to affected populations.  

• At least five years of experience in the humanitarian field, human rights, and/or international advocacy at a senior level.  

• Proven analytical, critical, and strategic thinking skills. This includes an ability to develop organizational and advocacy positions, policies, briefings, strategies and procedures on the background of the JRS mission, and an ability to quickly, analytically and strategically process information, technical and non-technical, related to JRS advocacy priorities and to a broad range of programmatic issues and to share such information with relevant colleagues. 

• Proven research skills. This includes the ability to do basic research and context analysis. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. This includes an ability to officially represent JRS in high-level roles, working groups, networks, coalitions, and committees.  

• Excellent writing skills. This includes the ability to draft statements, briefings, position, and policy papers.  

• Strong organizational and coordination skills. This includes organisational skills to host occasional events in Geneva and facilitate the access of JRS staff to relevant partners in Geneva. 

• Training and capacity building experience. This includes training field staff on context analysis and advocacy approaches. 

• Strong teamwork skills. This includes a good record of finding solutions through teamwork, and an ability to easily connect with people from very different backgrounds, bring them together, and create an environment of encounter and exchange. It also includes the ability to maintain a wide range of relations with JRS staff in the field to ensure easy and continues information flow. 

• Strong troubleshooting skills and creativity. 

• Self-motivating and self-supporting. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of JRS and its ways of operating. 

• Prior experience with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and/or prior experience with a Faith-Based Organization (FBO).  

• Field experience is an advantage.  

• Knowledge of JRS field operations is an advantage.  

Languages  

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English  

• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable  

Technical skills 

• Ability to work proficiently with Microsoft Office.  

Core values and ethics 

• Good understanding of and alignment with the values of JRS;  

• Commitment to JRS’ mission, vision and values to convey with enthusiasm JRS’ role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;  

• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;  

• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value;  

Terms and Conditions  

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who possess EU citizenship or other legal authorization to work in the European Union.  

Successful candidates will be offered a regular contract under Swiss law.  

The position will include traveling and conduct field visits and training, including to remote areas, for up to 20% of the working time  

How to apply  

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents:  

• A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

JRS International Office is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to serve refugees worldwide. We actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those historically underrepresented in the humanitarian sector, to apply. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all staff members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission of accompanying and serving refugees with compassion and solidarity.