Senior Specialist, Manager Education Programmes

JRS-IO Vacancy Announcement

Senior Specialist, Manager Education Programmes

Department:       Programmes & Innovation (P&I)

Location:             Rome, International Office (IO)

Reports to:         Director of Programmes & Innovation Department

Organisational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is 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 1980 and has a presence in 57 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 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 reconciliation, mental health and psychosocial support, education and livelihoods, and advocacy. Currently, more than 1,000,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

Operational Context

The position is part of the International Programmes and Innovation Department, which is composed of Programme Specialists in JRS’s priority areas of intervention (Reconciliation, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and Education & Livelihoods), Programme Officers with a geographical focus, the MEAL Unit (M&E, Accountability and Learning), and the Grants Unit.

Main responsibilities of the position

The incumber will:

1) Thought and Strategic Leadership

• Identify, evaluate, and promote innovative models and resources relevant to improve the quality of education activities for displaced people
• Ensure alignment of JRS educational programmes with international education standards and best practices, and with Ignatian pedagogical principles
• Lead the design and implementation of JRS’s overall education strategy and work
• Support and make recommendations on:

1. Gender-Responsive Education,
2. Inclusive Education for people with disabilities,
3. Teacher Formation and Professional Development,
4. and Post-Secondary and Professional Education for displaced people.

• Communicate JRS educational programme objectives and philosophy to internal and external audiences

2) Programme Management

• Supervise the Education & Livelihoods Unit within the IO Programmes & Innovation Department
• Develop and monitor the Unit budget
• Administer the global grant for Education (including development and revision of narrative & financial plans and reports)
• Develop and review the Education project plans, funding proposals and reports
• Serve as main intra-office Education focal point for International Office departments
• Oversee progress towards achievement of Strategic Framework Implementation Plan Education & Livelihood goals
• Ensure adequate educational data is collected on JRS projects worldwide through collaboration with other JRS staff
• Coordinate and monitor the work of the Global Education Team consisting of the IO EDU-LIV Unit and the (Inter-)Regional Education CoordinatorsCoordinate with Reconciliation and MHPSS teams to integrate the two areas  into JRS educational programming

3) Networking and Representation

• Serve as the global public face of JRS with regard to educational programmes and efforts
• Attend relevant conferences, meetings and events related to refugee educationAuthor and publish articles and other products (i.e. blog posts) for external audiences on JRS education activities
• Represent JRS in fora related to Jesuit education
• Establish relationships with potential implementing & funding partners and facilitate connections between them and appropriate JRS internal partners.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Master level degree or specialization in Education or other relevant areas supported by a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
• At least 5 years of work experience in a similar role
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience, including supervision of remote teams
• Relevant field experience
• Experience with Programme development, proposal writing, Project and budget management
• Excellent writing, editing, verbal communications skills and presentation capacities, able to persuasively articulate JRS’s message and impact to external audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team in a multi-cultural, international, professional environment
• Strong ability to innovate in a changing environment and promote creativity within the organisation
• Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, and planning skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office package, Microsoft 365 desired
• Ability to work with CRM, grants and programmes systems

Desirable

• Working knowledge of JRS programmes
• Previous working experience with faith-based organisations

Languages

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory
• Working proficiency in French
• Working knowledge of Spanish or Arabic is highly desirable

Required Core Values

• Good understanding of and alignment with the values of JRS;
• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s 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; 

Travel

The position requires frequent travel to JRS locations (up to 25%).

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.

Contract is for 1 year with an initial probationary period of 3 months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary range starts from Euro 55.000 gross annual.

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.

Thank you for your interest in joining JRS