Senior Cultural Orientation Trainer (National Position)

Background/IRC Summary:

Founded in 1933, International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading agencies working in post-conflict and development contexts, supporting communities in over 40 fragile, failed and developing states. In this capacity, we work to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted, struggling to endure and wishing to advance on a path of development.

The Resettlement Support Center Asia (RSC Asia), funded by the US State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), assists persons throughout Asia seeking permanent resettlement in the United States. Responsible for a portfolio of 37 countries, RSC Asia: prepares refugee applications for the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) using START (a State Department–managed data system that supports the arrival and resettlement of refugees through technology); provides information to resettlement agencies about arriving refugees and offers cultural orientation training to refugees bound for the United States. RSC Asia is based in Bangkok, Thailand, with a sub-office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Senior Cultural Orientation Trainer is responsible for conducting cultural orientation class in accordance with the curriculum developed by RSC and is able to provide training for a variety of wide range of participant groups including unaccompanied minors, sensitive cases, family classes, etc. The Senior CO Trainer is also responsible for coordinating and training any contracted support staff. Furthermore, the Senior CO Trainer is responsible for assisting the development and maintenance of CO curriculum and materials. The Senior CO Trainer collaborates with partner agencies and NGOs on the ground as appropriate. The Senior CO Trainer works closely with the Senior CO Program Officer and reports to the Cultural Orientation Manager in Bangkok.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct CO training sessions for groups of 25-30 refugees, including classes for adults, children, youth, unaccompanied refugee minors, and families;
• Conduct in-person CO training sessions in RSC Asia Bangkok office, Thailand refugee camps, detention centers, protection shelters, and international locations outside of Thailand;
• Conduct remote and phone-based CO training sessions for Thailand and regional based applicants;
• Maintain accurate attendance records;
• Monitor and provide feedback as necessary to any contracted support staff who help with interpretation, childcare, security and other services as required;
• Assist with development and implementation of the CO training schedule and call list when needed;
• Assist with logistical arrangements of domestic and international circuit rides when necessary;
• Assist with the development and design of the CO curriculum including suggestions for updates and improvements;
• Participate in Information Campaign activities outside of the CO classroom as needed;
• Maintain close contact with the CO Manager in Bangkok;
• Communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with partner agencies including the UNHCR, IOM, and NGOs, as appropriate and in conjunction with the CO Manager;
• Assist with the accurate maintenance of START database records including CO scheduling and post-CO data entry, as needed;
• Maintain a current understanding of the US Refugee Program and resettlement issues related to CO;
• Conduct CO class observations and provide feedback to CO Trainers, Sr. Trainers, and SCOPO;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: CO Manager, BKK
Position directly supervises: None
Indirect Reporting: None
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: CO BKK, CO Mae Sot, CO Malaysia, Case Processing, Program Support, and Casework teams
External: USRAP partners, including IOM and UNHCR