Job Vacancy: Project Director

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organization 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 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, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects. In Kenya, JRS has two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focusing on Education and Livelihoods and field project in Kakuma Refugee Camp focusing on Education, Integrated psychosocial inclusive Education program in Centers and Safe Shelters.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Context/Role

JRS is seeking to recruit a suitable candidate for the position of Temporary Project Director for Nairobi. The Project Director oversees the overall planning, organizing & implementing, staffing, monitoring & evaluating activities of the project.

The incumbent will guarantee technical oversight and ensure high level of coordination, quality and impact in the projects. He/she will work closely and actively with the JRS country, regional and International Office (IO) teams including beneficiaries and partners.

The Project Director will report to the Country Director.

Leadership

• Under the guidance of the Country Director, the incumbent will provide leadership and direction to project staff and ensure organizational sustainability, by facilitating a high-performance culture within the team, open trustworthy relationships and abide by the humanitarian principles.
• Represent the project team in regular planning meetings with Country Office staff and selected Project staff
• Ensure a relevant, timely and accurate flow of management and operational reports according to program objectives.
• Safeguard the mission, vision, identity, and unity of JRS.

Programs Management and Operations

• Is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Nairobi project and guaranteeing that the Programs strategy is aligned with JRS Country, Regional and International strategic priorities.
• Ensure that staff understand and effectively communicate standards of program
• Is responsible for the planning, need assessments, impact measurement and the M&E of projects, taking necessary follow-up actions, to ensure quality of services to refugees.
• Provides the necessary support to the Country Program Officer in project writing and reports.
• Responsible for the recruitment and orientation of new program staff
• Monitor program and activity expenditures within approved budget
• Manages provision and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure, security needs, and general procurement of needed supplies.
• Ensure program fundraises to support program operations and participant activities
• Keeps the Country Director and the Country Program Officer informed on the project activities by providing regular updates, relevant correspondence, reports and meeting minutes as well as making regular contact.
• Provides technical support to department coordinators in program implementation.
• Ensures safety and security of staff and assets.
• Develop and maintain a program schedule based on grant requirements and priority outcome areas
• Ensure that program collects, stores and reviews data to measure performance outcomes and support a comprehensive evaluation strategy

Personnel Management and Administration

• Supervises the project team to ensure a high-performance culture, open trustworthy relationships and integrity.
• Promotes a culture of learning and development, employee engagement and good stewardship of human capital in the office including incentive staff.
• In conjunction with the Country HR Officer, conduct staff supervision, appraisals, and development of the team.
• Establishes, development and nurture good, fair and transparent relationship with staff.
• Ensures that JRS operations are in compliance with local Government standards and laws for JRS operations in the country.

Finance

• Ensures proper utilization of resources, including prompt accountability of funds and reporting by various departments.
• Oversees the procurement functions of the project in accordance with JRS guidelines and ensures proper utilization of project assets.
• Plans and executes any action required to resolve audit findings in an agreed and timely manner.
• Works with the country and project finance team to ensure a balanced budget guaranteeing a smooth administration of programs finances.
• Is responsible for prompt submission of all financial and narrative reports to the country programs officer.
• Responsible for co-ordination and liaison between JRS and UNHCR, the parish and diocese/other agencies/local government/local communities/displaced camp community and schools.
• Represents JRS at Local level meetings with UNHCR, partners, parish/diocese/local authorities/other agencies as and when required.

Qualification and Competencies

• University degree in Project Management or related field (Development studies, etc.)
• At least Five (5) years of professional experience in an NGO and/or international organization. Having worked with urban refugees is an added advantage.
• Experience of working with ECHO, BPRM, UNHCR, and Church organizations will be considered.
• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and implementation, developing technical and successful proposals for major donors.
• Demonstrated experience in accounting and finance.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalized communities.
• Experience of work in multicultural teams in refugee/IDP settings.
• Must have held supervisory position
• Good analytical skills and sound judgment.
• Successful experience in multicultural and challenging environments.

Core values and ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability 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.

Terms and Conditions

Contract is Temporary for Three 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.