Regional Programmes Officer

General Purpose of the Position

The Jesuit Refugee Service MENA Regional Programmes Officer for Jordan and Syria is responsible for coordinating and supporting programming along with managing grants. As a member of the regional team, they play a pivotal role in establishing programme priorities and strategy after careful assessments of needs, regularly visiting projects in the region and working closely with country and project directors, as well as partner agencies and organizations.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. Programme management at the regional level:

1. Supports the Country Directors for the planning, delivery, and review of JRS projects within the region, in coordination with the Regional Director and the Regional Head of Programmes – Grant Management;
2. Reviews project proposals, budgets, and reports developed by country teams according to JRS standards and ensures timely submission according to donor requirements (funding proposals/reports);
3. Supports the Regional M&E Officer in the monitoring of project activities;
4. Provides guidance and capacity building to JRS Project Directors and coordinators on project proposal writing, reporting, management and evaluation according to JRS standards and guidelines;
5. Provides support for regular assessments, analyzes the needs of target groups, and suggests new initiatives to the Regional Director, Regional Head of Programmes – Grant Management, and Country Directors;
6. Coordinates with the M&E officers, Country Directors, and Project Directors for the design and delivery of project baselines and end-line evaluations;
7. Ensures that JRS applies the conditions and standards documented in the JRS Exit Strategies Guidelines.

2. Relations with partner and donor agencies:

1. Maintains close working relations with JRS’ partner agencies, other international humanitarian and development organizations, and funding agencies;
2. Represents JRS in coordination meetings with partners, donors, and other stakeholders as required;
3. Facilitates relations between the JRS Regional Director and external agencies;
4. Identifies opportunities for new partnerships and contributes towards their formation.

3. Programme Finances:

1. Routinely monitors project funding and expenditure in close coordination with the Regional Finance team and country teams to ensure spending is in line with approved budgets and income;
2. Assists the Regional Director in identifying funding opportunities;
3. Reviews the developed annual budgets by the Regional Finance team.

4. Support: 

1. Conducts visits to country and project offices on a regular basis for programme monitoring and support;
2. Participates in and/or leads country meetings or workshops as needed and/or requested;
3. Provides capacity-building support to offices and projects as necessary and/or requested;
4. Communicates regularly with the JRS International Office team, keeping them abreast of all major issues and programmatic developments within the region.

5. Collaboration with regional team:

1. Works closely with other staff in the regional office to fulfil key functions and coordinate regional programming efforts;
2. Attends regular team meetings, planning meetings and workshops as required;
3. Cooperates with the Regional Finance team, M&E Officer, Education Officer, Protection and Advocacy Officer, Communications Officer, and Human Resources Officer to ensure successful operations.

Availability

• Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the Regional Head of Programmes – Grant Management that are within the ambit of the position.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• Compassion and strong commitment for refugees and other displaced people;
• Advanced university degree in a field such as management, social sciences, international humanitarian development or any other related discipline;
• At least six years of practical work experience with donor-funded programmes, particularly with INGOs in a similar setting;
• Experience in programme design, proposal writing, and multi-donor fund management;
• Experience with institutional donors such as ECHO, BPRM or UN agencies;
• Understanding of protection standards (e.g. SPHERE standards);
• Strong assessment, analytical, strategic-thinking, and planning skills/experience;
• Ability to work under pressure and within strict timelines;
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Integrity, honesty, flexibility and a good team worker;
• Fluency in verbal and written English. Good verbal and written Arabic. French is an asset;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel;
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalised communities of diverse backgrounds;
• Ability and willingness to travel to JRS project sites and adapt to modest living and working conditions;
• Working experience with faith-based organizations is an asset.