Title: Public Information Manager
Reports to: Deputy Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: 6 (I)
Starting Salary: $36,500
Status: Exempt
RSC Africa
The Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Africa operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Benefits
CWS Global and RSC Africa offer a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes a modest housing stipend, company life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, vision coverage, a non-participatory 5% retirement contribution, 22 vacation days a year, 3 personal days per calendar year, 1 day of sick leave per month, AD&D insurance, Bereavement leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and optional dental coverage.
EEOC
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or the provision of services.
Eligibility List
The eligibility list established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. This list will be used to fill any current and immediate future vacancies. Individuals who are interested in should submit their applications materials now.
Please Note: Please ensure you provide HR of a means to contact you.
HR will use the e-mail you provided in Applicant Stack as the official means of communications for the recruitment process.
This position is open to international applicants.
Primary Purpose
This position is responsible for the management of the Public Information Unit and ensures the timeliness and accuracy of all RSC Africa communications with stakeholders. This includes tasks such as managing responses to inquiries, developing public information campaigns, and facilitating official visitors to RSC Africa.
Supervision
The position directly supervises the Public Information Supervisor, Public Information Team Leader and indirectly supervises a minimum of four Case Processing Assistants.
This position reports to the Deputy Director for Operations.
Essential Duties
- Maintains a thorough operational knowledge of RSC Africa.
- Establishes and/or reviews protocols for responding to inquiries from different stakeholders.
- Monitors accuracy, timeliness and compliance with protocols of all out-going communication.
- Handles sensitive information with discretion and ensures that staff adhere to confidentiality SOPs.
- Serves as the focal point for all public information activities of the RSC.
- Develops procedures to improve communication with refugees on individual case inquiries as well as the overall USRAP process. This includes working closely with the Cultural Orientation Unit as well as Operations to develop information sessions and brochures on the USRAP process and requirements.
- Occasionally travels to field locations to disseminate and present information to either partners or refugees.
- In conjunction with the operations and cultural orientation staff as well as the staff security coordinator, collects data on refugee populations and locations to improve the quality and depth of background information processing staff have of the region.
- Provides regular quantitative and qualitative updates to internal management regarding communication trends, such as topics, timelines for responses, etc.
- Develops long-range communication plans that include measurable goals.
- Provides direct supervision and leadership to the staff of the correspondence unit, including yearly performance evaluations, monitoring professional development, participating in hiring and coordinating leave.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study required.
Experience: 2 years of related experience is required. Supervisory experience is required.
Overseas processing or US refugee resettlement experience and public relations experience is preferred. Experience working overseas preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
• Thorough knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program.
• Excellent computer skills, in particular Microsoft Word and Graphics software.
• Strong English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Abilities:
The Public Information Manager must have the ability to:
• travel in sub-Saharan Africa;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects;
• lead others and address issues as they arise;
• maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
Working Conditions
Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.
Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.
Special Requirements
The position is open to international applicants. Background check which includes references and an educational criminal check is required before the start of employment. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.
Licensing/Certification
None
Competencies
Communication
Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Anticipate needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them. Understand and is able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS and RSC Africa. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS and RSC Africa policy.
Relationships
Understand who stakeholders, partners and internal/external customers are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders, partners and internal/ external customers. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural and ethnic issues. Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, plan and implement services and activities, and coordinate resolutions to problems. Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships and flesh out details of those relationships within the context of CWS’s mission, values and policies. Participate in developing recommendations and implementing policies governing relations with stakeholders. Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective constituent relationships.
Job Knowledge
Understand the mission and values of CWS and RSC Africa and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS and RSC Africa in achieving goals. Understand how to work multi-culturally with sensitivity and integrity. Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently. Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Maintain and improve the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in performing job responsibilities. Apply CWS and RSC Africa policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders.
Teamwork
Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Promote effective interactions among team members and facilitate group discussion. Participates in identifying and establishing work needs and time lines for completion. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.
Problem Solving
Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, then implement approved changes. Understand and apply knowledge of the context in which CWS and RSC Africa works, including global trends and issues. Resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.
Program Planning and Management
Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS and RSC Africa's work. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Set and communicate deadlines and priorities. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others. Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities. Keep other informed of work progress and any problems encountered. Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.
Leadership
Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work style to perform independently or within a team. Model behaviors that are consistent with the mission, vision and values of CWS and RSC Africa in work activities and relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Facilitate the use of skills and resources. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS and RSC Africa's vision and strategic plan. Demonstrate ability to develop, guide and direct staff in all aspects of program responsibility.
Resource Building and Stewardship
Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Promote CWS and RSC Africa's mission, vision, values, programs and services with stakeholders to assure continued support. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS and RSC Africa to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS and RSC Africa. Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers. Prepare reports on program status relative to budget and finances
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