Pre-Screening Manager
Reports to: Field Team Coordinator
Division: Operations
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: 7 (I)
Starting Salary: $40,000
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.
Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.
To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
This position is open to international applicants.
Please note RSC Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.
Primary Purpose
This position is responsible for the overall management of pre-screening activities and the supervision of the Pre-Screening Supervisors and staff, ensuring that processing completed by staff in the field or in the office is done in an efficient and effective manner while adhering to current RSC Africa standard operating procedures, PRM and USCIS guidelines.
Supervision
This position directly supervises the Regional Field Team Supervisors and indirectly supervises Team Leaders, Caseworkers, Casework Assistants.
This position reports to the Field Team Coordinator.
Essential Duties
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of case processing guidelines, the US Refugee Admissions Program and country conditions throughout the Sub-Saharan African region and ensure adherence to established RSC Africa, CWS/IRP, PRM, USCIS and UNHCR policies and procedures regarding eligibility, processing, treatment of records and confidentiality.
- Responsible for ensuring that all RSC Africa Pre-Screening activities, from planning, to scheduling, to processing, are completed in an efficient and effective manner and are in line with USRAP priorities for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Oversee development of regional circuit ride schedules and staffing in coordination with the Field Team Coordinator and Deputy Director for Operations.
- Develop and maintain accurate standard operating procedures for the entire Pre-Screening unit, in cooperation with the Regional Field Team Supervisors, Adjudications Manager, Family Reunification Specialist, Field Team Coordinator and senior management.
- Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Regional Field Team Supervisors, including conducting performance evaluations, participating in hiring, and coordinating leave.
- Coordinate closely with other departments at RSC Africa, including Adjudications, In and Out Processing, Public Information, Data Integrity, Security and Human Resources, to ensure consistency in processing and staffing.
- Develop and maintain good professional relationships with external partners including UNHCR, IOM and USCIS.
- Travel to processing locations throughout the region to monitor teams and/or assess viability of new processing locations as needed.
- Evaluate and assess training needs of Pre-Screening Staff and Supervisors, take the lead in organizing and providing trainings on a regular basis.
- Liaise regularly with the Staff Security Coordinator to ensure security of staff in the field
- Monitor staff time and attendance and performance
- Other duties as assigned by RSC Africa Management
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
Master's degree in a related field of study is preferred.
Experience:
Two and a half years of related experience, including program management, is required.
Minimum of 2 years of previous supervisory experience is preferred.
Previous experience living and/or working in a developing country is preferred. Previous experience living and/or working in Africa is preferred. Previous experience with overseas processing or US refugee resettlement experience is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
Thorough knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program and WRAPS database. Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Access. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong verbal and written English language skills.
Abilities:
Ability to exercise good judgement and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems. Ability to travel extensively throughout the regions, sometimes on short notice and under difficult conditions. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude. Ability to deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public. Ability to conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP. Ability to maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail. Ability to carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision; Ability to work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa. Ability to take initiative in the development and completion of projects. Ability to lead others and address issues as they arise. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information. Ability to manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities. Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions. Ability to work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation. Ability to effectively manage RSC Africa's resources. Ability to 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 loads of up to 30 Kg or 67 lbs.
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
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 extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa.
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
How to apply
To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
This position is open to international applicants.
Please note RSC Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.
