The Organisation
JRS began working in the MENA region in July 2008, responding to the needs of Iraqi refugees. Today JRS accompanies, serves, and advocates on behalf of refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable host community members in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. JRS programmes in the region deliver multisectoral interventions including home visits, emergency assistance, child and adult education, mental health and psychosocial support, social services, protection, health care, livelihoods, community building and advocacy programmes.
General Purpose of the Position
The Country Director – Jordan is responsible for the strategic leadership of JRS work at the country level. S/he manages the resources of the organization and sets direction for the team while providing the necessary support.
The Country Director plays a strong role in concretizing JRS’s approach to displacement through innovation and effective advocacy, is accountable for all aspects of JRS’s work, and strengthens existing accountability mechanisms. The position encompasses additional responsibilities such as the development and implementation of project proposals, administration of JRS country finances, the evaluation of and withdrawal from projects, and the maintenance of relations with the local Church, the Society of Jesus, and local and international organizations.
The Country Director reports directly to the Regional Director.
Main Responsibilities of the Position
1. Direction of the Work of JRS at the Country Level
– Safeguards the vision, identity, and unity of JRS at the country and project level;
– On consultation with the Regional Director and the Project Directors, enters into negotiations and creates agreements with the Church or funding agencies;
– With the approval of the Regional Director, signs agreements with local stakeholders;
– Takes initiatives and leads the development of project proposals with the Project Directors, for presentation to the Regional Director, Regional Grants team, and the Advisory Council for their approval;
– Directs and supports the implementation of JRS work at the country level;
– Takes the lead for the creation of a country short-term and long-term strategy based on most significant needs of the communities served, JRS expertise, and donors funding interests, in line with JRS Global Strategic Framework, in coordination with Core Team and the Regional Office; to be approved by the Regional Director;
– Serves as the direct line manager of the core team members of the Country Office and the Project Directors;
– Works closely with the lawyer/ legal firm, in coordination with the HR Officer and Liaison, to ensure that all JRS activities, operations and processes are in line with the country legal regulations and laws;
– Conducts regular meetings with the Country Office Core team and project directors, for the purpose of tackling challenges and suggesting possible solutions, to guarantee the best progress and achievement of the different projects’ activities according to the set plans;
– Operates and manages the Country Office;
– Facilitates reflection on and internal evaluation of projects through annual staff retreats, and, when necessary, determines how an exit strategy is managed;
– Signs contracts with JRS collaborators and ends contracts, when necessary, in consultation with the Regional Director.Ensures safeguarding is integrated in all phases of the project cycle;
– Manages and follows up the project approval process, and reporting with line ministries according to the governmental policies, pathways and Jordan response plan (JORISS).
2. Care for Personnel
– Ensures, in coordination with Project Directors, the recruitment of professional staff members who meet the requirements of the different roles at the Projects and Country levels, and reflect JRS mission, identity and values;
– Conducts regular visits to Project Directors and teams in the field, to listen and give support to each JRS team member. In case of challenges, draw these to the attention of the HR team, Project Director, or Regional Director, as appropriate;
– Ensures that JRS members receive induction, orientation, and training in their different departments;
– Gives special care to JRS staff, making sure they receive necessary support, breaks, and holidays;
– In situations of crisis within the country, decides on security measures for JRS staff in accordance with the JRS Security Guidelines, after consultation with the Regional and Project Directors;
– Ensures coaching and counselling advice to staff as needed and leads initiatives for capacity building.
3. Administration and Finance
– Supervises country finances and accounts and guarantees that projects are supplied with the necessary operating funds;
– Supports the annual process of project level planning and budgeting;
– Supports the annual financial audit at the country level;
– Renders any other necessary administrative or logistical services to the projects and the region;
– Acts as the official delegate and signatory for all bank procedures and correspondences.
4. Procurement and Logistics
– Supervises and supports the Logistics Officer and the Project Directors, ensuring that materials and equipment needed for the Country and Project Office are obtained at the best possible prices and according to JRS procurement policies;
– Holds final approval power for the purchase of assets and the release of requested cash;
– In collaboration with the Country communication/Advocacy officer and Country liaison officer ensures to request officially for approvals for JRS events and gatherings though the TAKAMUL Platform.
5. Communication
– Maintains regular communication and reporting to the Regional Director on major issues and developments in the country or in JRS;
– Communicates on a frequent basis with Project Directors and passes on to teams all relevant information regarding the situation in the country, that of refugees and other vulnerable groups, government policies, and other news relevant to JRS;
– Ensures a close and healthy relationship of conversation and dialogue with the Jesuit community in Jordan.
6. Representation of JRS
– Establishes and ensures excellent relations with beneficiaries, the local Church, relevant government ministries, Local and International NGOs, and UN agencies;
– Represents JRS at national-level coordination meetings that are relevant to JRS work.
7. Fundraising, Networking, and Advocacy
– Navigates fundraising opportunities to ensure solid growth of the country portfolio;
– In conjunction with the Regional Director, informs key JRS advocacy offices (Rome, Geneva, Brussels, and USA) about significant advocacy needs, sharing with them relevant information from the projects;
– Animates and supports local church structures in addressing issues involving refugees and other vulnerable groups.
8. Accountability and Quality
– Ensures that JRS standard regulations and operational procedures (Code of Conduct, CHS standards, etc.) are followed;
– Ensures the proper implementation of JRS’ Policy on the Accountability to Affected Populations.
Undertakes any other duties that are within the ambit of the position as assigned by the Regional Director.
Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes
– Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Administration, or any other related field;
– At least ten years of practical work experience that includes managing complex humanitarian operations in challenging environments;
– Solid Experience in Project Cycle Management, including Needs Assessments, Project Design, Budgeting, Human Resources, Implementation, and MEAL;
– Solid experience in managing complex grants;
– Preferable: Experience with working with multiple donors, grants, and institutional funds with varying requirements;
– Experience in managing protection, social cohesion, peace-building, intercultural dialogue, education, livelihoods, MHPSS projects;
– Demonstrable experience in fundraising and advocacy, at local, regional, and international levels;
– Demonstrable experience in coordination across local, regional, and international mechanisms;
– Working experience with faith-based organizations is an asset;
– Previous experience working with refugee communities, especially refugee minorities in Jordan, is an asset;
– Demonstrable experience of, and capacity for, working collaboratively as part of a team;
– Empathetic, compassionate, and humble approach to supporting and accompanying members of refugee communities, and other vulnerable community members;
– Preferable: knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations in Jordan for project approvals and implementation, coordination with ministries, local laws, humanitarian sector coordination mechanisms;
– Having an innovative and creative mindset, open to propose and apply innovation and creativity into project proposals and activities;
– Previous experience in the Middle East region, and in Jordan, is preferable;
– Fluency in verbal and written English; Arabic is desirable;
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel;
– Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and planning skills;
– Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment with a multi-national staff;
– Demonstrated ability to work in limited resources settings;
– Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment;
– Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills with the ability to lead teams and deal with complex and/or divisive issues, and to build trust and instill confidence;
– Strong dedication and commitment to staff care and support;
– Capacity to work independently with limited supervision and support;
– Openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
– Ability to respond positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
– Highly organized and diligent, attentive to detail and follow through;
– Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills;
– Ability and willingness to travel to JRS project sites and adapt to modest living and working conditions.
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 sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters at all times;
– High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations, and information;
– Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.
How to apply
Applications are to be sent by email to mena.hr.applications@jrs.net, marked Country Director – Jordan in the subject line. Both the CV and the cover letter should be in English and are to be sent as word or pdf attachments. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining JRS. The salary range for the position is in the area of 2,500- 3,000 USD per month.
Recruitment shall be subject to open competition without regard to race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and beliefs, and to political affiliation, social status, mother tongue and ethnic. Talents acquisition shall be made taking into account the importance of recruiting and maintaining a geographically diverse and gender-balanced workforce.
At the heart of our efforts is our engagement with marginalised and displaced communities, especially with vulnerable adults and children. These groups are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. JRS is committed to the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) of all JRS beneficiaries by JRS personnel. JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about SEAH by JRS personnel.
