Senior Program Officer, Livelihoods in Emergencies , the Women's Refugee Commission, NYC

Senior Program Officer, Livelihoods in Emergencies

BACKGROUND: The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) works to improve the lives and defend the rights of refugee and internally displaced women, children and young people. As an advocacy organization, the Commission is dedicated to bringing about systemic changes that lead to greater respect for the rights of uprooted women, children and young people. The organization strives to effect policy change with broad, worldwide impact.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The WRC will undertake a year-long project focused on ensuring livelihood programs implemented during emergencies are effective and safe for participants, that they do not heighten risks of sexual and gender-based violence but, in fact, help to mitigate those risks. The Program Officer will conduct assessments of livelihood programs implemented during emergencies, review partner NGOs proposals to see how protection and risk mitigation are included, and develop field guidance for emergency responders, humanitarian practitioners and donors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Implementation

• Identify and coordinate/partner with NGOs implementing livelihood programs in emergencies.
• Undertake 1 – 2 field assessment missions to real-time emergencies to analyze and document if and how protection and risk mitigation is being included in emergency livelihood programs.
• Review livelihood project proposals and assess if/how protection and risk mitigation are/are not being included.
• Analyze findings and capture learning in summary report.
• Design guidance for emergency responders and donors on building protection and risk mitigation into their emergency livelihood programs.
• Develop distribution strategy for guidance document.
• Prepare and assist with implementation of advocacy/communications strategy for guidance launch and rollout.
• Engage humanitarian economic programming practitioners in the Commission’s livelihood work.

Financial Responsibilities

• Prepare donor reports
• Oversee and manage project budget.
• Coordinate with the Senior Finance Officer on donor financial reporting requirements.

Research and Writing

• Manage and conduct desk and field research and assessments, as needed, to further develop and refine program guidance and collect further data.
• Write, edit, produce and distribution of program documents, including reports, guidance, possible journal articles and other materials.

Advocacy and Public Education

• In collaboration with senior staff, develop, implement and support advocacy campaigns designed to enhance economic opportunities for displaced women and youth.
• Provide technical expertise and policy advice internally (Women's Refugee Commission staff and board) and externally (policy makers in governments, UN agencies, NGOs) on economic issues affecting displaced women and youth.
• Represent the Women's Refugee Commission on refugee livelihood issues to a variety of audiences, including with policy makers, government and U.N. officials, at public events, meetings, conferences, with media, and other venues as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Master’s Degree in international affairs, economics, political science, non-profit management or related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of field experience in humanitarian assistance including in emergency contexts – ideally implementing economic programs serving displaced populations.
3. Minimum 2 - 3 years project management experience in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance and emergency response programs.
4. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in economic programs targeting displaced populations (refugees, internally displaced persons, and/ returning populations).
5. Strong research skills covering qualitative and mixed method research methodologies, literature reviews, and research analysis.
6. Excellent writing and communication skills, including synthesis of research findings, policy analysis and reports to donors.
7. Proven record of effective project management, demonstrating the ability to ensure that projects are carried out on time, within budget, and producing products of excellent quality.
8. Strong organizational skills..
9. Ability to travel – approximately 20% time.
10. Proven record as a team player, demonstrating flexibility and diplomacy.
11. Excellent written and spoken English; working knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.
12. Good Computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software.

Reports to:             Senior Director for Programs
                               Women’s Refugee Commission
Location:                New York, NY
Posted:                  March 29, 2013
Closing Date:         April 30, 2013
To Apply Click Here

The Women’s Commission considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

The Women’s Commission is an equal opportunity employer.