Title: Director of International Programs (DIP) / Geneva Representative (GR)
 
Reports To: Managing Director
 
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
 
Classification: Full time, salaried (exempt)
   
Purpose of Position
 
The Director of International Programs/Geneva Representative (DIP/GR) is responsible for:  
 
1) serving as RefugePoint’s local representative in Geneva under the direction of the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The DIP/GR provides inputs into the development of the Agency’s strategies and executes strategic initiatives with guidance from the RefugePoint Headquarters (HQ);
2) interfacing with organizations to build relationships, strengthen collaboration and track emerging and established best practices related to RefugePoint’s activities and interests. Identifies strategic opportunities for consideration in consultation with HQ and Nairobi staff; and
3) managing all aspects of the UNHCR Collaboration Project and privately funded protection staff deployments. This includes planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting on all program-related activities;
4) liaising and coordinating as needed with all functional units of the Agency both at HQ, in Nairobi, and elsewhere on a variety of activities including supporting fundraising, communications, finance and administration, and monitoring and evaluation.
 
The position is based in Geneva, with travel to Boston, Nairobi and other locations in Africa and the US, as well as occasional travel to other international locations.
 
Primary Areas of Responsibility
 
1. Representing the Agency’s vision, goals and objectives in Geneva related to protection, resettlement, stabilization and self-reliance:

• Under the guidance of the CSO, assists in developing the Agency’s strategic vision and executes strategies to ensure that programs evolve in accordance with the vision.
• Closely monitors the refugee landscape in Africa and globally to detect emerging needs in the field and communicates needs and opportunities with the CSO and other senior management for consideration. Continuously scans the environment and feeds information to the CSO and senior management to support decision-making for prioritizing Agency resources to meet identified needs and to take advantage of strategic opportunities.
• Continuously surveys the work of partner organizations, academics, and others in the field to identify best practices and successful innovations. Summarizes findings for the CSO and other senior managers at HQ and Nairobi offices. Participates with team members in assessing how to best incorporate best practices and innovations into relevant programs.
• Continuously explores opportunities to expand and strengthen the Agency’s programs and promote the Agency’s vision, in consultation with the CSO.

 
2. Representing the Agency to external partners:

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with appropriate counterparts of a wide array of operational partners, including UNHCR, governments, NGOs and donors.
• Promotes the development of a community of practice among NGOs interested in and capable of contributing to international resettlement efforts.
• Identifies opportunities for RefugePoint staff to present the Agency’s work and aims at international conferences, workshops, and other venues and presents at such fora, as appropriate.
• Explores opportunities for establishing linkages and new partnerships with international relief and development agencies, academics, government representatives, and others interested in promoting solutions for refugees.
• As requested and appropriate, represents the Agency, under the guidance of the CSO, in external networks such the Solutions Alliance, ICVA, InterAction, and Refugee Council USA.

 
3. Overseeing the Agency’s collaboration project with UNHCR, privately funded deployments and other strategic initiatives:

• In collaboration with UNHCR and other partners, supervises designated staff to ensure effective planning and implementation of the Agency’s programs, with particular attention to setting targets, achieving outcomes, encouraging professional development, and maintaining staff morale.  Continuously reviews, maintains, and improves systems for program management.
• Oversees an effective recruiting system for program staff, including comprehensive, training, orientation, and onboarding.
• Ensures smooth logistical coordination with UNHCR and other partners.
• Conducts regular monitoring and evaluation, including to project sites, to ensure effective implementation of program activities.
• With leadership from the Associate Director of Finance and Administration (ADFA), ensures that effective systems are in place at all times to monitor the welfare and security of program staff and respond to any emergencies or other security concerns as they arise.
• In conjunction with the ADFA, ensures that all contractual requirements are met.  Maintains operational and administrative policies for program staff by developing appropriate handbooks, standard operating procedures, and other guiding documents.  Continuously monitors operational budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal use of resources.
• Ensures the completion of timely, accurate program narrative and financial reports both internally and for donors and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensures the overall high quality and ethical standards of the relevant programs.

 
4. Liaising and coordinating with all functional units of the Agency both at HQ, in Nairobi, and elsewhere:

• As requested and appropriate, represents and supports the execution of the Agency’s fundraising, communications, and advocacy initiatives.
• Participates in RefugePoint Board meetings and other internal fora as requested.

 
Required Qualifications
 

• University degree in a related field and at least 10 years of refugee-related work experience.
• At least 5 years of refugee resettlement experience at the management level.
• At least 5 years of direct experience working with African refugees.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present at major UN conferences.
• Significant experience managing UN implementing partner agreements, including all aspects of project management (recruiting, hiring, training, budgeting, financial tracking, reporting, logistics, quality assurance, etc.).
• Significant familiarity with UNHCR and its policies and procedures for partners.
• Familiarity with international collaborative bodies such as the Solutions Alliance, ICVA, and InterAction.
• Ability to work remotely in an effective, consultative manner with HQ, serving as RefugePoint’s sole staff member and representative in Geneva.
• Commitment to RefugePoint’s mission of providing lasting solutions to the world’s most vulnerable refugees.
• Excellent English language communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel extensively internationally, including to the U.S. and throughout Africa and to obtain necessary visas for travel. Estimated 20% time travelling.
• Experience working with refugees in Africa preferred.