Job: Program Specialist

Location: New York
Deadline: Friday, 26 July 2013 

Description

Primary Purpose:
This position acts as the primary point of contact for designated CWS local resettlement offices with whom the incumbent liaises and provides technical assistance. The Program Specialist is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating designated local affiliate outcomes and national records related to both the US Refugee and Matching Grant Programs. The Program Specialist will develop training materials and resources to support the daily work of local offices, and headquarters. S/he engages in continuous self-education about the Reception and Placement (R&P) and Matching Grant Programs, becoming familiar with all polices, documents, forms, manuals and consulting regularly with other national resettlement agencies. An important prerequisite of this position’s function is the ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team in a collegial manner.
Essential Duties:
  • Maintains day-to-day contact with local resettlement staff and other partners.
  • Provides guidance to local in overall budgeting, planning and program implementation processes.
  • Monitors designated local sites and sub-offices for compliance with the guidelines of the R&P and Matching Grant programs. Documents findings and presents recommendations for corrective actions.
  • Assists in preparing the written response to the annual Requests for Proposal to the US Dept. of State and the US Office of Refugee Resettlement.
  • Responsible for writing and developing resources materials for programmatic compliance.
  • Participates in the planning, preparation and implementation of CWS conferences and training events.
  • Develops and leads both remote and in-person training sessions.
  • Works individually or as part of a team to complete assigned projects in a timely manner
  • Communicates regularly with colleagues in the Processing and Resettlement Departments regarding activities and issues.
  • Performs other duties as requested.
Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from High School or GED, supplemented by two years of training in immigration work; or a degree in particular area of work to be performed; or five years work experience.
Experience: Experience in a local or national resettlement program. General office work, processing information and materials while maintaining records and files. Experience in working with database software. Strong writing skills a must.
Competencies: Communications: 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 constituent 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. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.
Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.
Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals. Understand how to work multiculturally 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. Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human†side in sight.
Leadership: Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work style to perform independently or within a team. Model behaviors that are consonant with the mission and values of CWS 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 within CWS. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan.
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 works, including global trends, issues, and the ecumenical movement. Exercise creativity in 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’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.
Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Promote CWS’s mission, programs and services with stakeholders to assure continued support. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS 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. Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers. Prepare reports on program status relative to budget and finances.
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.

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