Program Officer, VR&P Processing

Background

From March 2022 – March 2023, the International Rescue Committee launched and implemented a first-of-its-kind service model for the resettlement of 556 Afghan Humanitarian Parolees (AHPs) who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome. Via a comprehensive and personalized virtual case management model, the Virtual Afghan Placement and Assistance (VAPA) program provided per capita direct assistance, client-led case management, and resources and referrals for the successful resettlement of these new arrivals. Building off of this award-winning program, the IRC now implements the Virtual Reception & Placement (VR&P) program for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, the Virtual Resettlement Line for humanitarian parolees, and the Welcome Corps Support Line for private sponsor groups welcoming newcomers through the Welcome Corps.

Using the model developed during VAPA and further advanced for the current iteration of the VR&P program, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) aims to meet the ambitious goal of receiving and resettling up to 10,000 individuals in FY24 from the Western Hemisphere and Operation Enduring Welcome platforms. This project will include coordinating steps overseas, partnering with a variety of stakeholders across the United States, and effectively establishing relationships in a virtual setting.

The Program Officer, VR&P Processing manages initial placements and assurances as a part of the Processing team within IRC’s US Programs Department. The Program Officer ensures accurate and timely submission of assurances and delivers regular updates and trainings to IRC field offices and VR&P Staff. The Program Officer reports to the Program Officer, Assurances and works closely with other US Programs staff and external partners.

Major Responsibilities

• Manage the shared VR&P Assurances mailbox, ensuring timely responses to inquiries from VR&P staff and partners, and effectively organizing email correspondence.
• Oversee the placement and assurance process for all VR&P IRC cases in close coordination with VR&P staff.
• Act as a liaison with RPC and RSC teams to facilitate necessary case follow-ups, ensuring VR&P staff have accurate and current biodata information.
• Support VR&P staff by reviewing and maintaining medical documentation as needed.
• Develop expertise in the processing functionality of USRAP information systems, including IRIS, ETO, and START. Participate in user testing for new functionality and enhancements and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date subject matter expertise in R&P program requirements and PRM guidance. Analyze the impact of new requirements, identify gaps and process improvements, and assess compliance.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Officer for Data Quality and Visualization to enhance tracking of core processing metrics and create quality assurance reports.
• Analyze trends across the network and advise the Senior Program Officer of Processing on areas of concern.
• Serve as a backup for other processing functions within the department as needed.
• Undertake other ad-hoc projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Officer, Assurances

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Program Officer, Assurances
Position directly supervises: n/a

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Processing team colleagues; VR&P colleagues, RAI HQ colleagues; RAI US field colleagues

External: Refugee Processing Center, Resettlement Support Centers, Other Resettlement Agencies, IOM, PRM

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree; advanced degree a plus.
• 3-5+ years of experience in refugee resettlement field; demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the US resettlement program.
• Strong computer skills: advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel; Adobe; familiarity with IRIS and WRAPS/START a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• Solid diplomatic and networking skills: the ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships.
• Multi-cultural sensitivity and ability to work as a member of a team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines; exceptional attention to detail.
• The ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment; aptitude for ongoing learning and adjusting to frequent changes in processes.

Working Environment***:***

• Standard office work environment

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.