Senior Project Coordinator, Evaluation Alliance for Human Rights (EAHR)

Job Description

Program Background:

IRC is working to build a sustainable, multisite evaluation network to support the rights of people who have been persecuted. Known as the Evaluation Alliance for Human Rights (EAHR), it aims to recruit and train volunteer physicians and mental health professionals to provide critical free medical and psychological evaluations for asylum seekers and individuals seeking other forms of humanitarian legal protection. More than 40% of asylum seekers have been tortured, but often have nothing more than their word to prove it. A medical or mental health evaluation provides corroborating evidence to a case and more than doubles the chance of being granted asylum and, by extension, a chance at achieving stability and better integration outcomes. However, evaluations are often prohibitively expensive; EAHR creates more pathways to access this potentially life-changing resource. The need for services through EAHR remains ever-present as more asylum seekers arrive and face overwhelming obstacles in proving their protection claim and living stable daily lives. In response, IRC is excited to launch a national coordination model for EAHR that will support three locations – two building off of successful pilot programs in Arizona and Washington State, and one new expansion site in Dallas, TX.

Job Overview****:

The Senior Project Coordinator will provide critical assistance, technical expertise, training, and shared resources to assist local offices in building and maintaining EAHR’s infrastructure. Coordinating activities and services around the expanding EAHR network, they will remain in close communication with IRC staff in Arizona, Washington and Dallas, as well as fellow HQ-based staff, and external partners united around the program’s mission to provide access to critical medical and psychological evaluations for individuals seeking asylum and other humanitarian forms of protection.

Major Responsibilities:

· Ensure creation and durability of national technical support hub model of local EAHR branches, focusing on developing program infrastructure (eg, Standard Operating Procedures, best practices);

· Revise and/or develop guidance, forms, processes, etc. as needed;

· Arrange and provide trainings for new and continuing volunteers;

· Onboard new IRC office staff to EAHR network, and providing advisement and support to IRC offices interested in standing up services as part of EAHR;

· Provide ongoing coaching as needed to volunteers and staff;

· Troubleshoot issues as they arise within the network;

· Monitor quality of work at office level (data, scheduling, etc.);

· Establish and run monthly meetings;

· Prepare quarterly reports for Technical Unit team and support development of reports to funders;

· Be lead point in incorporating applicant voices into EAHR program framework and model;

· Process Continuing Education Units (CEU) for volunteers;

· Step in as back-up for regional EAHR Specialists when on leave.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Technical Advisor, Asylum & Protection

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

· Internal: EAHR Clinical Support Coordinator; EAHR Specialists; Health & Wellness Program Managers across several offices; EAHR volunteers, applicants and interpreters; MSW interns; other key staff across offices and HQ technical units, namely Director of Safety, Education and Wellness and Senior Technical Advisor, Safety & Wellness, and other staff within RAI-Program Quality and Innovation (PQI).

· External: Partner organizations and community entities also involved in services for asylum seekers and individuals seeking multiple forms of humanitarian legal protection

Job Requirements:

Education:

· Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in Social Work or similar field of study;

Work Experience:

· Minimum of one year of experience running an asylum evaluation network, or two years of volunteer management experience;

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· An in-depth understanding of the asylum process in the United States, including knowledge of the key systems and actors;

· Expert communication skills (written and verbal) with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex materials and technical topics into key learnings and insights for non-experts, in a cross-cultural environment;

· Practical experience in providing thought leadership, analytical thinking, and translating ideas into long- and short-term organizational strategy.

· Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively;

· Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to cultivate and strengthen internal and external relationships;

· Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member;

· Program development and implementation skills desired;

· Deep commitment to serving communities across immigration statuses facing multiple obstacles and vulnerabilities;

· Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age;

· Follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding;

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Language Skills:

· Fluency in a commonly spoken EAHR client language (ie, Spanish, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, Swahili, among many others) welcome, but not required.

Working Environment:

· Remote work or a hybrid model for the short- to medium-term.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement****: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity****: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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.

The IRC and IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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