Temporary Cultural Orientation Senior Trainer at Church World Service

Primary Purpose

This position is primarily responsible for daily oversight of Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Cultural Orientation (CO) circuit rides (CR) throughout the region (solo CRs and leading groups), in accordance with US Refugee Admission Program (USRAP) guidelines and RSC Africa CO standard operating procedures. This position also provides cultural orientation training to refugees approved for resettlement to the United States, while actively overseeing all aspects of the implementation of CO circuit rides, including the preparation for and implementation of training for diverse populations, circuit ride logistics and security, standard operating procedures and relationships with CWS/RSC Africa partners in the field. Trainings take place in urban and camp locations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, often under difficult work conditions.                                                                                                                                

Supervision

The position reports directly to the Cultural Orientation Manager. 

Essential Duties

1. Leads team CRs and serves on solo CRs across the region; assists with the logistical planning and coordination of circuit rides and manages logistics in the field; ensures that standard operating procedures are being followed and consults with CWS/RSC Africa management staff regarding matters of concern.
2. Takes lead of team/group CO circuit rides and oversees training activities for CO classes conducted in the field, at IOM Transit Centers and in the RSC office.
3. Prepares for CO circuit rides by reviewing information about the location and participants to be trained, developing lesson plans specific to those participants, coordinating and assisting with the gathering and packing of necessary training materials, the hiring of interpreters and child minders, and the printing of class lists and name tags.
4. Finalizes CO class lists for assigned circuit rides and schedules circuit rides in Worldwide Refugee Admissions Program System (WRAPS). Also, supports the CO Manager with scheduling cases as necessary.
5. Observes CO trainings and provides feedback to the CO Trainers on training content and delivery and reports the same to the CO Manager.
6. Maintains effective relations with UNHCR, IOM, and other implementing partners in accordance with established policies and guidelines as a representative of the RSC and CWS/IRP.
7. As assigned by the CO Manager, serves as the point of contact on security matters for the CO team while in the field.
8. Conducts cultural orientation in urban and camp locations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
9. Manages the supervising and paying of interpreters during CRs.
10. Participates in training and on-boarding new staff.
11. Ensures technology and equipment used on CRs are well-managed and utilized.
12. Maintains current knowledge of the US and US Refugee Admissions Program.
13. Updates WRAPS to reflect participation in CO.
14. Writes and submits a trip report upon the CR return within deadline.
15. Schedules and facilitates circuit ride briefings and debriefings.
16. Liaises with other departments within RSC Africa to ensure CO field staff have the administrative support and resources they need to effectively carry out their jobs.
17. Develops and coordinates training and other professional development opportunities for CO Trainers.
18. In the absence of the CO Manager, oversees the RSC Africa refugee CO and RSC Africa CO circuit rides group email addresses.
19. Works on projects related to CO curriculum development, training materials development and other aspects of the CO division as assigned.
20. Performs other duties which may be assigned by the CO Coordinator and or CO Manager to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the CO division.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of related work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Certificate in course development, training development, instructional design, or an applicable training is preferred.

Experience:

2 years related experience is required.

3 years training experience is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and innovative training skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, Outlook).
• Thorough knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the Worldwide Refugee Admissions Processing System (WRAPS) database and Operations Policies and Procedures.

Abilities:

The Senior Trainer must have the ability to:

• travel to the field as needed
• take initiative in formulating training plans;
• travel occasionally, sometimes at short notice;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow instructions from the CO Manager with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects;
• lead others and address issues as they arise;
• maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities
• analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires sitting, handling objects (manual dexterity) and using fine finger movements.