Program Officer -Remote

Innovative Human Rights NGO Seeks Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative (RRLI) Program Officer

About Asylum Access

Asylum Access believes it’s time to put power back in the hands of people who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries.

Our unique combination of legal empowerment, policy advocacy and global systems change creates conditions in which refugees can live safely, move freely, work legally and go to school. By supporting refugees as they assert their rights, we help restore their power and agency. Our work transforms the traditional approach of endless humanitarian handouts to a sustainable solution that honors refugees’ freedom, dignity and autonomy, and empowers them to make choices about their own lives.

Asylum Access’ global team and family of local civil society organizations advocate to make human rights a reality for refugees throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America. Our national organizations are led and staffed primarily by community members in those countries, and there is strong mutual trust and respect between us and our clients. On the international stage, we work with established institutions to shift the global system to better uphold and promote refugees’ human rights. We can help catalyze and lead systemic transformation because, uniquely among NGOs in the refugee response sector, we focus exclusively on rights and governance.

Project Description

The Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative (RRLI) is a six-organization strong global coalition dedicated to shifting power and resources to refugee-led organizations (RLOs). The initiative is convened by Asylum Access, and includes 5 prominent RLOs around the world: Basmeh & Zeitooneh in Lebanon, Saint Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) in Egypt, Refugiados Unidos in Colombia, Refugees and Asylum Seekers Information Centre (RAIC) in Indonesia, and Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) in Uganda. Together, the initiative aims to assist 45 RLOs to access 20 million USD across 10 countries in 5 years and unlock 20 million USD for RLOs around the world. We were the recent recipient of the USD 10 million Larsen Lam ICONIQ Impact Award, which has kickstarted the effort, and have already awarded 3.6 million in grants to 17 refugee-led organizations.

Position Description

The Program Officer will be a key member of the Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative Implementation Team, concurring with RRLI team members and coalition members to carry out RRLI’s three main programs: the RLO-to-RLO Fund, Strengthening Program, and the RLO

Network.

1. RLO-to-RLO Fund: The Fund is a first of its kind fund by refugee-led organizations, for refugee-led organizations. The Program Officer will unite with team members and coalition members to carry out the Fund’s grantmaking cycle and select a new cohort of grantees.
2. Strengthening Program: Through the Strengthening Program, companions from Coalition member organizations assist current grantees in addressing context-specific barriers and in strengthening systems. The Program Officer will aid companions at Coalition member organizations to be well-positioned to implement the Program.
3. RLO Network: The RLO Network will provide information and opportunities to a larger group of RLOs outside of RRLI’s grantees. The Program Officer will work with the RRLI team and Coalition members to ensure its usefulness for RLOs globally.

The Program Officer will work closely with RRLI’s current Program Officer, and reports to the Coalition Lead.

Key Responsibilities

RLO-to-RLO Fund Implementation and Support

• Work with program team members to carry out the RLO-to-RLO Fund grantmaking cycle, including through revision of applications, coordination of selection committees, and conducting of due diligence alongside RRLI team and Coalition members
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity throughout the application process, including through advocating outreach to RLOs, adequate translation of materials, and implementation of fair criteria
• Contribute to an annual review of grantmaking materials, soliciting feedback from grantees and applicants to improve processes
• Cooperate with program team members to plan and execute the expansion of the RLO-to-RLO Fund to additional countries in the 2024 grantmaking cycle

Liaising with Grantees and Strengthening Program Implementation

• Act as a focal point for a set of RRLI’s grantees, ensuring grant agreement and reporting obligations are understood and met by grantees
• Liaise with Coalition Members to identify areas for strengthening, ensuring that the Strengthening Program’s companions have the information they need to develop personalized plans for grantee strengthening
• Work with RRLI team and Coalition members to develop and implement processes of renewal for current grantees
• Liaise between RLO grantees and RRLI Finance Manager to answer questions related to budgets and financial reporting.

Network Building:

• Work with Coalition members and team members to build a network of refugee-led organizations.

• Act as a focal point for the network members, ensuring network related matters are answered.

• Identify and share important opportunities for refugee-led organizations, such as connections to advocacy spaces or opportunities for funding.

• Facilitate information sharing across the network

• Facilitate alliances between grant recipients and potential stakeholders

• Organize regional and global networking events in association with network members.

• Facilitate participation of the network members in  global meetings, conferences and summits organized by other  networks, INGOs, donors, and government bodies.

Reports to: The Resourcing Leadership Initiative Coalition Lead.

Required Qualifications:

• Prior experience working not-for-profit organization or in philanthropy;
• Exceptional relational skills, with an ability to develop and maintain nuanced relationships according to interests, requirements, and need;
• Passion and significant interest in forced displacement issues;
• Dedication to accessibility and inclusivity in grantmaking;
• Exceptional coordination and organizational skills;
• Notable initiative and ability to take ownership of projects, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively independently and collaboratively in a team environment;
• Fluency in English and the ability to demonstrate excellent oral and writing skills;
• Cultural competence and intelligence, ability to work well in a diverse, multicultural workforce;
• Exceptional willingness to ensure meaningful participation, inclusion and engagement for all team members and external partners;
• Experience working in philanthropy is a significant plus;
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Arabic is a significant plus;
• Prior experience working with refugee-led organizations or involvement in community-led initiatives is an asset;

The ideal candidate must have experienced forced displacement.

Hours and Location of Work:

This is a full-time remote position and candidates should be aware that flexibility regarding working hours is required in order to take off hours calls and meetings with international

colleagues. The Program Officer should be located in the Americas, Europe, Africa, or the Middle East.

Compensation

The position comes with a well-paying nonprofit salary commensurate with experience, and suitable to the location of the Program Officer. The Program Officer will also receive a robust benefits package.

Application Instructions to Candidates

Please send your resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample in English. In your cover letter, please describe your reasons for applying, relevant qualifications, preferred location, and how you learned about the position.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value the expertise of those who have experienced displacement, and encourage people with such lived experience to apply.

For more information about our organization, visit www.asylumaccess.org_._