Cultural Orientation Manager (National Position)

The Resettlement Support Center Asia (RSC Asia), funded by the US State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), assists persons throughout Asia seeking permanent resettlement in the United States. Responsible for a portfolio of 37 countries, RSC Asia: prepares refugee applications for the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) using START (a State Department–managed data system that supports the arrival and resettlement of refugees through technology); provides information to resettlement agencies about arriving refugees and offers cultural orientation training to refugees bound for the United States. RSC Asia is based in Bangkok, Thailand, with sub-offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Mae Sot-based Manager, Cultural Orientation is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day activities of the Cultural Orientation activities in the Mae Sot office, in coordination with the CO Coordinator. The CO Manager is responsible for arranging and providing CO to camp-based populations in Thailand as well as urban populations. The CO Manager is responsible for CO curriculum implementation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), as well as assisting with curriculum development and refinement including targeted programs that address specific populations (i.e. urban caseloads, unaccompanied minors, individuals with disabilities, etc.).This position is responsible for the direct supervision of CO Senior Trainers in the Mae Sot office. The CO Manager will collaborate with partner agencies, NGOs, and CBOs on the ground and stay in close contact with the CO Coordinator regarding Thailand camp-based CO activities. The CO Manager works closely with the CO Mangers in Bangkok, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, and reports to the CO Coordinator.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and monitoring CO budget for overall program activities;
• Assist with the development of the CO training schedule in collaboration with the CO Manager based in Bangkok
• Conduct CO training sessions as needed in camp sites and other RSC Asia locations, including remote sessions;
• Supervise the CO Senior Trainers in Mae Sot.
• Assist with developing and designing the CO curricula;
• Ensure the CO curriculum course content remains current and accurate through communication with other CO program and the CO Coordinator;
• Assist in preparing monthly reports for submission to the CO Coordinator;
• Provide ongoing training and facilitate staff development activities;
• Communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with partner agencies including the UNHCR, IOM, the Regional Refugee Coordinator’s office, the Thai Royal Government offices, numerous NGOs and CBOs;
• Ensure CO Senior Trainers have access to the skills and tools needed for CO implementation;
• In collaboration with the CO Coordinator, ensure an effective program monitoring and evaluation system is in place;
• Work with CO Management at RSC Asia to prepare an annual evaluation report for submission to the CO Coordinator;
• Assist with the accurate maintenance of START database records including CO scheduling and post-CO data entry, as needed;
• Work closely with the Senior CO Program Officer to develop efficient staff class schedules;
• Host visiting delegations and represent the RSC program as required;
• Participate in regular partner meetings in the Mae Sot office;
• Maintain a current understanding of the overall U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, resettlement issues and policies related to CO;
• Oversee the Mae Sot stock of CO materials and ensure the accuracy of CO inventory.
• Maintain close contact with the CO Coordinator;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  CO Coordinator

Position directly supervises:CO Senior Trainers

Indirect Reporting: None
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: CO Bangkok and Malaysia; RSC Case Processing and Casework teams

External: USRAP partners including IOM, UNHCR, Regional Refugee Coordinator’s office, Thai Royal Government offices, CORE

Job Requirements:

Education: University degree in relevant field or equivalent professional experience;

Work Experience:

• Program management and/or staff supervisory experience;
• At least two years of experience in teaching/training adults, preferably in a refugee, or limited literacy context;
• Work experience in refugee resettlement processing is preferable;
• Experience in developing and refining teaching curricula and providing feedback to supervisor in order to improve curricula content;

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners, and clients in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment;
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, work independently, detail-oriented, set priorities, effectively manage time and staff, and meet deadlines;
• Proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and Google Suite; familiar with START preferred;
• Flexibility and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment;
• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and regionally, including remote settings.

Language Skills: Excellent spoken and written English and Thai;

Working Environment: The position is located at the RSC office in Mae Sot.While primarily operating in a standard office work environment, the position does require domestic travel to refugee camp locations and detention centers as well as international travel to support delivery of Cultural Orientation throughout the region. A valid passport and the ability to acquire visas, as necessary, is a requirement.

Application Deadline: 19 July 2024