Program Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and safety, with a mission to restore dignity and hope to those affected by conflict and disaster. IRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to deliver impactful programs and services to vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Program Assistant role is integral to the National Virtual Program for Professional Advancement (NVPPA), which is a fully virtual initiative aimed at supporting newly arrived refugees. This position serves as the administrative backbone for the program's direct financial assistance, ensuring that requests for disbursement are processed efficiently and accurately. The Program Assistant will work closely with Career Navigators to confirm that all necessary documentation is in place and that the use of funds aligns with the participant's approved Professional Advancement Plan (PAP) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) guidelines. The role requires a high level of organization and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders, including the Finance team and Business Operations team. The Program Assistant will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director and will play a crucial role in ensuring that participants receive the financial support they need to achieve their career goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Assistant include:

• Processing Direct Financial Assistance: Receive requests from Career Navigators, prepare them for administrative review, and ensure compliance with IRC's financial controls. Initiate Purchase Requests or Purchase Orders (PR/PO) and liaise with Finance Coordinators to ensure accurate recording of requests.
• Vendor Management: Ensure new vendors are created in the system before processing requests, collecting necessary information, and maintaining updated vendor documentation.
• Records and Reporting Support: Maintain complete and audit-ready financial assistance records for each participant, ensuring all documentation is accurate and filed appropriately. Record assistance transactions in IRC's financial system and flag any anomalies to the Finance Manager.
• Coordination and Administrative Support: Work with Career Navigators to resolve any issues related to missing documentation or eligibility, respond to vendor inquiries, and participate in regular virtual meetings for program evaluation and maintenance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 1-2 years of demonstrated experience in a human services field, preferably within a nonprofit or social services context. Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to build rapport with clients through various communication channels. The ability to deliver services remotely while maintaining client confidentiality is crucial. Candidates should have experience managing a high volume of requests, demonstrating strong organizational skills, prioritization, and follow-through. Additionally, the ability to build and maintain productive relationships, research workforce and social service systems, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and remote collaboration tools are required. A commitment to anti-racism and equitable service is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An undergraduate degree in a related field is preferred for this position. Candidates with relevant educational backgrounds in social work, human services, or related disciplines will be considered favorably. Additional training or certifications in workforce development, career coaching, or case management may also be beneficial.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 1-2 years of relevant experience in a human services role, particularly in a nonprofit or social services setting. Experience in workforce development, career coaching, or case management is highly desirable. Familiarity with Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) or similar tracking systems is a plus, as is lived experience as a refugee or immigrant, which can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by program participants.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages commonly spoken by refugee populations in the United States.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote and open to candidates with existing work authorization in the United States. The compensation for this role ranges from $19 to $28 per hour, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that emphasize integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.