1. Background

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization that advocates for and serves refugees and other forcibly displaced people. JRS provides support in areas such as education, livelihoods, peacebuilding, and protection.

In Cameroon, the Northwest and Southwest regions have experienced significant conflict, leading to widespread displacement. JRS is focused on delivering essential services to vulnerable populations, especially in the areas of livelihoods, education, MHPSS (mental health and psychosocial support), protection, and peacebuilding.

2. Overall, Purpose of the Role

Project Director will oversee the operational, financial, and programmatic activities of JRS in both regions. The role involves leadership in the management of humanitarian programs, coordination with key stakeholders, and ensuring that programs are implemented efficiently and effectively, in line with JRS’s mission and donor requirements.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1. Program Management and Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of JRS programs in the Region, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Supervise field staff, ensuring effective delegation of tasks and monitoring of results.
• Ensure that programs are responsive to community needs and that they are regularly adapted based on field assessments.
• Coordinate with sector leads (Livelihood, Education, MHPSS, Protection) for integrated programming.

3.2. Operational Management

• Ensure operational planning, including budget management, logistics, procurement, and resource allocation.
• Supervise the security management of all personnel, assets, and programs in the field, coordinating with the security focal point to update security protocols and contingency plans.
• Oversee administrative functions, including staff recruitment, capacity building, and HR policy adherence.

3.3. Partnerships and Stakeholder Coordination

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, humanitarian actors, donors, and community leaders.
• Represent JRS in inter-agency coordination platforms, including cluster meetings (Protection, Livelihoods, Education) and local authorities’ forums.
• Collaborate with key donors like UNICEF, UNHCR, ECHO, GIZ and others to ensure program alignment with their strategic objectives.
• Strong relationship building with the local Catholic Dioceses

3.4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Ensure that data is collected accurately for program monitoring and reporting to donors.
• Lead the development and submission of narrative and financial reports, ensuring compliance with JRS and donor requirements.
• Support evaluation processes, identifying lessons learned and best practices for future programming.

3.5. Resource Mobilization and Proposal Development

• Collaborate with the Country Head of Programs and fundraising teams to identify potential funding opportunities.
• Lead or contribute to the development of funding proposals and project designs for expanding or scaling up JRS’s work in the NW/SW regions.

3.6. Human Resources and Team Management

• Manage a diverse team, fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe working environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide guidance and mentorship to staff, and ensure professional development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with JRS’s HR policies, including safeguarding, code of conduct, and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse).

4. Requirements and Qualifications

4.1. Education

• Advanced degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field.

4.2. Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in a senior management role within humanitarian operations, preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Experience in managing multi-sectoral programs, especially in the areas of livelihoods, education, protection, and MHPSS.
• Proven experience in managing and mitigating security risks in complex operational environments.
• Strong experience with donor compliance, financial management, and proposal development.

4.3. Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure in a challenging and volatile security environment.
• Proficiency in English and French (both written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian coordination system and familiarity with donor frameworks ( UNHCR, UNICEF, ECHO etc).
• Strong skills in humanitarian access negotiation

4.4. Desirable Qualities

• Commitment to the mission and values of JRS, with a focus on accompaniment, service, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
• Prior experience in Cameroon or the Central African region is a strong advantage.

5. Terms of Employment

• Contract Length: Initial contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.
• Salary: Competitive salary and benefits based on JRS salary scale.

How to apply

6. Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit their application to cmr.hr.recruitment@jrs.net no later than 5 October 2025, including a CV and a cover letter.
The subject line of the email should be: Project Director.

Jesuit Refugee Service is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.