The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
The IRC serves as a “Replacement Designee” for the state of Kansas, administering the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) program and Refugee Support Services (RSS) program in accordance with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) regulations, through the Kansas Office for Refugees (KSOR), based in Wichita.
Beginning in FY2026, ORR will award RSS grants directly to the state of Kansas government. In preparation for the transition, the Program Officer will support the KSOR Director in planning, implementing, and managing changes to RSS program administration. This role will also coordinate communication and fostering collaboration across KSOR departments and external partners.
The Program Officer will serve as a key point of contact during the transition, supporting the Director in engaging with state and local community stakeholders on refugee resettlement consultation matters. This position reports to the Director, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Deputy Director and works closely with other departments to ensure a smooth transition.
This is a limited-term role, currently funded through September 30, 2026.
Major Responsibilities:
Technical Support:
• Support strategic planning and implementation of the RSS program transition to the state of Kansas.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination throughout the transitional process.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for KSOR to the state of Kansas and act as a liaison regarding the RSS portfolio.
• Serve as a key resource for interpreting Kansas State and Federal policy and regulatory changes impacting RSS program operations.
Partner Training and Capacity Building:
• Conduct reviews and update program materials, including procedural manuals and forms.
• Identify KSOR, partner and stakeholder training needs related to the delivery of programs, including the state funded RSS program.
• Coordinate and provide training to the state and other relevant stakeholders to enhance understanding and collaboration.
• Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to partners throughout the contract life cycle.
Community Engagement:
• Engage regularly with stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and support the achievement of transitional goals.
• Lead the design and implementation of refugee resettlement community consultations and annual outreach plans.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with State agencies and private stakeholders to strengthen KSOR’s community engagement and encourage active participation in consultations.
Reporting:
• Support the development of all grant-related reports, including the Annual Outcomes Goal Plan, Annual Service Plan, and semi-annual reports.
• Support the analysis of program statistics to inform communication strategies and decision making.
General:
• Support general administrative and transitional initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, such as Business administration, Project Management or related fields, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in project management, liaison roles, or business development is required; federal program oversight (preferably ORR programs), change management, and training facilitation experience a plus.
• Prior experience working in refugee/immigration-related services is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent analytical skills: experience with data systems development and analysis strongly preferred.
• Self‐starter with the proven ability to multi‐task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Excellent diplomatic and cross-cultural skills, with the ability to work together with a variety of stakeholders across multiple teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); Fluency in written and spoken English.
Working Environment:
• Standard work environment.
• Expect approximately 30% in-state travel to participate in stakeholder engagements and support community consultation activities across Kansas.
Compensation: (Pay Range: $65,151 - $75,577) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
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Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.