The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, acting as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in 1980 and has a presence in 58 countries. JRS undertakes services at national levels with the global support through its Virtual Global Office.
The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the field of Reconciliation, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Education; Livelihoods, and Advocacy. Currently, about 1 million individuals are directly served by JRS projects.
Since 2008, JRS Jordan has served the most marginalised and often overlooked forcibly displaced communities in Amman JRS now runs project and activities that favor social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, community-building, psycho-social well-being, peacebuilding, empowerment, and self-reliance. JRS strives to create spaces where everyone feels included, accepted, and respected.
About the Role
JRS Jordan is seeking an experienced and mission-driven leader to serve as Country Lead. The Country Lead provides overall strategic and operational leadership for JRS Jordan, managing the organisation’s resources and setting direction for the country team. The role is accountable for all aspects of JRS’s work in Jordan including programme quality, financial oversight, staff safety and security, safeguarding, and external representation. The Country Lead ensures that JRS Jordan remains responsive to evolving contextual, geopolitical, and displacement dynamics while safeguarding humanitarian access and principled engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight across all programmes and operations, ensuring the country office is fit-for-purpose and aligned with JRS’s mission and values.
- Lead the development and implementation of the country strategy, in coordination with the Core Team and Regional Office.
- Oversees programme quality, accountability, and learning across all JRS Jordan programmes, ensuring approaches remain grounded in the organisation’s commitment to social inclusion, psychosocial wellbeing, and community-centred programming.
- Leads resource mobilisation, donor engagement, and proposal development, ensuring funding pipelines are aligned with country priorities and the overall country strategy, while managing relationships with relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure sound financial management, including budgeting, audits, cost-efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements.
- Lead and develop the country team, building a culture of performance, wellbeing, and principled humanitarian action, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and the JRS Code of Conduct.
- Hold primary accountability for the safety and security of staff, partners, and persons served, in line with JRS Security Guidelines.
- Represent JRS within national coordination mechanisms and relevant humanitarian and advocacy fora.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in humanitarian operations, including management of complex, multi-sector programmes.
- Proven experience in project cycle management, donor relations, fundraising, and advocacy at local, regional, and international levels.
- Experience in protection, education, livelihoods, MHPSS, peace-building, or related sectors.
- Prior experience in the Middle East region; familiarity with the Jordanian context is an asset.
- Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken).
- Strong leadership competencies including strategic thinking, people management, resilience, and integrity.
- Commitment to JRS’s mission, values, and Code of Conduct.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to review the full Job Description and submit their CV to: mena.hr.applications@jrs.net
Please include “Country Lead – Jordan” in the subject line.
JRS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and developing the right fit for the role, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or religion.
Please note that this position is open to Jordanian nationals or candidates who already hold valid work authorization in Jordan, as JRS is unable to provide visa or work permit sponsorship.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.