Localization Specialist, LAC At HIAS

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS has an exciting opportunity to be part of its Humanitarian Partnership, Policy & Practice (HPPP) team, which leads the organization’s engagement on a range of policy, programmatic and operational issues. As part of its policy and practice priority areas, HIAS is working to deepen its commitment to localization and seeks to hire a Localization Specialist, LAC to lead HIAS’ localization engagement. They will support the Director, Localization in the design and implementation of a comprehensive, organization-wide localization approach. They will also support country offices in the region in the streamlining of policy and practices in line with HIAS’ strategic priorities, identifying and supporting local partners, and supporting HIAS’ efforts in engaging with internal and external stakeholders. The Localization Specialist, LAC will be the focal point for contextualization of the comprehensive strategy in the LAC region.

Note, this position is based in the LAC region in countries where HIAS has existing operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supports the implementation of HIAS’ localization approach and the design of a HIAS’ roadmap to localization informed by the organization’s strategic directions and agency-wide localization strategy, with context-specific inputs from each country (including previous and ongoing work on localization).
• Maps out local CSOs and organizations led by affected populations and contributes to the design of country, regional and international partnership and advocacy strategies.
• Develops, socializes and oversees pilot programs of locally-led projects in the region.
• Identifies, analyzes and documents region and country-specific best practices that contribute to programming and advocacy efforts.
• Codifies learnings from HIAS’ localization work and drafts external reports to be shared with relevant stakeholders.
• Supports the streamlining of localization guiding policies and processes for HIAS and funder advocacy work, and collaborates with other functional entities at HIAS to develop the necessary tools to support the implementation of HIAS’ localization approach at regional and country office levels.
• Provides inputs for building buy-in for HIAS’ work in localization across the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Supports localization focal persons in the design and implementation of country-level localization workplans.
• Networks with local partners and fosters relationships between HIAS and local partners.
• Engages regularly with HQ and field-based operational and programmatic staff and beneficiaries to maintain a clear understanding of the constraints to localization being realized through the implementation of programs and the delivery of services.
• Works closely with HIAS’ Strategy & Measurement department to manage data collection, analysis and research tools and products, adhering to research ethics, as well as alignment with any local requirements on conducting research.
• Closely works with country offices and HQ to map out localization strategies (of donors and peer organizations) in the LAC region, informing HIAS’ sustainability and exit strategies.
• Closely works with regional leadership, country offices leadership and program teams, and ensures coordination and streamlining of localization best practices within country offices.
• In consultation with HIAS’ regional leadership team, represents HIAS at relevant coordination and partnership forums.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required; graduate degree in a relevant field preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in the humanitarian and/or development sectors, with at least 3 years of direct field experience working with local actors in a humanitarian and/or development context; experience in the humanitarian space within LAC a major asset.
• English and Spanish fluency required; fluency in other languages preferred.
• Excellent understanding of localization and impacts to the delivery of humanitarian and/or development programming, serving as the regional localization subject matter expert and demonstrated understanding of the humanitarian architecture.
• Proven research experience, including conducting interviews and coordinating among stakeholders.
• Experience in developing tools and resources to assist country operations as well as experience in implementing capacity/training programs.
• Able to represent HIAS effectively and efficiently by developing partnerships and relationships with stakeholders in support of HIAS’ localization goal.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills to address high-level, strategic needs while also engaging in routine coordination and administrative duties to implement localization strategies and support regional and country office teams.
• Solid experience in mapping out and brokering local partnerships.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary settings.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or ESR.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS.We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel**.** Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies.All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.