About Communities in Transition (CIT)

CIT is a conflict management consulting firm that empowers communities to address conflict-related challenges in a collaborative and sustainable way. We do so by advancing the understanding of complex crisis through comprehensive conflict analysis and assessments; facilitating inclusive and sustainable conflict resolution dialogue processes; and ensuring knowledge transfer and ownership to empower local peacemakers.

In partnership with the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), CIT is launching a 1-year (January 2018-December 2018) emergency mediation program in the Central African Republic (CAR) entitled “Building Inclusive Security in CAR” in order to:

Objective 1: Build the capacity of local communities to resolve local security issues and enhance citizen participation in DDR/SSR.

Objective 2: Build the oversight capacity of national legislative representatives to consult with their constituencies and feed local perspectives into national level DDR/SSR processes creating 2-way communication mechanisms between national legislators and local communities on DDR/SSR and community security.

To achieve these objectives, CIT deploys mediation surge teams (MST) to conflict zones to help local mediators engage conflict parties (armed and non-armed) in dialogue to reduce insecurities and mass displacements and help community leaders feed local perspectives into the national policy-making process. 

Job Description

CIT is hiring a full-time Program Assistant to support the Program Director in the management of CIT’s “Building Inclusive Security in CAR” program.

The Program Assistant must be able to model and help the Program Director design policies that fosters an organizational culture that applies principles of integrity, empowerment, impartiality, collaboration and inclusion in staff's daily work practices and in their interactions with others.

The Program Assistant reports to the Program Director

Technical Skills

The Program Assistant is responsible for providing overall programmatic, administrative, financial and logistical support to the Program Director and ensure comprehensive human resource compliance and support for all assigned CIT-CAR team members (4 full-time and 6 part-time staff). The Program Assistant will be responsible for the following:

• Human resource management: works with the Program Director to develop and consistently adhere to CIT’s recruitment and exit policies and procedures. Ensures all HR requests are resolved and disciplinary procedures are documented. Participates in recruitment, onboarding, and ensures that performance review processes are completed on time and with quality results.
• Payroll and benefits: manages payroll, timesheets, sick and annual leave and all other employee benefits.
• Compliance: ensures CIT-CAR human resource management and program implementation are in compliance with newly created policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with CAR’s labor laws and regulations, NGO legal compliance, donor regulations, other laws as required.
• Tracking: develops systems for tracking recruitment documents, contracts, probations, pay scales and seniority, raises, benefits, evaluations, incidents, training and other program aspect requiring ongoing monitoring.
• Policies and procedures: helps the Program Director develop policies, procedures, systems and incentives that reflect the needs of staff and the program, while maintaining compliance with locally applicable HR laws and regulations. Remains informed, on an ongoing basis, about current and changing HR related laws, policies and “best practices” to ensure that current and future personnel policies, employment practices, and compensation packages are within the limits of established standards, procedures, guidelines and policies of CIT, as well as national laws
• Administrative support: supports the Program Director as needed. Takes the lead on resolving any incoming requests from national staff.
• Logistical support: manages the travel and programmatic logistics of the MST deployments. Liaises with the team and reports any potential problems or opportunities to the Program Director.
• Finances: does the accounting and tracks receipts. Supports the Program Director with budget implementation as needed.
• Office management: keeps files and official documents organized. Orders supplies and ensures the proper use of all equipment and internet.

Candidate Profile

In addition to having demonstrated experience in the above listed technical areas, CIT is looking for a Program Assistant with the following profile:

• Integrity: keeps their word and conducts themselves with impeccable integrity toward all stakeholders and partners, even when others do not.
• Empowerment: is able to see and enhance the skills, talents and gifts in all individuals and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Impartiality: does not take side in a conflict and is able to hear all sides without expressing judgement, irrespective of a person's point of view.
• Collaborative and inclusive: draws in diverse voices and promotes collaborative decision-making with stakeholders, colleagues, and partners.
• Strategic thinker: must have a keen analytical sense and understanding CAR’s legal environment and employee dynamics.
• Leadership skills: must be willing to take charge and show initiative, while demonstrating a servant-leadership style. Must also be able to work well as part of a team and with people of different worldviews and practices, while remaining true to CIT’s organizational values and principles.
• Training and coaching skills: energetic trainer able to contextualize the material to the needs of the participants and have strong coaching abilities that draws out the best out of participants.
• Conservative: measured risk taker with a proven ability to assess and manage risk responsibly. Functions well in an unstable and restricted environment.
• Innovative and creative thinker: out of the box thinker, willing to challenge assumptions and try new ideas.
• Positive: able to handle difficult and physically challenging environments with limited recreational and social activities without complaining.
• Communicator: good communicator in times of crisis, focused on understanding the other while able to set boundaries for themselves. Demonstrates flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure even when others do not.
• Open to learning: must be willing to learn new perspectives, try out new approaches, learn new methodologies and exhibit awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

Educational Background

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have the following educational background:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3-4 years of professional experience with INGOs or UN agencies, with and emphasis on human resource management, administrative services and/or office management.
• Proven knowledge of CAR’s labor laws and laws guiding NGO working in CAR.
• Proven experience with tracking budgets, accounting and financial sysems
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Sensitivity, skill and experience with public relations and correspondence to a variety of stakeholders and the public.
• Experience working with government officials, internationals donors and national stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to write policies and procedures, develop structures and incentives that reflect the organizational culture and creates a high-level of adherence amongst all employees.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and assume responsibility for following processes.
• Excellent computer skills required, including familiarity with MS Word and Excel, comfort with financial tracking systems.
• Multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills, and to work well under pressure and cooperatively with team members.
• The ability to take direction as well as work independently.
• Applied mediation or restorative justice skills preferred.
• Impeccable organizational skills and highly detail-oriented.
• Fluent in French (oral and written).
• Fluent in English (oral and written) preferred.

Application Process

Applicants who meet the above criteria will be interviewed on a rolling bases and the position will stay open until filled. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. The ideal candidate must be available to start in January 2018. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply for the position, please send a cover letter, updated CV, university degree and mediation training certificate to Mrs. Nathalie Al-Zyoud (nalzyoud@communitiesintransition.com), including in the subject line the title of the position you are applying for. Please also include the following in your cover letter:

• Where you found this job posting.
• Minimum salary requirements (or current salary).
• 3 professional references with their contact information.

All new employees must successfully complete a three-month probationary period before being offered a project-long contract.

Communities in Transition (CIT) team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and as such staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and CIT policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.