Program Associate – Migration & Resettlement Program

Job Synopsis

The Program Associate supports the implementation of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba’s Migration and Resettlement (M&R) Program. This position assists with the coordination of refugee sponsorship applications, orientation and support of constituent groups, and monitoring the settlement and integration of sponsored newcomers.
The Program Associate works collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and other M&R staff to implement refugee sponsorship programming in alignment with MCC policy and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
The position connects with congregations, sponsorship groups, community partners, and members of the settlement sector throughout Manitoba, as well as with the national MCC Migration and Resettlement network.

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active participation in a Christian church or Christian community, and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
Invitations to serve with MCC are contingent on the successful outcome of criminal background check(s).

Preferred qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in social work, international development, human sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Two to four years of experience working with refugees, newcomers, or migration-related programming
Knowledge of the Canadian Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program and the Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) Program
Strong organizational and administrative skills with high attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and public speaking skills
Ability to interpret complex immigration policies and processes clearly
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Strong relational skills with people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
Favorable police record check

Key Responsibilities

Orientation and Sponsorship Preparation
Coordinate and conduct orientations for Constituent Groups (CGs) and co-sponsors with support from the Program Coordinator
Assist constituent groups with understanding sponsorship responsibilities and MCC processes
Provide guidance to groups during the preparation of sponsorship applications
Develop and maintain orientation resources and materials in collaboration with the M&R team
Respond to inquiries related to refugee sponsorship programs

Application Processing and Case Management

Support the preparation and submission of refugee sponsorship applications
Track cases and allocations through the various stages of the application process
Maintain accurate records of all cases in progress
Assist in coordinating application documentation and submission processes
Support EOI review and case selection processes as required

Post-Arrival Monitoring and Settlement Support

Conduct check-ins and follow-up visits with sponsorship groups and newcomer families
Monitor the implementation of settlement plans and sponsorship commitments
Coordinate settlement visit reports and documentation
Identify concerns or emerging needs and collaborate with the M&R team to address them
Assist sponsors and newcomers in identifying community resources and settlement services
Participate in airport arrivals and settlement support when required

Constituency Relations and Sponsorship Support

Maintain relationships with congregations and community organizations involved in refugee sponsorship
Provide ongoing guidance and support to both new and experienced sponsorship groups
Encourage sponsorship participation among MCC constituency groups
Assist sponsorship groups in addressing challenges during the sponsorship year
Support groups in maintaining communication and accountability throughout the sponsorship process

Program Promotion and Community Engagement

Educating communities on global refugee trends and the political climate related to forced migration
Providing advocacy and action in response to the refugee crisis
Present information about refugee sponsorship programs to churches, community groups, and other audiences
Assist with recruitment of sponsorship groups for PSR and BVOR programs
Support the development of communications materials and educational resources
Participate in events that promote refugee sponsorship and newcomer welcome

Data Management and Reporting

Track sponsorship files and allocations within MCC systems
Support data collection for program reporting and evaluation
Maintain accurate documentation for sponsorship applications and settlement monitoring
Assist with program reporting requirements for MCC Manitoba and MCC Canada

Network Collaboration

Participate in MCC Migration and Resettlement network meetings
Maintain awareness of current refugee issues, immigration policies, and global displacement trends
Collaborate with national M&R colleagues on program coordination and policy implementation
Contribute to program planning and evaluation processes

Competencies and Working Conditions

The Program Associate requires:

Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple tasks
Sensitivity when working with individuals who have experienced displacement or trauma
Ability to navigate complex situations involving sponsors and newcomer families
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
Ability to lift up to 20 kg when assisting with settlement activities