Migration & Resettlement Program Assistant (Six-month Term)

The Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a Migration & Resettlement Program Assistant for a six-month, part-time position in Abbotsford, BC. The role involves supporting local churches and community groups in sponsoring refugees, managing administrative tasks, and promoting MCC's mission. A commitment to Christian faith and community engagement is essential. The job requires in-person work at the office and includes some flexibility for evening or weekend activities.
Canada, British Columbia, Abbotsford

Applications due: 02 Apr, 2025

Job Synopsis

JOB SUMMARY

The Migration and Resettlement (M&R) Program at MCC BC administers the Sponsorship Agreement of MCC as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). This Agreement facilitates local churches, partner denominations, and community groups to sponsor refugees to Canada. Additionally, the program supports churches to learn about and engage in the root causes of displacement and other refugee related matters.

The M&R Program Assistant will provide support and assistance to MCC constituency groups (CGs), local churches and resettled refugees, ensuring that all parties fulfill their roles and responsibilities during the settlement phase in Canada, namely arrival, settlement, integration. Administrative tasks related to these activities include funds disbursement, data and records management, and responding to inquiries. This position requires living out your Christian faith by serving others and advancing the mission of MCC as one engages with staff, volunteers, as well as constituent and community partners.

This is a part-time, temporary position (15 hours per week, six months)

MISSIONAL COMMITMENT, HOURS, LOCATION, & WORKING CONDITIONS
• Missional commitment: this role requires a demonstrated commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. This role commits the employee to working collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations). This role participates in devotional and prayer times at MCC BC and/or at local church and faith gatherings, being prepared to answer inquiries about MCC BC’s mission and values. This role contributes to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values, while modelling nonviolent peacemaking in the workplace, in the community and the church through respectful interactions with others. This role requires adherence to MCC BC’s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety.
• How much you work: this is a part-time, salaried position working 15 hours per week, for a six-month term.
• When you work: General office hours are 8:30 – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) with occasional evening or weekend work to facilitate program needs, as necessary. Monday & Wednesday availability will be required for a training period. Flexibility of hours will be required to accommodate evening/weekend meetings or trips to Vancouver International Airport. There may be times, particularly in relation to airport pick-ups of new arrivals to Canada, where there will not be a lot of advance notice.
• Where you work: this position is located at MCC BC’s offices in Abbotsford, British Columbia
• Physical conditions & requirements: This position will operate in a busy but comfortable office environment. In addition to significant time spent in-person, on the phone or in virtual meetings with colleagues and program participants, this position requires significant computer time.
• Pace of work: this position works independently with high day-to-day variation, including receiving and responding to unanticipated requests from program participants, management, and other colleagues.As such, moderate mental stress is expected.
• Interactions with vulnerable populations: this position will have regular interactions with vulnerable populations.

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Part Time at .4 FTE

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.

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.

Skills & Abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in English
• Ability to work cross-culturally
• Excellent interpersonal skills, empathetic listening skills, and ability to use a trauma-informed care approach
• Solid organizational skills with attention to detail, strong initiative, and prioritization skills
• Respect for and discretion in dealing with confidential material and vulnerable individuals
• Commitment to maintain an organizational culture that creates a safe environment for all and that prevents abuses of power
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information in a discreet and professional manner
• Flexible and adaptable, able to work independently while participating in a team environment
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Competence in other languages is an asset
• Possess an attitude of openness to learn, receive guidance, and adapt to changing requirements

Education, Experience, & Accreditations
• Post-secondary studies in social services or related fields, or equivalent experience
• Experience dealing with finances
• Computer experience required, with proficiency in MS Office, Zoom, and other relevant software platforms

Job Requirements & Licensing
• Valid BC Driver’s License along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract
• Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire)
• Legally able to work in Canada

Key Responsibilities

ADMINISTRATION

Support the Program Coordinator by:
• Ensuring that accuracy of information, policy considerations and ethical practices are observed in the sponsorship process
• Maintain refugee sponsorship files, update Apricot database and monitor IRCC communications
• Prepare and maintain status reports related to refugee sponsorship as required
• Maintain allocations and IRCC reconciliation data in collaboration with the MCC National Program Office and SAH Secretariat
• Maintain records of sponsor funds and manage disbursements to meet IRCC post-arrival assurance activities

SETTLEMENT SUPPORT, MONITORING & REPORTING
• Work in collaboration with Program Coordinator to provide information, post-arrival reports and monitoring visits, and other types of support to refugee sponsors
• Liaise with CG leads and sponsorship groups regularly, providing information and referrals where necessary
• Respond to submitted refugee sponsorship file inquiries and IRCC in a timely manner
• Accompany sponsors to receive refugees at Vancouver International Airport
• Resource constituency groups / churches for refugee sponsorship

TEAM PARTICIPATION
• Demonstrate MCC BC’s commitment to Christian mission, values, behaviours and approaches as defined in the qualifications, in all formal and informal interactions with any stakeholder
• Support volunteers and colleague employees, proactively and sensitively providing direct and advice as required
• Demonstrate active participation in team meetings, including morning devotions and prayers with volunteers and staff, leading as required
• Work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations)

Challenges

Work requires healthy boundaries;Complex-needs population;Occasional evening and weekend work

Start Date

16 Apr, 2025 - may be adjusted, or until suitable candidate is identified.

Term Length

6 Months

Salary Details

. $28.57-$31.74 per hour. Placement within this range will be based on qualifications.

Benefits

With this part-time, short-term position, benefits include mandatory employer contributions towards CPP, EI, WCB. Generous vacation and sick day allowance, and Employee Assistance Program supports staff wellness.