POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a consultant to develop a preliminary needs assessment around programming and advocacy on the US-Mexico border to provide an overview on the existing services for refugees and asylum seekers both on the Mexico side, and in the United States and to explore possibilities to strengthen existing cross-border programming. The consultant should be able to identify existing connections and partners in the sub-region, and the level of accessibility for beneficiaries to relevant humanitarian services, and to identify critical gaps where HIAS could enhance its operations and carry out humanitarian assistance tailored to refugees needs.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this project are to (1) assess the availability, strengths, gaps of existing services for refugees and asylum seekers on the U.S.-Mexico border region, with a focus on the areas of mental health, legal, gender-based violence, and cash-based assistance services and cross-border activities, (2) map out existing advocacy or documentation efforts around refugee and asylum seekers’ rights with a focus on the U.S.-Mexico border, including recent UNHCR and HIAS Mexico needs assessments (3) identify areas for growth of HIAS’ programming and border-focused advocacy to date.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather information on existing programs designed to support refugees and asylum seekers on the U.S.-Mexico border, with a focus on the areas of mental health, legal, gender-based violence, and cash-based assistance services. This will include services provided by HIAS and other stakeholders operating in the region. This will be done through literature reviews, consultation with experts, and interviews.

• Conduct informational interviews with key stakeholders to assist with mapping and literature review.

• Map stakeholder services for refugees and migrants along the US/Mexico border- including those providing MHPSS, GBV, Legal and cash-based assistance services. Mapping should include in which location each organization is operating, and whether they have an onsite office, they work in roving or provide remote service. In addition, the mapping should take into account information about the level of accessibility of those organizations as well as information about the extent to which those services are provided (i.e. how many persons served, for what length of time, etc.). Mapping should cover a period of at least 3 years but also include any essential services that existed in the last 5-7 years that have been discontinued.

• Conduct a review of existing reports, data, and information about key issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers on the U.S./Mexico border including UNHCR protection and needs assessments as well as HIAS Mexico recent assessments.

• Develop analysis and recommendations for deeper research, as well as a roadmap for the next phase of this assessment based on the above.

DELIVERABLE

• Report including analysis of existing programming, including (1) types and scope of services provided, strengths, gaps, and areas for growth, (2) mapping of relevant stakeholders with programming focused on refugees and asylum seekers on the U.S.- Mexico border, with a detailed analysis of scope and type of services provided, as well as a preliminary assessment of strengths, gaps, and potential areas for growth and (3) recommendations for next phase of needs assessment (identifying areas of inquiry, recommended methods, and timeline).

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in written/spoken English and Spanish.

• Relevant experience carrying out needs assessments, program evaluation, or similar activities

• Previous experience working on migration/refugee issues required; existing knowledge of or relationships with key stakeholders preferred.

• Must have strong writing, communication and research skills.

SAMPLE 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 for consultancies:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 3: Offer, consultancy agreement and background check.

Step 4: 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.