Pastoral Assistant

Organizational Context The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international nongovernmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation were founded in November 1980 and now have a presence in 57 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the fields of Education and Livelihoods, Reconciliation, MHPSS, and Advocacy. Operational Context/Role Under the direct supervision of the Pastoral Coordinator, the Pastoral Assistant will support in pastoral care, peace building, and reconciliation interventions in JRS operation areas under the diocese of Arua. Key responsibilities include organizing mass in communities, conducting assessments, facilitating training sessions, and contributing to quality activity and donor reports. Key Responsibilities: Pastoral care Programming Accompany the Pastoral Coordinator for Masses and assist in organizing the Mass in communities allocated to JRS and Partnering schools Coordinate and co-facilitate pastoral training and lend assistance during catechetical training, youth training, and workshops for catechists Engage in youth animation within our communities by conducting prayers, leading reading practices for Sunday Masses, and starting Confirmation classes. Facilitate children's animation for First Holy Communion, collaborating with senior community students. Work on building altar server groups across the communities. Accompany the Pastoral Coordinator during Sunday Masses to support the formation of the choir within the community Peacebuilding and Reconciliation programming Participate in conflict assessments and design reconciliation projects. Lead training of identified stakeholders in peace and reconciliation practices. Organize and facilitate community dialogues to address interfaith conflicts among communities. Conduct peacebuilding and reconciliation training for refugee and host community leaders, as well as JRS staff. Document conflict trends to inform programming, including the establishment of early warning systems. Monitoring and Reporting Support in developing work plans and spending plans, monitor financial expenditures, and contribute to donor reports. Support in tracking activity budgets, such as those for Pastoral and reconciliation, workshops. Collect key feedback from communities to document key learning throughout the project implementation. Develop and monitor program plans, including activity, procurement, and spending related to Pastoral and peacebuilding program activities. Field monitoring, data collection, and documentation. Requirements: Applicants MUST be an actively practicing Catholic. They should hold a diploma or degree in Social Science/Works, Education, or Project Management. Candidates should possess 1-2 years of working experience. A background in Theology is highly preferred. Ability to speak the locally spoken languages of the refugees and host communities of Adjumani like Madi - Ti or other Sudanic languages is an added advantage. Core values and ethics: Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity. High integrity, honesty, and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations, and information. Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value. Safeguarding JRS has zero tolerance for any acts that breach the safeguarding policy. All staff, volunteers, and vendors are required to safeguard the people we serve at all times during project implementation.

How to apply - Written application explaining why you are interested in the above position and how you meet the qualities and qualification criteria. - Attach a CV with maximum 2 pages, application letter and a scan of your driving license. The CV should contain information about your qualifications, relevant trainings, work experience, names and contact details of two (2) relevant referees. - Applications should be sent online to Jesuit Refugee Service Uganda at [email protected] Note: JRS has a Child Safeguarding (CS) Policy in place and expects all staff to read, sign and adhere to it. Deadline: September 03,2025 No late applications will be considered - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a national position and only Ugandans or persons with legal residence status in Uganda are encouraged to apply.