What's Happening?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Program Officer for Instructional Design and Multimedia for its 'Settle In' program. This position, contingent on grant funding, will focus on designing and producing learning experiences for newcomers
across Settle In’s platforms, which include a website (SettleInUS.org), mobile app, and social media. The role combines instructional design, creating multilingual, self-paced learning journeys, with multimedia production, developing videos, graphics, and other assets. The Program Officer will ensure content is usable by newcomers with varying levels of literacy and digital literacy, and with different prior exposures to U.S. systems. The IRC is a leading provider of high-quality programming for refugees resettling in the United States, committed to developing innovative programs that respond to refugees’ unique strengths and needs.
Why It's Important?
This role is crucial for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of information provided to refugees and immigrants in the U.S. By leveraging instructional design and multimedia, the 'Settle In' program can deliver complex information in engaging, easy-to-understand formats, overcoming language barriers and diverse educational backgrounds. This directly supports newcomers in building knowledge and skills necessary for successful integration into American society. The emphasis on multilingual content and accessibility standards ensures that vital information reaches a broad audience, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external support. For the U.S., this initiative contributes to more efficient and humane refugee resettlement, fostering a smoother transition for new arrivals and enabling them to contribute more quickly to their communities and the economy.
What's Next?
The Program Officer will design multilingual, self-paced learning journeys, incorporating learning objectives, sequencing, and knowledge checks. They will establish and implement instructional design standards for 'Settle In' content and review materials developed by team members and experts. A significant part of the role involves creating compelling, in-language multimedia content, including short-form video, infographics, motion graphics, and social media assets. The officer will manage post-production, coordinate with the multilingual Digital Community team on content creation and translation, and ensure all final products meet accessibility standards. They will also manage production timelines, coordinate external contractors, and use platform data and user insights to assess content performance. This position is remote with up to 20% domestic travel required.
Beyond the Headlines
The deeper implications of this role touch upon digital equity and the power of technology in humanitarian aid. By creating accessible and engaging digital learning experiences, the IRC is not only providing practical information but also empowering newcomers with digital literacy skills, which are increasingly essential in modern society. This initiative helps bridge the digital divide that often affects vulnerable populations, enabling them to navigate online resources, connect with services, and participate more fully in their new communities. The focus on culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate content also underscores the importance of respecting diverse identities and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. This innovative approach to resettlement support sets a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to promote integration and human dignity on a broader scale.
