Program Officer or Senior Program Officer - Program Development

 Nature and Scope:

WUSC’s Program Development (PD) Section is responsible for working collaboratively with colleagues in Ottawa and field offices towards achieving the organization’s strategic programming objectives. This entails designing new programming initiatives by preparing proposals, concept papers and expressions of interest for submission to potential donors.

 As the Program Officer or Senior Program Officer, Program Development, you will participate in the design of new programs and ensure the timely preparation of high quality proposals. Specific responsibilities include:

1. Contribute to the implementation of WUSC’s Strategic Framework through the development of new programming in Canada and overseas:

• Work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced team environment with all members of the PD unit
• Work closely with WUSC country teams to develop a programming vision, relevant to the country context, in line with WUSC’s Strategic Framework
• Collaborate with various teams and departments within WUSC (university and college programs, volunteer cooperation programs, campus engagement) to draw appropriate linkages across the organization’s program areas
• Promote innovative thinking within our program teams and facilitate ways to capture and scale up innovations.

2. Identify and prioritize program development opportunities through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), other international donors and foundations:

• Keep track and share information with relevant colleagues on donor trends and priorities and provide recommendations on how to engage donors
• Scan and identify relevant funding opportunities from a variety of donors
• Contribute to go/ no-go recommendations on PD opportunities
• In concert with PD management, liaise with potential funders in the design and presentation of new programming initiatives

3. Develop programming partnerships on behalf of WUSC:

• Collaborate with WUSC’s strategic partners (Centre d’études et de cooperation Internationale, Farm Radio International and the MATCH International Women’s Fund) to develop joint programming
• In conjunction with WUSC’s university and college team, identify opportunities to integrate WUSC’s institutional members (colleges, universities, CEGEPs) in the development of new programs
• Build partnerships with the private sector, development organizations and other key stakeholders, to add value and expertise to WUSC’s programming

4. Prepare high quality project proposals, concept papers and expressions of interest in collaboration with WUSC staff, partners and consultants:

• Conduct research on relevant projects, issues and partner organizations to support program development activities
• Identify and facilitate the provision of technical resources and materials based on WUSC’s best practices
• Ensure participatory design of proposals, including active input from intended beneficiaries, including women and men
• Apply Results Based Management principles and tools in program design
• Conceive and write significant portions of project proposals (both solicited and unsolicited), concept papers and expressions of interests (EOIs)
• Evaluate the suitability of potential staff and consultants, matching their skills and experience to the new programming needs

5. Participate in briefings, meetings and conferences with external partners as necessary:

• On behalf of WUSC, participate in key meetings, relevant working groups
• Prepare and deliver presentations about WUSC’s programs as required
• Network and collaborate with donors, partners and other external stakeholders

6. Work with PD Management in the planning and execution of activities of the PD unit:

• Contribute to setting priorities for the PD unit
• Contribute to building the capacity of the PD team and other colleagues to advance our PD agenda
• Promote learning and knowledge sharing with relevant colleagues in Ottawa and in the field relevant to achieve our PD objectives
• Take leadership of files assigned
• Oversee tasks of other team members (Program Assistant, Research Assistant)
• Participate in weekly team meetings and bi-monthly Program Development Committee meetings
• Participate in the development of PD tools and the maintenance of PD files including drafting of key PD toolkit associated documents.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• A minimum of three of experience in the development and/ or management of projects/programs in the international development sector
• Two years of overseas experience in a developing country context
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating and maintaining relationships with GAC and other donors
• Experience in preparation and/or collaboration of project proposals
• Superior oral and written communication skills: clear, concise, persuasive writing style
• Sound understanding of gender equality and development issues
• Significant knowledge or experience in one or more of the following sectors or programming areas:
  • Education (basic education, teacher training, education systems strengthening, equity in education, vocational training, higher education)
  • Inclusive market development (sustainable livelihoods, vocational training, value chain, market system development)
  • Youth programming (youth inclusion, youth economic empowerment)
  • Women’s rights and gender equality (gender based violence, women’s economic empowerment, gender mainstreaming)
  • University and college programming (student mobility, scholarship management)

Competencies:

• Strong capacity for strategic analysis and innovative thinking
• Ability to work with networks and develop partnerships
• Excellent administration and organizational skills, including ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple initiatives under tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated capacity to work in partnership and with different cultural groups

Education/ Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social sciences, international development)
• Master’s degree in a related field an asset.

Languages:

Complete fluency, oral and written in English and French (essential).   Spanish is an asset.

Other:

• Ability to travel internationally (infrequently)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule

Why work with us?

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse workforce. Employees have exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference for youth around the world. We offer an environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development. All staff at WUSC have the capacity and access to influence corporate decisions and contribute to the development of key organizational strategies, plan and policies.

 The WUSC office is centrally located in Hintonburg, Ottawa. We offer competitive benefits, four weeks of annual leave (for full-time employees), safe and healthy working conditions, and fair compensation.

 Applications:

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer.   We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.   No telephone calls please.

If you wish to apply for this position, please follow this link to register on WUSC’s candidate database.