Lead, Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (preferred)

Reports to: Director, Program Quality and Impact

Status: Permanent, Full time

Classification: Management

Language requirements: English & French or English/Spanish essential

Salary Range**:** CAD$72,000 – CAD$90,000 per year

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures.

Cuso presently supports programs implemented in Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Find out more at www.cusointernational.org

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Lead, Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (LCLA) will oversee the development and application of Cuso’s collaborative learning and knowledge (CLiK) system, drawing on an organizational needs assessment conducted in 2023. The CLiK framework is intended to strengthen Cuso’s capacity to achieve its strategic goal and priorities through ongoing learning and knowledge collaboration across the organization and amongst those it works with, particularly local partners. This system is also intended to support an organizational shift from centralized to localized, decolonial ways of working.

This role works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, including monitoring and evaluation specialists, project leads, technical specialists and program development advisors to implement the CLiK. The LCLA role will have a direct relationship with the LT to ensure support and service to the wider organization and effective engagement with and across all departments. The LCLA will have responsibility for evolving Cuso’s institutional results framework, supporting  organizational learning and knowledge management for the organization. Key components of this work include devising tools to measure impact and inform evidence-based decisions. Specific tools will include, an organization-wide monitoring system, evaluation policies and tools, data collection and handling policies, and the formation and strengthening of organizational structures to support horizontal learning, including thematic working groups. The LCLA plays a key role in building the culture of learning within the organization and establishing the structures to facilitate this.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead, Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation is a senior role which works closely with the Leadership Team to implement Cuso International’s Learning and Knowledge strategy (CLiK) across the organization’s programs and operations. The role will focus on the following key areas of responsibility:

Framework Oversight:

• Overseeing the implementation and adaptation of the CLiK, including crafting related policies and tools.

• Incorporates evidence-based practices and evaluation framework concepts into program design.

• Spearheading the creation of a global indicator monitoring database and qualitative component,

• Providing technical guidance, support and advice to Leadership Team, and Program teams regarding monitoring, evaluation, and collaborative learning,

• Line manage the MEAL Specialist and other members of the Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation team as may be defined

Collaboration:

• Assisting in all MEAL-related aspects of project designs, including budgeting considerations. aligning project monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) systems;

• Collaborates with MEL champs to collect, analyze, and interpret initiative data in order to access outcomes, impact, and effectiveness and to inform project proposals;

• Provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to program staff and partners in data collection, monitoring, and evaluation practices;

• In close collaboration with Corporate Services team:

  • Steward the strengthening of internal systems for storage, management and dissemination of knowledge
  • Develop a repository for management toolkits and organization’s intranet for effective collaboration across countries of operation

• Champion the use of best practices and ensuring a standardized use of the SharePoint Site for Programs

• Establish and socialize knowledge-sharing systems to increase organizational efficiency

• Support the learning component in both programmatic and organizational areas across Cuso International

• Champion a culture of practice where all individuals reflect on how the deliverables of their roles could meet organizational learning needs and what training programs could be designed to share learning

Learning:

• Establishing methods to retain and make accessible the intellectual knowledge of volunteers and partners to enhance the quality of placement outcomes and allow for broader impact;

• Commissions the formal evaluations and reviews of programs, projects and initiatives as needed and directed, including review, oversight and quality assurance of consultancies;

• Develops and implements evaluation plans for the organization, including data collection methods, tools, and analysis procedures;

• Conducting meta-evaluations as needed;

• Prepares and presents regular reports and presentations on program performance and evaluation findings to appropriate stakeholders.

Adaptation:

• Champions a culture of ongoing learning and adaptive program management;
• Identifies and addresses program challenges and proposes necessary modifications for improvement.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The following are the essential requirements.

• Advanced Degree or 8-10 years of related, progressive experience in international development or a related/relevant field

• Adaptive Project Management Experience: Solid project management skills, including the ability to create and adapt workplans and effectively manage timelines and resources.

• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and refining knowledge management systems, particularly in international programming contexts

• Proven ability to design and conduct project and program evaluations, demonstrated proficiency in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, ability to contract and manage external evaluators. Strong preference to those with formal evaluation training.

• Proven ability to lead projects and work collaboratively with various internal stakeholders, including the ability to form and manage cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with organizational learning theories and practices, and experience in applying these in a practical context.

• High level of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, with experience working in diverse and multicultural environments.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills;

• Must be highly organized, with a strong work ethic and attentive to detail;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to refine complex systems based on stakeholder feedback.

• Working level proficiency in English and at least one of either French or Spanish.

The following are the desired requirements. If you do not meet all of these requirements but still feel that you are a good fit for the position, please apply and explain why.

• Expertise in Decolonial Practices: Understanding and experience in implementing decolonial practices in knowledge management and organizational learning, with a focus on shifting from centralized to locally led ways of working.
• Data Management Skills: Proficiency in developing and managing data collection, storage, and handling policies, including experience with creating monitoring indicators and databases.
• Policy Development Skills: Ability to develop, test, and roll out organization-wide policies, particularly in the areas of evaluations and data management.
• Facilitation Skills: Strong facilitation skills for conducting workshops and training sessions.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Experience in strategic planning and implementation, particularly in the context of organizational change and development.
• Experience with problem driven iterative adaptation (PDIA) or similar approaches to addressing complex problems
• Available for occasional international travel if required.

HOW TO APPLY

Cuso International is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive culture. We strive to actively celebrate diversity, advance our equitable practices, and drive greater inclusion. We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package and insurance, generous days of paid time off, including vacation and sick days, and more.

Please click the "Apply for This Job" button to submit your application by August 02, 2024, at 11:59 PM (EST). Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and bilingual capabilities, and a portfolio showcasing their graphic design. Please note that a confirmation email will be generated once you submit your application, but it may be directed to your spam or junk folders of your email inbox. Note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Cuso International is committed to the integrity of our volunteers, interns, staff, managers, board members and subcontractors in preventing sexual violence in the way we operate. This is done through a defined framework, code of conduct, values and guiding principles, as well as Cooperation Canada’s Leaders’ Pledge.

Cuso International is an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations will be provided at any stages of the hiring process upon request. Thank you for your interest in Cuso International.

Keywords

CollaborationLearningAdaptationProgram QualityImpactMonitoringEvaluationKnowledge ManagementOrganizational LearningData CollectionProject ManagementEvaluation TrainingCultural SensitivityDecolonial PracticesData ManagementPolicy DevelopmentFacilitation SkillsStrategic Planning