Program Advisor, Program Development, Strategy and Innovation

Location: Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Addis Ababa, Abuja, Cotonou, Dar es Salaam, Yaoundé, Kinshasa, Kingston Jamaica, Tegucigalpa, Lima, or Bogotá

Reports to: Senior Manager, Program Development and Innovation (PDSI)

Status: Permanent, Full-time

Bargaining Unit Status: Included

Classification: Band 4

Salary range: CA$ 60,539 - $ 73,762 per annum

Language requirements: Bilingualism (English & Spanish or French, with excellent writing skills in English)

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 International presently supports programs implemented in Africa, Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Find out more at www.cusointernational.org

ABOUT THE ROLE

After 62 years, Cuso International has embarked on a process of renewal. In an era of rapidly changing contexts for international cooperation, Cuso International is looking for an experienced PA that has ambition for contributing to advance human rights, reduce inequality and create both economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. The PA will be part of Cuso International’s PDSI Team, comprised of program development specialists and thematic experts (gender, environment) and will be responsible for supporting regional and country offices in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean to develop new projects and partnerships that are aligned with Cuso International’s Strategic Plan and mobilize funding from donors to scale-up and maximize Cuso International’s impact globally. This position will harness expertise in program/project design, development of partnerships and identifying donor opportunities. The PA will report to the Manager, PDSI and will work closely with Heads of Programs and Development (HoPD), global, regional and country office staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development (70%)

• Advise and provide support to regional and country offices in Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean with the design of impactful programs/projects, including identifying potential partners and carrying-out project ideation with regional and country offices.
• Undertake independent online and internal/external consultations as well as research to identify innovative program development opportunities, new partnerships, networks and donors and support the regional and country offices to engage with these opportunities.
• Analyze thematic and financial details of new program development opportunities for long-term sustainability of Cuso International in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as suggest innovative approaches and partnerships to maximize impact and expansion of Cuso International’s programming globally.
• In coordination with fellow PDSI Team colleagues, HoPDs, global, regional and country office Cuso International staff, support in planning, coordinating, researching, writing and editing program/project development documents (e.g. proposals and concept notes) for submission to donors, ensuring a participatory and well-organized process.
• Prepare, review and ensure all documentation for donor submissions is prepared according to donor guidelines.
• Manage approval processes for the submissions of documents to donors.
• In coordination with members of PSDI Team, HoPDs and regional and country offices, maintain records for Cuso International with donor information, donor submissions, results, etc.
• Support maintenance of relationships with regional and country offices to meet and agree upon program development objectives to support and expand Cuso International’s programming globally.
• Carry out some administrative tasks, such as filing proposals, setting up meetings, editing / translating documents, etc.

Partnership and Networking (10%)

• Foster partnerships and collaboration on program development in line with Cuso International’s strategic and operational plans.
• Participate in networking and partner exploration activities, such as conferences and meetings.

Leadership and Line Management (5%)

• Recruiting and supervising interns or volunteers in the team as required.

Links with other departments (5%)

• Creating links and systems between Program Quality and Impact (PQI) and PDSI teams for harnessing program implementation lessons, best practices, MEAL, and knowledge management for program development purposes

• Working with philanthropy and public affairs team on trusts, foundations, corporates, and major donors.

Capacity building (5%)

• When required, support and provide training to HoPDs, regional, country office and other staff on key topics related to program development.
• Contribute to organizational knowledge sharing and learning in contribution to program development, including coordination with Cuso International’s PQI Team (e.g. MEAL Team).

Tools, Systems, Policies and Implementation (5%)

• Develop or improve tools, templates, guidance, and systems for program development as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• University degree in international development or a related field

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in international development or a related field

• A proven track record in program/project design and technical proposal development for a variety of donors, including particularly Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and ideally also USAID, European Union, UN Agencies, etc.

• Experience with MEAL systems and frameworks

• Experience working with international development agencies, including strong knowledge of technical requirements for program/project design

• Strong ability to draft and edit program development content for various audiences, including proposals, concept notes, technical applications, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends, issues and priorities in international assistance

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook and web-based research

• Excellent communication skills:  Fluent English & either Spanish or French, with excellent writing skills in English

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team

• Highly organized with great attention to detail, good team coordination skills and able to work independently

• Ability to work irregular hours (evenings and weekends) and willingness to travel internationally, when necessary

• Commitment to Cuso International's approach to international development

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, personal days, and sick days, and more.

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.

Please click the “Apply for This Job” button to submit your application by December 29th, 2023, at 11:59 PM (EST). Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the position requirements 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.

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.