Project Coordinator

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Reports to: Head of Programs (HoP), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Status: Local National

Language requirements: English is essential

SUMMARY

Cuso International (Cuso) is an international organization that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Cuso in collaboration with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is implementing a 4-year project, CORE to build the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) operating in eight countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname) to implement local, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation with a gender-responsive lens. Reporting directly to HoP, LAC, the PC will manage the implementation of key activities for the CORE project in the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with CBF and the project team on the development, management and implementation of annual work plans and budgets for CORE working closely with the project team, Head of Programs, Latin America and the Caribbean and Finance Team at Cuso Canada Office (CCO).
• Manage a team of In-country Program Support Officers (IPSOs) (1 based in each country) and Project Support Officer (PSO) for the implementation of activities according to annual work plans and budgets as well as identify mitigation strategies when necessary.
• Manage development of all volunteer recruitment and placement documents (e.g., placement descriptions, workplans and quarterly reports).
• Deliver in-country orientations for volunteers in coordination with project team.
• Handle any volunteer or partner complaints, conducting investigations where necessary and informing the HoP, LAC.
• Ensure emergency and risk-management plans are developed/implemented at the country-level, reviewing on a regular basis communicating with staff, partners and volunteers.
• Keep Cuso informed of any potential safety and security threats, whether low, medium or high, at all times.
• Ensure all Cuso finance, administration, safety and security, volunteer management and logistic systems are in place and followed by staff, partners and volunteers.
• Coordinate with CBF and consultant(s) on design of MEAL tools, communication platform and gender tools.
• Coordinate with CBF, ICPSOs and volunteers on the development of mid-year and annual reports for GAC, including collecting data/information from local partners.
• Maintain strong relationships with local partners, including regular check-in meetings with each partner and review of progress of activities.
• Mobilize broad support for CORE by developing partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including local and national government, private sector and civil society.
• Ensure that activities include Cuso’s and GAC’s gender equality and social inclusion commitments.
• Participate in regular planning meetings with the CBF and the CORE project team.
• Coordinate with Finance Officer (FO) to ensure delivery and compliance with record-keeping guidelines and filing of sensitive employee, volunteer, partner and donor information.
• Ensure excellent communication channels between Jamaica office and Cuso staff across the region and at Cuso CCO.
• Foster a positive, respectful, fair and participatory work environment for local team free from harassment, motivating them to actively participate towards achieving Cuso’s goals.
• Ensure that Cuso’s performance management culture and inclusive values are understood and respected within the local team and that each staff receives adequate feedback and support to promote successful performance and high levels of employee engagement.
• Contribute to the development of program development documents, including development of concept notes and proposals, levering the experience of Cuso in the Caribbean.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities to highlight CORE project in the region.
• Collaborate with project team, Head of Programs, LAC and Cuso CCO on the development of concept notes and proposals to expand Cuso’s programming in the Caribbean.

OTHER DUTIES

• Fulfill any other responsibilities as may be assigned from HoP, LAC.
• Provide support for other colleagues, as necessary.
• Participate in regional or international Cuso meetings when necessary as well as participate in local, national and regional meetings, events, etc. to promote Cuso’s work in the region.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• University degree in international development or a related field
• Minimum five years’ experience working in development sector, including experience working in a non-governmental or not-for-profit organization
• Minimum three years’ experience in project management, including experience with annual work plans and budgets, reporting, managing partnerships and human resources
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in gender equality and/or economic empowerment of vulnerable groups (e.g., women, youth and persons with disabilities) and climate change in the Caribbean
• Experience preparing reports for donors, such as GAC
• Experience with climate action projects is an asset
• Experience in volunteer management or client relations
• Proficiency with Office Suite (Windows, Word, Power Point, Outlook) database, internet
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Highly organized with great attention to details and good team coordination skills
• Strong leadership and management abilities, with proven experience working with small teams
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to respond to emergency situations (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters, assaults, etc.)
• Ability to work irregular hours occasionally (evenings and weekends) when necessary
• Willingness to travel when necessary within LAC and other regions

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.

Please click the "Apply for This Job" button to submit your application by December 4**, 2023, at 11:59PM (EST)**. Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet all the essential and any desirable qualifications. 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.

Keywords

Project CoordinatorDevelopment SectorProject ManagementGender EqualityClimate ChangeVolunteer ManagementCommunicationLeadershipManagementProblem-solving