POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Officer, Program Development

POSITION LOCATION: Remote (Canada or other city/countries in which WUSC has a significant presence, such as Abidjan, Accra, Amman, Colombo, Nairobi)

REPORTS TO: Director of program design and social finance

CONTRACT TERM: Indeterminate

SALARY LEVEL: PRO 3 ($64,500 – $76,000 in Canada – Other countries based on local salary scale)

LANGUAGES: Fluency in English required. Fluency in French preferred. Spanish an asset

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

Are you passionate about Program Development (PD)? WUSC is currently looking for a Senior Program Officer to become part of our dynamic PD team!

BACKGROUND

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we develop solutions in education, economic opportunities, and empowerment to overcome inequality and exclusion for youth around the world, particularly young women and young refugees. WUSC currently works in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $40 million. We have over 90 staff in our Ottawa office, and over 200 people globally implementing 16 development projects in collaboration with donors such as Global Affairs Canada, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Mastercard Foundation, and the African Development Bank.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Director, Program Development the Senior Program Officer, Program Development will be responsible for:

Program Design & Proposal Development

• Take an active role to lead the participatory design and development of new PD initiatives that reflect WUSC’s Strategic Direction;
• Conduct research on relevant projects, context and partner organizations to support design of new program development initiatives;
• Lead or assist (as necessary) local consultations and analysis for proposal development purposes;
• Prepare and submit project proposals (both solicited and unsolicited), concept papers and expressions of interests to various donors;
• Review donors’ priorities and requirements and ensure funding applications are in adherence to these requirements;
• In collaboration with technical advisors, help articulate strategic approaches, partnerships, management/staffing plans, M&E, budgets for project designs;
• Evaluate the suitability of potential staff and consultants, matching their skills and experience to the new programming needs.

Donor trends and opportunities

• Stays abreast of funding priorities aligned with WUSC’s Donor Diversification Strategy;
• Keep track and share information with relevant colleagues on donor trends and priorities;
• Scan and identify relevant funding opportunities from various donors;
• Contribute to go/ no-go recommendations on new PD opportunities;
• In collaboration with PD management, liaise with potential funders in the design and presentation of new programming initiatives.

Program Development Unit support

• Assist in the development of fact sheets, presentations and other program development materials as needed;
• Contribute to setting annual priorities for the PD department;
• Contribute to building the capacity of the PD team and other colleagues in Canada and overseas to advance our PD agenda;
• Promote learning and knowledge sharing with colleagues in Canada and overseas to achieve our PD objectives;
• Participate in weekly PD team meetings;
• Participate in the development of PD tools and the maintenance of PD Team Drive.

Work environment

• Promote and maintain an organizational culture that advances gender equality, reduces power abuse and inequalities, and fosters trust, respect and safety.
• Support a working environment free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and adheres to the WUSC’s safeguarding policies and WUSC’s Code of Conduct.

Any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Languages

Complete fluency, oral and written English. Fluency in French is preferred. Spanish would be considered an asset.

Education

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

Skills and experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience developing and/or managing international development projects and programming (preferably with 1-2 years of experience working overseas, in a development context);
• Experience in project management, managing processes, supporting large teams to work together to develop outputs;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of developing programs for major donors (ie. Global Affairs Canada, FCDO, Foundations, etc);
• Broad understanding of international development issues related to WUSC’s thematic 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);
• Durable solutions for refugees.
• Experience with Results-Based Management tools and familiarity with proposal processes, particularly Global Affairs Canada, FCDO, USAID and foundations.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and sound judgment. Proven willingness to make timely and sound decisions based on accurate judgment.
• Familiarity with gender equality, social inclusion, innovative finance and market systems approaches.

Competencies:

• Superior oral and written communication skills: clear, concise, persuasive writing style;
• Strong capacity for strategic analysis and innovative thinking. Proven willingness to make timely and sound decisions based on accurate judgment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated capacity to interact with all levels of staff and partners, from different cultural groups, in a professional manner.
• Excellent organizational skills. Ability to prioritize tasks, to manage tight deadlines, to manage others and to work independently.

Other:

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally (on occasional basis)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

Here’s some of what you can expect working with us in Canada*:

• 35-hour workweek, ability to work flexible hours
• Remote-friendly workplace, with access to our Ottawa office
• 4 weeks annual leave, plus the week between Christmas and New Year
• Paid sick days (10) and special leave days (5)
• Extensive health and dental coverage for you and your dependents, 100% covered by us
• Group RRSP contributions, from day 1
• 300$ reimbursement for home office equipment
• Parental leave top-up
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

*(Benefits vary in other countries of operation)

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check where appropriate.

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon 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.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada or in one of WUSC’s Countries of operations. WUSC will not facilitate any work authorization process or relocation.

Apply Now »