Program Advisor, Program Strategy, Development and

**Location**: Ottawa, Ontario preferred _(Montreal and Toronto may be considered at the discretion of Cuso International on an exception basis)_

**Reports to**: Senior Manager, Program Strategy, Development and Innovation (PSDI)

**Status**:Permanent, Full-time

**Bargaining Unit Status**: Included

**Classification**: Band 4

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

**Language requirements**: Bilingualism (Position 1: French & English with excellent writing skills in French; Position 2: English & Spanish or French, with excellent writing skills in English)

**ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL**

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

After 60 years, Cuso has embarked on a process of renewal. In an era of rapidly changing contexts for international cooperation, Cuso 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’s PSDI Team, comprised of program development specialists and thematic experts and will be responsible for supporting country program offices (CPOs) in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean to develop new projects and partnerships that are aligned with Cuso’s Strategic Plan and mobilize funding from national, regional and international donors to scale-up and maximize Cuso’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, PSDI and will work closely with Heads of Programs and country program offices as well as with key departments at Cuso’s office in Ottawa.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Advise and provide support to CPOs 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 CPOs.
- 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 CPOs to engage these opportunities.
- Analyze thematic and financial details of new program development opportunities for long-term sustainability of Cuso in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as suggest innovative approaches and partnerships to maximize impact and expansion of Cuso’s programming globally.
- In coordination with PSDI Team, HoPs, CPOs and key departments in Cuso office in Canada (e.g MEAL Team), 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 with Manager, PSDI and Heads of programs for the submissions of documents to donors.
- In coordination with members of PSDI Team, Heads of programs and CPOs, maintain records for Cuso with donor information, donor submissions, results, etc.
- When required, support and provide training to Heads of programs, CPOs, and other staff on key topics related to program development.
- Support maintenance of relationships with CPOs to meet and agree upon program development objectives to support and expand Cuso’s programming globally.
- Contribute to organizational knowledge sharing and learning, including coordination with Cuso’s Program Quality and Impact (PSI) Team (e.g. MEAL Team)
- Participate in thought leadership activities, such as conferences, meetings and working groups.
- Carry out some administrative tasks, such as filing proposals, setting up meetings, editing documents, etc.

**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 Global Affairs Canada (GAC), 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
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends, issues and priorities in international assistance
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook and web-based research; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge software an asset
- Excellent communication skills: Position 1: French & English with excellent writing skills in French; Position 2: English & 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 t