Location: Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Addis Ababa, Abuja, Cotonou, Dar es Salaam, Yaoundé, Kinshasa, Kingston Jamaica, Tegucigalpa, Lima, or Bogotá
Reports to: Director, Program Development, Strategy and Innovation (PDSI)
Position type: Full-time
Salary range: $88,000–$95,000 CAD
Classification: Management
Language requirements: Fluent English (with either fluent French or Spanish)
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. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.
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, we are looking for a Senior Manager, PDSI to lead a team of 2-4 thematic experts and program development advisors, to grow Cuso International's programming and impact in its three strategic areas: gender and social inclusion, economic resilience, and climate action. They play a leadership role in coordinating internal teams developing programs which align with Cuso International's new strategic plan.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for an organizational leader driven by passion and principle to advance human progress in all its forms, and with a focus on social justice, human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic development. The ideal candidate has experience with the complexities of international cooperation and a professional track record of entrepreneurship in a career that has shown success in roles of progressively greater responsibilities. They love a challenge, are highly self-aware and derive their energy from effective teamwork. The Senior Manager, PDSI must have extensive experience in the development of proposals to institutional donors – such as Global Affairs Canada in particular. As a superior communicator in two or more languages, they are a natural collaborator and partnership broker who will be able to work well with Cuso International's partners and country teams.
We are looking for a leader with feminist principles who is ready to apply their professional ambition to an organization that is re-inventing itself to have a greater impact in the world. We're looking for someone who is known to have principled opinions; feminist principles; and who brings people together.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development (55%)
- Oversee the PDSI team to support Regional and Country Teams to develop program development plans, identify upcoming opportunities, and manage the process for deciding Go / No Go for various opportunities.
- In coordination with Heads of Programs and Development (HoPD), Regional Teams, Country Teams, Finance Team and Human Resource Team, coordinate the PDSI Team to design and develop new projects in line with Cuso International priorities and needs of partners.
- Oversee the PDSI Team to secure funding from donors to scale-up and maximize Cuso International's impact in Canada and globally in line with the Strategic Plan 2023-2027, building relationships and identifying opportunities.
- Oversee the PDSI Team's development of proposals and concept notes for submission to donors, ensuring high quality control for documents shared externally. The Senior Manager, PDSI will lead on some of the proposals and concept notes herself/himself, and supervise Program Advisors, PDSI to lead on others.
- Coordinate the PDSI Team to motivate, train and support Regional Teams and Country Teams to expand Cuso International's programming by creating innovative ideas and partnerships that are based on needs of partners and communities.
- Coordinate the PDSI Team to support the development of Project Implementation Plans for new projects when required.
- Coordinate closely with the Philanthropy Team to support Cuso International's fundraising goals and approaches, including sharing results and impacts from programming for fundraising efforts.
- Coordinate with Philanthropy Team to engage the PDSI Team in developing proposals to trusts, foundations, and major donors when required.
- Work with the Program Quality and Impact (PQI) Team to inform the development of adapted measurements and data sets supporting program development.
Partnerships and Networking (15%)
- Maintain and develop a strong portfolio of partners internationally, in Canada, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering collaboration on program development in line with Cuso International's strategic and operational plans.
- Build and maintain relationships through local, regional and international networks, alliances, forums and/or events that could lead to program development opportunities.
- Network and promote Cuso International's programs with donors, partners, government officials, private sector and/or other relevant agencies in Canada and globally.
- Coordinate with the PQI Team on the design of mechanisms to identify partners, tools for partnership management, and evaluation of the impact of partnerships.
- Represent Cuso International in public fora as required, including participation in sector coalitions.
Leadership and Line Management (20%)
- Supervise and coach the PDSI team of program development advisors and thematic advisors (GESI and environment) to identify and pursue new programming opportunities.
- Supervise and support the team members to provide training and support to global, regional and country Cuso International staff on the three strategic areas of focus.
- Foster a positive, respectful, fair and participatory work environment for staff free from harassment, motivating staff to actively participate towards achieving Cuso International's goals.
- Ensure that Cuso International's performance management culture and inclusive values are understood and respected within the PDSI team and that each staff receives adequate feedback and support to promote successful performance and high levels of employee engagement.
Capacity building (5%)
- When required, provide training and coaching to PDSI team members, HoPDs, regional, country office and other staff on key topics related to program development.
- Oversee the PDSI teams to develop and implement organizational policies, and to provide technical support to ongoing programming.
Tools, Systems, Policies and Implementation (5%)
- Develop or improve tools, templates, guidance, and systems for program development as needed.
Other
- Fulfill other responsibilities, as required from time to time.
- Travel within Canada and internationally when required.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Solid educational background, preferably a Master's in international development/studies, or equivalent experience
Experience
- Track record of achievement in partnership development and securing institutional funding for international cooperation and development programs ($5M+)
- Demonstrated understanding and experience with Canadian, US, EU, UN and other institutional donors (especially Global Affairs Canada) and funding modalities, including co-financing mechanisms and innovative financial models
- Demonstrated thematic expertise in one of Cuso International's three strategic priority areas: (1) Gender equality and social inclusion, (2) livelihoods and economic resilience, and (3) Climate action
- Experience managing others and coaching, mentoring and motivating teams
- Extensive experience working with multi-disciplinary teams to design international development programs/projects
- Non-profit/NGO experience, specifically working in developing countries
- Ability to leverage existing networks of donors and partners to strengthen Cuso International networks both in Canada and globally
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of evolving sector norms for integrated, feminist and localized approaches
- Significant knowledge and skills of project design, results-based management and MEAL system
- Gender-based analysis (GBA+)
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to translate complex program and thematic information into proposal development
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
- Strong oral and written communication skills; must be comfortable as a spokesperson for Cuso International and representing Cuso International with donors, partners, and key networks
- Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office applications in a virtual office setting
- Professional fluency in English is required, and fluency in at least one of Spanish or French
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice, feminist principles, equality and human rights, climate action and environmental sustainability
- Ability to make decisions and take initiative, as part of managing a complex and varied workload
- Ability to work irregular hours and overtime when needed to meet critical deadlines
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.
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. Applications will continue to be received until the position is filled. 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. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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.