Job Description
| Position Title: | VOICE for Women and Girls Country Program Officer |
| Reports to: | Regional Coordinator & Program Manager |
| Contract Term: | One year, with the possibility of extension |
| Status: | Full-time |
| Annual Salary: | $16,200 to $18,000 CAD, Commensurate with experience |
| Work Location: | Lilongwe, Malawi |
| Travel Requirement: | Primarily within Malawi, with occasional travel within Africa |
Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has received a multi-year grant from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to implement the VOICE for Women and Girls program. Active in Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana from 2020-2028, this program aims to enhance the capacity of partner organizations in developing countries to advance gender equality and economically empower 50,000 women and men cooperative members from marginalized communities. The program will leverage the expertise of 169 skilled Canadian volunteers to assist Developing Country Partners (DCPs), cooperatives, and credit unions in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing sustainable, innovative, and inclusive initiatives, particularly for women.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Country Program Officer is a vital member of CDF Canada’s program team, supervising volunteers and managing the in-country implementation of the VOICE for Women and Girls program. Reporting to the Africa-based Regional Coordinator and the Ottawa-based Program Manager, the Program Officer will lead program implementation, coordination, and performance monitoring. Additionally, this role involves managing relationships with implementing partners, international volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders and engaging with VOICE for Women and Girls beneficiaries from cooperatives and credit unions.
The Program Officer will lead efforts to build sustainable capacity among country partners and beneficiaries, ensure compliance with reporting requirements, and monitor progress toward program goals and objectives. The role also includes identifying new opportunities, overseeing program and proposal development, and ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of VOICE for Women and Girls.
A successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage staff and volunteer teams, and understand the needs of beneficiaries. The position requires a collaborative individual who thrives in a team-oriented environment and can work effectively with diverse groups of people.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management
- Manage the project lifecycle, including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
- Support the implementation of the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF).
- Foster collaboration between the program team, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.
- Strengthen policies, mechanisms, and legal frameworks that protect, respect, and promote women’s and girls’ rights.
- Actively promote the program and its gender equality objectives by participating in relevant national and regional meetings and forums. Stay informed on news, trends, and policy developments impacting the project.
- Enhance the advocacy and communication skills of implementing partners.
- Support the development and implementation of CDF Canada’s Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy and Procedures.
- Prepare project reports as needed.
Volunteer Management
- Manage Canadian volunteers deployed in-country, including orientation, training, and ensuring their safety and security.
- Oversee volunteers’ work with partner organizations, including developing their scopes of work and monitoring their activities and outputs.
- Liaise with implementing partners to develop volunteer scopes of work jointly.
- Maintain regular communication with the Head and Regional Office regarding volunteer issues.
- Create an enabling environment for volunteers to perform their duties effectively.
- Encourage volunteer participation in planning and developing new projects.
- Ensure that volunteer monthly timesheets and reports are submitted to headquarters promptly.
Funds and Budget Management
- Demonstrate experience in managing budgets and financial reporting.
- Work closely with partners, vendors, and financial supporters to develop, maintain, and ensure budget adherence.
- Review grant proposals.
Reporting
- Generate reports on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis as required.
- Contribute to annual work plans, annual reports, mid-term reviews, and final evaluations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience.
- Experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and business development.
- Knowledge of cooperatives and credit unions is a strong asset.
- Familiarity with results-based management (RBM) and Global Affairs Canada development programs.
- Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of other regional languages is an advantage.
- Strong understanding of financial management and budgets.
COMPETENCY & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- A detail-oriented, analytical multitasker who consistently meets deadlines.
- Adaptability to change throughout the scope of a project or program.
- Understanding of gender mainstreaming, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
- Ability to develop relationships with community, governmental, and other non-profit organizations to raise funds, increase awareness, and build resources.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
TO APPLY
We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through CDF Canada’s web portal.
Application Deadline: Friday, September 6, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT
Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.
CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.