Humanitarian Program Specialist

Summary

Humanitarian Coalition is looking for a Humanitarian Program Specialist.

Description

The Humanitarian Coalition 

Based in Ottawa, the Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters. Member agencies join forces to raise funds, partner with the government, and mobilize media, businesses and individual Canadians. Together, we are saving more lives. 

Collectively the member agencies of the HC bring decades of experience in humanitarian assistance, aid and development to undertake united emergency appeals and implement projects funded by the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF). The Humanitarian Coalition and its members have developed a joint emergency appeal mechanism and capacity in Canada to provide donors with an easy way to give, educate the Canadian public, strengthen the humanitarian response sector and make a substantive contribution to reducing the suffering and affirming the rights of those affected by humanitarian crises. The Humanitarian Coalition does not operate any programs overseas but maintains extensive project-cycle management for projects funded by Global Affairs Canada and Canadian donors, and implemented by its member organisations.

CARE Canada is a founding member of the Humanitarian Coalition and administers Human Resources on behalf of the Coalition.  Visit www.humanitariancoalition.ca for more information. 

The Position 

Working directly with the Humanitarian Coalition’s Executive Director, the Program Specialist manages the HC’s program-related activities and supports the HC Program Committee. This position is an essential part of our team, at the forefront of the organization’s coordination among membership agencies, supporting funding allocations and ensuring that the member agencies’ program commitments align with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) guidelines and requirements. As they work within a small Secretariat team, the successful candidate will be entrepreneurial and enthusiastic about taking on a variety of tasks and will take pride in seeing them through. They have superior written and verbal English, conversational French, a range of experience with humanitarian programming, excellent coordination experience, and experience with office management and tools.

The ideal candidate is determined to make a difference in the Canadian humanitarian sector, will have a track record for innovative thinking, perform well under stressful situations and be willing to do what it takes to get a job done. They will have a history of achievement, ability to build consensus and be driven by a desire to see ambitious projects through to completion.

The position offers the post-holder an opportunity to work with some of the key Canadian humanitarian organizations and gain a better understanding of the sector in Canada.

Program Management & Coordination (75%)

• Oversee and coordinate all elements of the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF) program, funded by GAC. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting members in implementing CHAF in alignment with funding guidelines, supporting grant-making decisions, updating program templates, coordinating the collective management of program funding, etc.;
• Ensure all member agencies are adhering to program guidelines for projects funded by the Humanitarian Coalition (e.g. submission of project proposals, approval of funding agreements, etc.).
• Maintain detailed, up-to-date project tracking information for all of CHAF and appeal projects, and track financial disbursements to members;
• Provide quality control review for all program reporting and ensure that members’ narrative and financial reports meet accountability standards;
• Coordinate mid-term and final program reviews and evaluations, as needed. Develop Terms of Reference, contract external consultants, and provide leadership in completing collective monitoring and evaluation activities;
• Draft collective final program reports for CHAF and Matching Fund-supported program, coordinate members’ approval prior to submission, and lead on addressing formal feedback and follow-up activities;
• Develop proposals for all new Matching Fund grants and future iterations of the CHAF program;

• Coordinate members’ input on key decisions related to GAC-supported Matching Funds and the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, liaise between the HC membership and GAC counterparts, and represent the membership’s position in meetings with GAC or other key stakeholders;
• Represent Humanitarian Coalition programs as required – including during HRN meetings and at sectoral events; make presentations on the Humanitarian Coalition and relevant program-related subjects as required; maintain good relations with the Canadian humanitarian sector ‘at-large’ (incl. GAC, academia, etc.).

Program Committee Coordination (10%)

• Support and coordinate all Program Committee activities, including planning monthly meeting agendas, facilitating committee discussions, and circulating meeting minutes;
• Prepare program updates that keep management, board and committee members abreast of updates and significant issues concerning the development and delivery of HC programs and services;
• Draft and update program-related key performance areas in the HC Strategic Plan and yearly work plans;
• Update Program Committee Terms of Reference and lead committee representatives in the selection of committee chairs to serve yearly terms.

Communications Support (5%)

• Provide program-related content for use on the HC website, in the Annual Report and in communications activities;
• Coordinate and review members’ submissions of case studies and photos for use in HC communication materials;
• Support the production of high-level program reports for donors in follow-up to emergency appeal campaigns.

Special projects (10%)

• Provide flexible support during launch of Humanitarian Coalition appeals (including but not limited to support for communications, donor relations, corporate partnerships, etc.);
• Assist with special initiatives as required during Humanitarian Coalition appeals;
• Assist in organizing the HC’s Annual Assembly, and other periodic workshops;
• Other special projects as determined by the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor degree and demonstrated continuing education in relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of humanitarian program experience and extensive knowledge of the humanitarian sector;
• Experience working with Global Affairs Canada as a donor, including knowledge of humanitarian standards and guidelines for NGOs;
• Demonstrated planning and execution skills in a professional environment under competing priorities;
• Solutions-oriented nature, strong problem-solving skills; Fluent English and conversational French is required;
• Demonstrated ability to develop trust with and coordinate a diverse group of actors;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills;
• Keen attention to detail, demonstrated ability to manage and organize large amounts of program data;
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and in a team environment;
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Canadian non-profit fundraising and humanitarian community;
• Knowledge of financial analysis tools, administrative processes and procedures;
• Experience with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning approaches for humanitarian programming is an asset;
• Excellent computer literacy and comfort with working on a remote team. Demonstrated experience using the Microsoft Office suite, Dropbox, Zoom.

What we offer

• Starting Salary Range between $70,000 – $75,000, depending on skills and experience
• Full benefits: dental, medical, vision care, paramedical, life insurance (some exceptions may apply) and professional and confidential Employee Assistance Program services 
• Generous leave entitlements, including paid December office closure 
• Learning and development opportunities
• Flexible work hours and hybrid work model
• A family friendly environment 

How to Apply

If you are someone who thrives on challenge, loves to be part of a dynamic team and you are passionate about making a difference, then this opportunity is for you! Don’t think you check all the boxes? Reach out anyway – We would love to hear how your experience translates to this role! Please apply directly at https://bit.ly/3S1wlVm  by October 25, 2022. Please note resumes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the advertisement will be removed once the candidate has been identified.  We are only able to consider candidates who currently have the right to work in Canada.

CARE Canada is committed to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Recruitment-related accommodations for persons with disabilities are available on request.

CARE Canada has a mandatory vaccination policy currently in place with accommodations based on the Ontario Human Rights Code.
 
As part of CARE Canada’s commitment to preventing sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, we conduct reference checks on all final stage candidates in line with the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying to this role with CARE Canada, you are giving us consent to contact your previous employers to seek information in line with this scheme.

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How to Apply:

If you are someone who thrives on challenge, loves to be part of a dynamic team and you are passionate about making a difference, then this opportunity is for you! Don’t think you check all the boxes? Reach out anyway – We would love to hear how your experience translates to this role! Please apply directly at https://bit.ly/3S1wlVm  by October 25, 2022. Please note resumes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the advertisement will be removed once the candidate has been identified.  We are only able to consider candidates who currently have the right to work in Canada.