Manager, VCP Program Impact
Location: Toronto or Montréal
Language: English and French
Supervisor: Program Director
Position Type: Full-Time, permanent
Job Requirement: Must be able to work in Canada
Travel: Infrequent travel in Canada and overseas
Hiring Range: $72,813 to $76,454
Closing Date: 5pm on July 7, 2021
THE POSITION
Within the framework of Crossroads’ program goals and strategic directions, the Manager, VCP Program Impact, supervises a multi-disciplinary program team in Canada that ensures the quality control, accountability and learning of VCP programming. The incumbent provides guidance on the design and implementation of Crossroads’ holistic sectoral strategies, of special projects’ thematic priorities as well as on MEAL process & requirements aiming to strengthen the capacity of Crossroads’ VCP local partner organizations in countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The incumbent also ensures that the VCP cross-cutting themes (gender equality, environment, human-rights based approach and innovation) are integrated in all VCP country plans, projects, and local partners capacity building components.
The Manager, VCP Program Impact, ensures that the VCP programming is responsive and effective, that it leads to results, builds on good practice, and contributes to organizational learning. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Manager, VCP Program Impact works collaboratively with other teams and departments to achieve organization-wide strategic and operational goals.
GENERAL CONTEXT
Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP)
This 7-year project (2020-2027) funded by Global Affairs Canada aims to reduce gender inequality and alleviate poverty by addressing gender-based violence, inequalities in access to resources and economic opportunities, and barriers to the exercise of strategic forms of choice, voice and influence that are the result of unequal and discriminatory power relations embedded in society. Seven hundred and seventy (770) Canadian and Southern volunteers will be deployed in our countries of intervention to implement short-, medium- and long-term mandates to support partner organizations in 11 sub-Saharan African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia).
Overarching Responsibilities:
- Works in partnership with members of the program department and other departments to contribute to organizational goals and objectives;
- Provides leadership and mentoring to a team of program/project officers across 2 offices in Canada (Toronto and Montreal) in the areas of Crossroads’ holistic sectoral strategies (gender-based violence, access to justice for vulnerable women and girls, leadership for women and girls, women’s economic empowerment and environment and climate change) as well as in the VCP monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning and in the VCP special project design and implementation;
- Ensures all areas of responsibility are carried out in compliance with Crossroads’ mission, strategic priorities, policies, standards and systems as well as with GAC and other donors requirements;
- Represents and acts as a liaison for Crossroads on sectoral, thematic or specific initiative related networks, fora and partnerships.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program (60%)
- Provide leadership in Crossroads’ VCP quality control programming focused on partners’ capacity to advance gender equality and women’s rights, leadership and economic empowerment for women and girls in countries of sub-Saharan Africa through training, volunteer mandates, thematic projects, partners’ collaborations, scale up of innovative projects, learning and knowledge management and policy engagement;
- Oversight on VCP Programming team roles and responsibilities, including:
- Provision of expertise to the overall organization in core sectoral areas;
- Advise African offices on partnership management, partners’ organizational diagnostics, capacity building plans, volunteers’ mandate development and reporting, and design of country plans;
- VCP related overall project development, management, and monitoring (guidelines for project and grant management);
- Ensure that strong gender and environmental analysis, human-rights based approach and innovation permeate all aspects of VCP programming, including in partnership development, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation;
- Ensure that Crossroads’ contractual obligations for VCP monitoring and evaluation are met effectively and that required VCP Annual Work Plans and Reports are of high quality and timely;
- Lead in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships in Canada to support VCP programming;
- Ensure that knowledge generated by Crossroads’ VCP programming, plus relevant external practices are shared and integrated in future programming, policy, communications and the volunteer cycle;
- Ensure that Crossroads’ VCP programming is carried out within Crossroads’ Risk Management Framework and is reflective of a proactive risk aware organizational culture.
- Human Resource Management (15%)
- Lead and support a diverse team ensuring oversight of roles and responsibilities including workload distribution;
- Recruit, hire, train, coach, support and supervise VCP programming staff in Canada utilizing inclusive approaches;
- Create and maintain a team-based collaborative approach to program development and implementation;
- Encourage innovation and responsiveness in VCP programming;
- Implement Crossroads’ performance review and learning and development processes with team members under their supervision;
- Contribute to the enhancement and implementation of Crossroads’ personnel policies.
- Resource Development (10%)
- Under the supervision of the Program Director, and in collaboration with the Resource Development team, contribute to the development and implementation of a resource development strategy for the VCP programming;
- Support new funding opportunities and develop relationships with potential funders;
- Contribute to the development and implementation of organization-wide funding and resource development strategies;
- Support program development and project proposals in coordination with the Senior Program Development Officer.
- Financial Management and Operational Planning (10%)
- Contribute to the preparation of the annual organizational budget;
- Ensure judicious and effective management of the VCP programming budget under their responsibility including the special thematic projects budget;
- Ensure compliance with Crossroads’ financial policies and procedures for all program and project expenditures;
- In collaboration with members of the VCP programming team and with other members of the senior leadership team, ensure timely development and implementation of an annual operational plan;
- In collaboration with other members of the Crossroads Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the development and management of overall organizational goals and objectives.
- External Relations (5%)
- Contribute to events and other initiatives to engage targeted audiences, taking initiative for events organizing where relevant;
- Participate in and encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience among like-minded international organizations;
- Work collaboratively with the External Relations team to capture and disseminate stories about the programs that will support the engagement of Canadians through various means including events, trainings, social media, etc.;
- Identify and participate in relevant networks on behalf of Crossroads;
- Represent Crossroads at conferences and other fora.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive program management and human resource management experience in the sector of international development;
- Masters’ degree or equivalent in a related field.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:
- Demonstrated leadership abilities with a collaborative and participatory working style;
- Overseas work experience in international development projects/programs in countries of sub-Saharan Africa;
- In-depth knowledge and experience in international cooperation and global strategies to advance gender equality and the rights of women and girls;
- Solid understanding of the Canadian International NGO community as well as Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) work and requirements;
- Strong writing skills and ability to communicate in both English and French;
- A commitment for ongoing growth and development;
- Strong capacity for strategic analysis and innovative thinking;
- Demonstrated supervisory experience in a multicultural environment;
- Demonstrated project and budget management skills;
- Solid understanding of the role that volunteers can play in sustainable development;
- Proven experience in programming through a proactive risk management framework;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Proven success in project planning and proposal writing skills;
- Adaptability and a positive approach to change;
- Results-orientation with strong organizational and time management skills;
- Collaborative working style with experience in leading team-based initiatives;
- Familiarity with online collaboration and learning;
- Experience working in a diverse work environment and on cross-functional teams;
- Knowledge and experience of GAC’s Volunteer Cooperation Programs (VCP) is a strong asset;
- Knowledge of other government and donors involved in international development activities is an asset;
- Experience in developmental evaluation is an asset;
- Specific experience in countries of East and Southern Africa is an asset.
ELIGIBILITY CRITIERIA AND ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS
THE ORGANIZATION
Crossroads International is a leader in international cooperation and has been fighting inequality for over 60 years. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in Africa, with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence. Every year, we engage experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues. Together we are leveraging knowledge, expertise and dollars to create a more just and equitable world.
Crossroads is a registered charity supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), other government and non-government funders, and many individual donors around the world.
Crossroads is committed to principles and values of access and equity. Candidates from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.
Crossroads is also committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct, and advancing anti-racism. To that end, the organization is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct, and the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s international cooperation sector.
OUR VISION
ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.
APPLICATION
If you are interested in joining a dynamic international development organization, please submit your résumé and cover letter in one document (Word or pdf) before 5pm on July 5, 2021 by e-mail to [email protected]. Applications must include “Manager, VCP Program Impact – Your Name” in the subject line of the e-mail. All applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Crossroads is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect this commitment. Crossroads is committed to diversity in the workforce and individuals from all minority groups are encouraged to apply.
We thank all applicants in advance, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.