Sectoral Program Officer – Gender Equality and Inclusion
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Impact Manager of the Volunteer Cooperation Program, the Gender Equality and Inclusion Sectoral Program Officer works with local staff in the countries of operation to support local partner organizations, volunteers and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of effective and responsive programs for women’s rights in the countries of operation. They also manage multi-country and multi-issue initiatives across all programming.
The Gender Equality and Inclusion Sectoral Program Officer provides guidance and quality control, promotes innovation, and ensures the overall coherence of programming in their area of intervention within the framework of Crossroads International’s Volunteer Cooperation Program. The Gender Equality and Inclusion Sectoral Program Officer coordinates the development of projects or programs related to gender equality and inclusion and other relevant sectors in collaboration with Crossroads International’s program teams in Africa. The incumbent also monitors and evaluates the implementation of a portfolio of projects, ensuring that gender equality and human rights-based approaches are integrated into all projects and activities. The Gender Equality and Inclusion Sectoral Program Officer is part of a team of other Sectoral Program Officers. Under the supervision of the Impact Manager of the Volunteer Cooperation Program, they works in synergy with them using an integrated approach.
GENERAL CONTEXT
- Contribute to all organizational goals and objectives.
- Ensure that all areas of responsibility are executed in accordance with Crossroads International’s mission, strategic priorities, policies, standards and systems.
- Work closely with other teams in the Programs Department.
- Work collaboratively with cross functional teams to meet the goals of the organization as a whole.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Programs (60%)
Within the objectives and direction of Crossroads International’s strategic plan, provide effective operational direction to programming for a portfolio of countries.
The four main areas of responsibility are:
- Provide expertise to the organization in the key sectoral area of Gender Equality and Inclusion. In this regard, the incumbent ensures the consolidation of the feminist human rights-based approach and leads on gender equality and inclusion orientations, policies, guidelines, action plans and training activities;
- Support regional offices and the Africa country office in organizational diagnostics of local partners, capacity building activities and the development of volunteer terms of reference;
- Coordinate the establishment, management and monitoring of a diverse portfolio of project grants under the Volunteer Cooperation Program;
- Support the development and management of a portfolio of partners in Canada to support the Volunteer Cooperation Program and the programs as a whole.
Other types of responsibilities :
- Participate in the review of proposals from other portfolios;
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among like-minded organizations;
- Support learning, knowledge generation, research and dissemination of best practices within the organization;
- Integrate a strong gender analysis into all aspects of programming;
- Contribute to the development of an annual operational plan and participate in its effective implementation;
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of partnerships and strategic alliances;
- Support regional offices and the Africa country office in monitoring and evaluating voluntary cooperation activities and project grants, and in preparing high quality and timely reports on country programming
- Ensure compliance with donor and Crossroads International guidelines and policies;
- Work with the SERA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) Officer to ensure effective reporting on partnership programs and projects.
2. Funding and Resource Development (15%)
- Support the development and implementation of a funding and resource development plan for its country portfolio programs, under the supervision of the VCP Impact Manager and in collaboration with the Resource Development (Philanthropy) team;
- In collaboration with regional and country offices in Africa and partner organizations, identify project opportunities;
- Identify new funding opportunities with local and international institutional and private funders to initiate new project concepts and proposals;
- With the support of the Resource Development team and the Business Development Manager, ensure that concept notes/proposals fully meet donor criteria and requirements;
- Contribute to the development and implementation of an organization-wide funding and resource development strategy and priorities.
3. Financial Management (15%)
- Contribute to the development of the annual VCP Impact Team budget in relevant areas of responsibility;
- Following institutional guidelines and with identified potential grantees, establish small to medium size budgets;
- Track and oversee expenditures against budget lines for areas of responsibility;
- Manage, track and report on grants and funding as required
- Review financial reports under his/her portfolio to ensure proper accounting reconciliation and compliance with institutional or private donor requirements.
4. External Relations (5%)
- Contribute to the implementation of Crossroads International’s communication plan, as required;
- Ensure consistent use of Crossroads International’s brand and key messages;
- Work with Philanthropy and Public Engagement to collect and relay stories from the field and within Canada
- Engage Canadians through a variety of means, including events, training, social networks, etc;
- Participate in relevant networks on behalf of Crossroads International, as required;
- Represent the organization at conferences and other forums as required.
5. Perform other duties as required (5%)
- Participate and assist in the recruitment process for staff or consultants as required;
- Develop terms of reference for consultants as needed within his/her area of responsibility and monitor progress of deliverables;
- Perform other duties as required;
QUALIFICATIONS
- At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience, particularly overseas in the implementation of sustainable development projects/programs with human resource or volunteer management components.
- University degree or equivalent in a related field.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in international programs with a focus on gender and women’s empowerment.
- Commitment to women’s rights and experience in gender mainstreaming.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage partnerships, collaborations and relationships within an organization.
- Demonstrated experience in using results-based management tools and systems, as well as project and program monitoring and evaluation.
- Experience in the countries you will be responsible for would be an asset.
- Significant experience in the field of international volunteerism.
- Knowledge of collaboration and e-learning would be an asset.
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
- Strong budgeting and grant management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural context.
- Initiative, creativity.
- Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
- Fluent written and oral communication in French and English.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES
- Commitment to women’s rights and experience in gender mainstreaming
- Commitment to growth and development
- Commitment to inclusion, equity/equality, diversity and empowerment
- Innovation, creativity, collaboration
- Organization, autonomy and initiative with the ability to manage multiple tight deadlines effectively
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a geographically distributed team
- Adaptability and tolerance for uncertainty
- Strong organizational, administrative, communication and interpersonal skills
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.
How to Apply:
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 April 19th, by e-mail to [email protected]. Applications should indicate “Sectoral Program Officer – Gender Equality and Inclusion – 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.
