ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso is a community development organization that works to reduce inequality through efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors. Cuso collaborates with partners to enhance women’s and girls’ empowerment, promote inclusive livelihoods and advance gender equality. Each year, Cuso amplifies their impact by mobilizing hundreds of professionals who volunteer their time and share their experience. Cuso is a people-centered organization that prioritizes working in partnership with local organizations. Cuso presently supports programs implemented in Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Find out more at www.cusointernational.org

ABOUT THE ROLE

After 60 years, Cuso has embarked on a process of renewal.  In an era of rapidly changing contexts for international cooperation, Cuso is looking for an experienced DHoP, Africa that has ambition for contributing to advance human rights, reduce inequality and create both economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Responsible to and working in close coordination with the HoP, Africa, the DHoP, Africa is responsible for engaging and supporting Country Program Offices (CPOs) in Benin, Cameroon, DRC, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania to build their capacity in program/project management and implementation as well as to contribute to the development of innovative opportunities to expand Cuso’s work in the region. Working independently and coordinating the efforts of a cross-functional team, this role will deliver and support CPOs to increase their capacity administratively and programmatically to develop and execute high quality programming that promotes gender equality, women and youth economic empowerment, and poverty reduction.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that all administrative, operational, finance, monitoring and evaluation, human resources, security, IT and volunteer recruitment/management systems and policies are in place in and used by CPOs and understood by staff, kept up to date and related timelines are met.

• Coordinate with HoP, Africa on the annual budgeting process with CPOs as well as the budget review and budget monitoring. 

• Oversee day-to-day programmatic, administrative and financial management by CPOs and act as liaison with Cuso Canada office as needed.

• Support contractual compliance for donor-funded programs/projects, including tracking progress, mitigating risks, reporting and evaluations/assessments.

• In collaboration with the HoP Africa, identify gaps and develop the capacity of CPOs in technical program/project management and implementation.

• Development of CPO identified trainings/workshops and implementation through in-person and remote/online interactions.

• Participate in key events, workshops and forums at local, national and regional level as well as network with actors to support program development and contribute to Cuso’s profile in the sector.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the social, political and economic context within Africa region, as well as issues and challenges to programming.

• Coordinate with Cuso’s Program Strategy, Development and Innovation Team to identify program development opportunities in the region as well as analyse thematic and financial details of new opportunities and make recommendations.

• Support the standardization and coordination of planning, coordinating, writing and editing of program development documents and ensure a participatory, timely and effective processes for the Africa Program.

• Contribute to regional, intra-regional and global organizational knowledge sharing and learning as well as participate in thought leadership activities.

• Coordinate with HR on the region’s learning needs

• Deputize for the Head of Program, Africa when required.

• Work extra hours (evenings and weekends) and travel regionally/internationally when required.

Job Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• University degree in international development or a related field

• Minimum eight (8) years’ experience in international development or a related field

• Experience working on the African continent

• Knowledge of current issues and trends in gender equality and/or economic empowerment and/or refugee assistance and/or sexual and reproductive health and rights

• Experience in administrative, operations and project management

• Ability to analyse and identify gaps and develop skill building tools to increase staff capacity

• Experience with MEAL systems and frameworks

• Experience working with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and other international development agencies

• Good understanding of project funding and related numerical analysis

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French

• Highly organized with great attention to details and good team coordination skills

• Self-starter and able to work independently

 We’re also looking for people who share our values:

• Partnership: We believe in the power of people. We employ a people-centred approach to development and the challenge of overcoming poverty and inequality.

• Respect and integrity: We value diversity. We recognize and care about the rights and dignity of others.

• Accountability: We proactively demonstrate that we work with and on behalf of others. We seek to achieve and inspire excellence and are accountable to.

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 by June 5th, 2023, at 11:59PM (EST). Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet all the essential and any desirable qualifications. 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. 

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.

Deputy HoP, Africa