Program associate (Americas and disaster risk reduction)

The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping Canadians, as well as the most vulnerable throughout the world, is currently seeking a Program Associate, Americas and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Under the direction of the Program Manager (PM), Americas and the Advisor, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the Program Associate, Americas and DRRI is responsible for assisting in the overall direction and management of programs, including department administration, program development, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Responsibilities

- Support the PM, Americas and Advisor, DRR by recording and distributing the minutes of the meetings; monitoring the flow of communication and documents in the project approval process and respond to questions and provide information from various departments as requested;
- Maintain an effective program/project filing system, preparation and screening of correspondence, assisting with travel arrangements, preparing expense claims and arranging meetings;
- Prepare project proposals as directed by the PM, Americas and Advisor, DRR. Assists in the development of appropriate project management documents and tools (results based management, logical framework analysis, work breakdown structures, reporting matrices, etc.);
- Assist in the development of contractual relationships between and among CRCS, International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) , International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Partner National Societies (PNS), and Asia National Societies (ANS);
- Assist in the monitoring of evolving political, social and security issues in countries of the Americas region where CRCS programs are present of being planned. Makes recommendations as appropriate;
- Conduct appropriate background research (sectoral, government priorities, agency, funding criteria, etc);
- Identify opportunity for new areas of work, consistent with Americas strategic objectives and an increasing leadership role for the CRCS in the Americas;
- Develop and implement methods for learning and integration of CRCS lessons learned;
- Support delegate’s technical questions and ensure they are appropriately briefed prior to departure to the field;
- Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

- Bachelors Degree in International Relations, Political Science, health or related degree;
- Minimum 3-5 years related work experience, preferably with program implementation experience;
- Strong written and verbal communications skills in English and Spanish are mandatory. Communication skills in French is an asset;
- Strong Microsoft Word skills;
- Strong organizational and program management skills;
- Experience in program/project research and development as well as writing proposals;
- Self starter and able to work in an environment with ambiguity and tight timelines;
- Proven analytical and problem solving skills;
- Ability to travel outside of Canada is required;
- Previous experience working in the humanitarian field or Red Cross experience is considered an asset.