Canada: Technical Advisor – Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE)
Country: Canada
Closing date: 30 Jun 2014
Technical Advisor – Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE)
Status: Full-Time Temporary 12 Month Position Department: Programs Reports To: Senior Advisor Compensation Band: 3A
Reporting to the Senior Advisor, International Programs the Technical Advisor for YEE will: support Country Offices in identification of new funding opportunities and the design and development of new programs; provide technical support, quality assurance, training and capacity building for existing programs in Latin America, Africa and Asia; and further Plan’s policy development, networking and research related to YEE, particularly related to Microfinance and financial inclusion for youth.
Program design and development
As a member of the Technical Team, this role will provide input and advice to projects that have a component on youth savings and loans, micro-finance as related to youth economic empowerment. This will include:
• Develop and design innovative Microfinance and YEE programs in line with Plan’s programmatic approach and principles
• Develop and/or provide input on project proposals • Develop detailed project implementation plans (PIP) and subsequent work plans • Work in partnership with the marketing, corporate and the development teams in developing proposals for submission to Corporations and individual donors
Technical Support and Quality Assurance
Provide quality control, value addition and technical advice to Field Office staff, partners and other stakeholders for Plan Canada support projects related to YEE and Micro-finance as they become approved. This will include:
• Identify and evaluate the national, regional and internationally approved technical standards and benchmarks for Microfinance programs and incorporate into Plan Canada’s programming • Provide technical support, advice and guidance to Plan staff in Canada and Plan’s overseas Country Offices on the implementation of programs • Participate in project related meetings as needed including project working groups and project steering committee • Provide training in the field on tools related to Microfinance, often with a special emphasis on youth • Monitor and Evaluate projects/ programs and write reports based on findings • Design quality monitoring standards as well as tools for program monitoring and improvement
Thought Leadership • Lead and/or participate in various program events at regional and international level highlighting Plan’s program experiences • Participate and share program model, learning and experience with coalitions, donors and forums • Contribute to and/or create, policy papers related to portfolio of Microfinance and YEE programs within Plan Canada and Plan International • Present Plan International Canada Inc. experience in international conferences/forums etc. • Ensure Plan Canada is well connected to, and learning from, international and national networks related to YEE and Microfinance both within the Plan Network and with other organizations in this sector
People Leadership and Managerial Responsibilities: The Advisor position often will not have people leadership but rather be an individual contributor as part of a wider team with specific accountabilities within a team. If individual is a people leader both team size, budget and projects/program scope will be at departmental level impact. Where individual is accountable for a team, this person is directly responsible for the management of that team and is reflected on his/her performance framework at a minimum 10% of time. Budget and number of staff can be directly correlated to scope of portfolio. Role includes full accountability for recruitment, hiring, setting performance expectations, and managing performance, promotion, demotion and discipline up to and including termination in line with organizational policy and adherence to legislative requirements including ESA and Human Rights Code. Leadership includes the management of: temporary, contract, intern, volunteer or permanent staff.
Requirements:
• Minimum 8 years program experience in international development; some of which should have been gained overseas • 5-6 year’s experience in Microfinance, preferably with a focus on Youth Empowerment • University degree, post graduate in development or other relevant discipline • Strong analytical skills related to Microfinance as well as group and organizational development skills • Strong technical capacity and practical experience of managing and designing international development programs and micro-finance programs • Solid experience in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming • Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations • Demonstrated ability to review, synthesize information and produce appropriate reports • Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point) and internet use • Bilingual capacity in English/French is considered an asset • A good knowledge of global development issues • Able to work in a team environment, “pitch in” attitude a must • A Valid Passport (expected travel to be 12 weeks per year) • Strong technical capacity in programming in the field of YEE with a focus on Microfinance and financial inclusion of youth • Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations • Self-driven, organized and results-oriented • Good information gathering, assessment and presentation skills • Good listening skills and demonstrated capacity to work effectively with others • Proven skills in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming • Proven skills in results based management approaches
How to apply:
To apply for this role please forward your CV and covering letter, outlining your skills and experience to gethired@plancanada.ca . Salary is commensurate with experience. Please reference Technical Advisor (YEE) in the subject line.
Plan sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Applications from Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
Consistent with our Child Protection Policy the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.
Plan Canada is an inclusive workplace, and is committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.
