INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Description of the Field The development field is fundamentally about addressing basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter, and working toward an improved quality of life for peoples in the non-industrialized world. A variety of specialized sectors have been created to address each of the issues in turn, which include: health, democracy/governance, agriculture/environment, economic growth, education, and infrastructure. The democracy and governance sector, although one of the newest, is increasingly favoured by donor agencies. The three main actors in development work are donors, implementing agencies, and advocacy groups; and jobs vary accordingly. Donors include organizations that are bilateral (e.g. CIDA, International Development and Research Centre, IDRC) or multilateral (e.g. World Bank, UNDP) and typical duties for employees include monitoring and oversight, policy formation, and macrolevel project design. Many NPSIA alumni have found jobs in both CIDA and IDRC. Implementing agencies are on the front line of development, providing direct assistance mostly at the community level. They can include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private sector firms (including development consulting firms) that receive contracts or grants from donor agencies. Staff are primarily recruited based on sectoral or regional expertise and sometimes working conditions of employees can be difficult and pay is often low. Advocacy groups are comparatively small and tend to focus on research and development to influence development policy, donors and implementing agencies. Selected Alumni Job Titles International Development Consultant, Mosaic International Project Officer, Peace and Security Unit, Humanitarian Assistance Peace and Security Division, Multilateral Programs Branch, Canadian International Development Agency Project Team Leader and Country Representative, Community-Based Economic Development Project, Canadian Centre for International Studies and Co-operation Program Officer, Business Development and Technical Services, CHF Research and Policy Assistant, International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development Principal of InterPraxis [social and economic consulting firm specializing in: ethics and corporate social responsibility; international development; social auditing; and participatory research] Director, Branding & Organizational Development, Guidant Japan KK Institutional Development Specialist, Mexico Program, The Nature Conservancy 1
Canadian International Development Agency Senior Environmental Advisor, Environment and Development Policy Branch, CIDA Programme Advisor, Asia and Middle East, International Humanitarian Assistance, CIDA Civilian Police Peacekeeping and Mine Action Programme Officer, CIDA Senior Policy Analyst, Environment and Development Policy Division - CIDA Research Officer, China Program, CIDA Policy Analyst, Governance and Social Policies, CIDA Deputy Director, Programs; Program Against Hunger, Malnutrition and Disease, CIDA Governance Sector Program Manager, Pakistan and Afghanistan Desk, Asia Branch, CIDA Democracy and Governance Program, in Ethiopia - CIDA Development Officer (Eastern and Central Europe), CIDA Senior Program Officer, Russia/Ukraine and Nuclear Programs Div, CIDA Program Manager, Anglophone NGO Section (Asia), CIDA Senior Program Manager, United Nations and Commonwealth Div, CIDA Development Officer, Corporate Planning, Policy Branch, Canadian International Development Agency Voluntary Sector Programs Directorate, Canadian Partnership Branch, CIDA International Development Research Centre Senior Program Specialist, Program and Partnership Branch, IDRC Coordinator, Women's Health and Empowerment Project, IDRC - South Asia Research Officer, Peacebuilding and Reconstruction PI, IDRC Research Officer - Community-Based Natural Resource Management Program Initiative (Asia), Programs Branch, IDRC Senior Program Specialist, PAN Asia Networking and ICT4D Policy, Information and Communication Technologies for Development, IDRC Research Officer, Canadian Partnerships, IDRC 2
Sample Employment Advertisements The advertisements shown below have been selected from the jobslist notices available to NPSIA students and alumni. The positions were all advertised between 2003 and 2006 and thus represent a current view of an employment opportunity. The examples have been selected from a large number; and have been chosen as representative of a type of employer and/or a type of skill in demand. ==========+++++++[[]]+++++++========== Project Coordinator, Family and Reproductive Health Project, Canadian Public Health Association Global Health Programs The Canadian Public Health Association's (CPHA) Global Health Programs has an opening for a Project Coordinator, Malawi Family and Reproductive Health Project, for a short-term maternity leave placement. Funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), CPHA's Malawi Family and Reproductive Health Project supports national reproductive health goals and strategies in Malawi through strengthening the capacity of Primary Health Care services to meet community priorities. Project activities address a broad range of sexual and reproductive health issues, such as safe motherhood, family planning, youth sexuality, and male involvement. In partnership with the United Nations Population Fund in Lilongwe, local project personnel work with district and local health facilities and communities to improve the availability and quality of, and demand for sexual and reproductive health services. Based in Ottawa and reporting to the Associate CEO, Director, Global Health Programs, the Project Coordinator manages the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Family and Reproductive Health project in Malawi. This will be an especially busy period in the project cycle, and will require the candidate to quickly take on responsibility for managing the final period of implementation, organizing the project evaluation and writing the final report. The position requires a candidate with strong project management, communication and writing ability, organizational and time management skills, as well as a commitment to participatory community development principles. Candidates applying for this contract position should possess a health or social science graduate degree and have a good understanding of the social and technical aspects of reproductive health. A familiarity with the principles and practices of primary health care, Public Health and project management is required as is previous overseas experience, preferably in Africa. Previous experience with reproductive health in Malawi or another Southern African country is strongly desirable, as is experience working with CIDA's RBM reporting requirements. This position requires a high level of personal and professional commitment, and ability to travel overseas to Malawi. Project Officer, Technical Cooperation Division, International Affairs Branch, AUCC 3
Candidate Profile AUCC is the national organization that represents Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges at home and abroad. We provide a forum for discussion and a framework for action at the federal level, facilitating the development of public policy on higher education. We also encourage cooperation among universities and among partners with whom we share interests. We are a non-governmental, not-for-profit association, funded through membership fees and revenues from publications and contract management services. The Technical Cooperation Division develops and manages international projects in the fields of education and good governance. Reporting to the Project Manager, the incumbent will assist in the day-to-day management of international development projects managed by the Technical Cooperation Division and in particular will work on the budgeting and monitoring of project activities. In addition, the Project Officer will support the activities of the Technical Cooperation Division in developing new projects, preparing proposals for bid and in the implementation of other projects as the need arises. The candidate profile describes the qualities which an "ideal" candidate would possess. Education and Experience An undergraduate degree in administration, finance or accounting and at least four years of relevant experience; Experience in project management in an international context; Experience in working with or in not-for-profit organizations such as the AUCC; Experience in writing proposals for international development projects for a variety of funding agencies; Experience in contract management, including negotiations. Knowledge Knowledge of project management including solid understanding of budgeting, recruiting of experts, report writing, and coordination of activities and teams of specialists; Good knowledge of relevant regional agencies and institutions and relevant international agencies and institutions; Knowledge of CIDA and /or multilateral banks, including their policies and operations in the fields of education, training, and good governance; Knowledge of Results Based Management principles and applications. Abilities Superior communication skills in English and French, including the ability to write clearly and quickly; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively, productively and harmoniously with others and to build alliances with a variety of stakeholders, both Canadian and foreign; Cultural sensitivity and people skills are essential; Proven ability to set priorities, organize and plan workload; Excellent skills in Excel and other software programs. 4
Personal qualities A person who can work independently, under general direction, and who is prepared to take initiatives without seeking detailed guidance; A person capable to work under stress and occasional periods of intense activity; A person with flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks; A person willing to travel internationally as required. This position is classified at level 8 which has a starting salary range of $54,789 to $67,800. AUCC offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes four weeks of vacation, an attractive pension plan, and life, disability, medical and dental care insurance. International Development Officer, CIDA Location: Gatineau Classification: PM - 04 Salary: $55,118 to $59,558 Language Proficiency Applicants must demonstrate in their application that they meet the following qualifications to be retained for further consideration. Bilingual Imperative English French Education Graduation from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience relevant to the position to be staffed. Experience Significant and recent experience in managing projects or activities in the area of international development or in the voluntary and community-based sectors. Significant and recent experience in negotiating contracts or agreements with private-sector, public-sector or community-based organizations. Significant and recent experience means applicant has performed complex activities related to this task in a wide variety of situations within one (1) to two(2) years ago. Other Merit Criteria and Conditions of Employment The following merit criteria may be required for this position. Applicants should indicate in their application if they meet these criteria. Work or volunteer experience in a developing or transition country. 5
Work or volunteer experience in at least one (1) of the following five (5) areas: basic education, health, governance, environment, private-sector development. Operational Requirements which may apply for this position. Possibility of travelling abroad under difficult conditions. CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Security clearance: Reliability - this factor is not used at the preselection stage. The department is responsible for the security clearance process. Experience Questionnaire: You will be required to complete an online experience questionnaire when you apply. View the experience statements. Statement of Merit Criteria: Applicants who meet the above criteria will also be assessed against the Statement of Merit Criteria for this position. Additional Requirements / Comments: A written exam may be administered. An essentially-qualified pool of candidates may be used to fill similar positions with bilingual linguistic profiles and/or requirements, as well as tenures, which may vary according to the position being staffed. Research Officer, Programs and Partnership Branch, IDRC Level: J (57,491$ - 69,017$) Job Summary Working as a member of the Partnership and Business Development Division, and under the guidance of the Director of the Partnership and Business Development Division, the research officer contributes to the development and operation of the Program and Partnership Branch, conducts research related to the partnering activities of the Centre, produces documentation, analyzes, coordinates and disseminates information and prepares financial information on donor funding and drafts budgets for the donors. The principal responsibilities include research support; coordination of program and project development; development of tools including use of electronic communications; and liaison with key internal and external constituents. Primary Duties or Responsibilities Program Coordination and Liaison (30%) Under the supervision of the Director: coordinate and centralize all information about the activities of a PI/PA; act as first point of contact for enquires about the PI/PA; make recommendations about both content and operations to improve the work of the Division. prepare PI reports, work plans, budget statements (PWB) when required. 6
coordinate the implementation of evaluation plans for the Branch. upon request, establish linkages between IDRC and external partners, donors, UN organizations, NGOs and governments in areas related to a PI/Theme. upon request, develop contacts with key Canadian institutions and act as liaison for Canadian collaboration. on occasion, make presentations and/or represent the Centre at selected meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars. perform initial review and coordinate the selection process for potential interns, awardees and summer students for the Division. Support for Program Development (30%) Under the supervision of the Director: collect, analyse and manage information from wide variety of sources to investigate aspects of issues relevant to the PI or PA and its future development in collaboration with supervisors and/or other IDRC staff, draft and edit special papers, state-of-theart reviews, journal or newsletter articles, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or to support the design and implementation of a Division. under the guidance of senior team members or the supervisor prepare written, graphic and visual materials for public presentation (for public relations purposes or for revenue generation). assist in the development of a PI/PA communication or dissemination strategy for internal and external audiences. compile direct and indirect project results and lessons learned for wider dissemination within the Centre and outside. assist in the design of evaluation plans, as a member of a team with appropriate POs and the Evaluation Unit. Support for Project Development and Management (30%) Under the supervision of the Director: assist in organizing and managing research competitions (small grants), including setting guidelines, disseminating calls for proposals, identifying reviewers, and ensuring prompt review of incoming proposals. review and assess concept notes, RSPs, project proposals and assist with their administration. assist in the preparation of progress reports to co-funding agencies (co-funded projects) and provide periodic project updates as needed. General Administration (10%) maintain reliable accounting/budgeting records and prepare financial information in order to contribute to an effective internal control of the Division budgets, including tracking of appropriation deadline. using available resources and applications (like EPIK) retrieve and aggregate project information in support of PI/PA reporting requirements. generate and provide information as requested, often on an urgent basis, for both internal and external audiences. organize meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops both locally and internationally. prepare minutes and meeting reports. Job Knowledge Education A masters degree preferably in Business, Public Administration, International Studies or in Finance. Experience One to three years of relevant work experience. 7
Experience in conducting research on international development. Experience in project management, including the preparation of budgets. Experience in the preparation of financial analysis reports. Supervision Summer Students - assists in selection process, orients new summer students, assigns tasks, reviews work and provides feedback, evaluates performance. Indirect supervision (describe) Interns, PDAs and Grant Assistants (GAs) - liaise with PAs and GAs to ensure timely development of activities. Scope of job Within the Division lead by a Director, the Research Officer is expected to: provide assistance to the supervisor in managing programmatic development; provide assistance to the supervisor in ensuring adequate project pipeline and program management; provide assistance to the supervisor in providing key reports to Centre management and to other partners including co-funders; representing the program at external events as determined by the RO and the supervisor. Candidate Profile Demonstrated ability to perform research-related tasks (library and web research, analysis and synthesis of documents, writing and editing skills) demonstrated abilities in a wide range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative data collection analysis demonstrated analytical, communication and problem solving skills ability to work with others as an effective and cooperative member of a team; demonstrated ability to plan and organize work with minimal supervision; demonstrated ability to work under pressure when deadlines must be met thoroughness and reliability demonstrated ability to prepare budgets for donors; willingness to learn, Centre databases and software (including EPIK and IDRIS) ability to use MS Office Suite (Excel, Powerpoint), a variety of e-mail clients, workgroup applications, etc. understanding of, and interest in, research for development and in developing countries effective inter-personal skills, including tact, maturity and sensitivity to individuals and conditions in different cultural and organizational contexts. Language This is a bilingual position (English - French) Assistant Research Coordinator, Transparency International (TI) Secretariat, Berlin Job Title: Assistant Research Coordinator Main function: Assist policy and research team Remuneration: commensurate with experience Location: Berlin, Germany POLICY AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 8
Transparency International (TI) is the civil society organisation leading the global fight against corruption. TI currently has about 100 National Chapters around the world. Its International Secretariat is based in Berlin, Germany. TI does not investigate or expose individual cases of corruption but advocates for reform by focusing on systemic improvement and by building coalitions with other anti-corruption stakeholders, including governments, the private sector and civil society organisations. Key responsibilities: Contribute to the development, implementation and publication of TI global corruption measurement tools (CPI, BPI, Barometer & new tools) Conduct research and fact-checking to support measurement tools Prepare background information and tables for data analysis of the tools Contribute to writing of reports or launch documents (FAQs, regional tables, methodological notes) Answer queries on TI measurement tools Assist analysis of media coverage and impact of TI research Provide support to TI National Chapter tools in the area (queries, update matrix of tools etc.) Contribute to research and writing of external queries on policy and research issues, including Policy Positions and Working Papers, resource pages for the TI Anti-corruption Handbook and U4 donor queries Update material related to the department on the TI website in coordination with web-team Compile the department budget Contribute to fundraising efforts for the department and process payments to external consultants Provide administrative support to all projects Knowledge, experience and skills: Advanced studies in social sciences, such as political science, development studies or international relations, in economics or law, statistics a plus Good knowledge and experience in empirical data analysis Some knowledge of current anti-corruption discourse, policies and international developments Good research and English-language writing skills; editing experience preferred Foreign language skills a plus, especially French Ability to work in a team as well as independently Strong computer skills (Microsoft office, SPSS) PROGRAM OFFICER, AMERICAS POLICY GROUP, Canadian Council for International Cooperation The Americas Policy Group (APG) of CCIC brings together NGOs, churches, unions, universities and solidarity groups from across Canada that have a specific interest in development issues and social justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its purpose is to improve the quality and impact of participating groups through collaborative reflection and analysis, including input from Southern partners, and the co-ordination of policy development and strategies for joint action and advocacy. The program officer is responsible for coordinating and staffing the activities of the APG, and helping the working group elaborate strategies for policy work integrated into the work of the CCIC. He or she will work within the Policy team, following CCIC policies and guidelines, under the 9
direction of the Policy Team Coordinator. Specific areas of priority for the APG over the coming year are: -Continuing to play a strong role in hemispheric policy issues such as trade and development, leading up to the 2001 Summit of the Americas, and increasing work related to the OAS. -Coordinated NGO policy work related to post-hurricane Mitch reconstruction in Central America. -Ongoing Guatemala and Mexico related policy work. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Specifically the Program Officer will: 1. Assure the functioning and administration of the APG, including preparation of meeting agendas and minutes. 2. Support the APG in the development of overall policy strategies and ensure their coherence with CCIC's policy agenda. 3. Facilitate the implementation of the strategies and program of the working group in coordination with the program and planning process of the CCIC Secretariat. 4. Bring policy issues related to the Americas to the Secretariat Policy Team and CCIC Board for discussion and possible action. 5. Develop opportunities for the APG to contribute to relevant policy discussions within the nongovernmental community, and with relevant Canadian ministries, agencies, and institutions. 6. Monitor, and communicate information and analysis on development and human rights issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, in order to assess the implications for the work of the APG and CCIC. 7. Monitor relevant Canadian government policies and programs and keep the APG and CCIC informed of issues and events necessary for strategic discussion. 8. Writing policy statements, briefs, and for CCIC and external publications. 9. Coordinate fundraising strategies of the working group, including writing of funding proposals. 10. Contribute to the on-going planning and administration of the Policy Team through regular work planning and program development activities. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS University degree or equivalent; Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience required; Bilingualism in Canada's official languages is required; Ability to read and speak Spanish is essential; Knowledge of Canada's international policy processes including experience in advocacy and government relations; Capacity to work in a self directed manner, collaborate in a team, and to provide leadership as required; Knowledge of development issues in Latin America; Familiarity with the Canadian NGO community and strategies for building policy capacity and collaboration relating to CCIC's policy agenda, including knowledge of international networks and NGO partnership relations; Work experience in a developing country, preferably in Latin America is an asset; Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; Proven analytic, writing and research skills; Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure; Good administrative and computer skills; Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to be flexible; Understanding of gender analysis, the importance of gender equality, and the role of women in development. 10
POLICY ANALYST, FOCAL (CANADIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE AMERICAS) Based in Ottawa, FOCAL is an independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to deepening and strengthening Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through policy discussion and analysis. As a policy centre, FOCAL's mission is to develop a greater understanding of important hemispheric issues and to help build a stronger community of the Americas. Duties and Responsibilities: Policy analysts are required to perform a variety of duties related to monitoring and analysis, stimulating policy debate and dialogue, and outreach activities. These include: * Maintaining an awareness and understanding of the relevant policy issues in their area of expertise or within a given geographic region * Developing and maintaining networks of experts * Researching and writing FOCAL policy papers. In addition, policy analysts manage and participate in events, such as round-table discussions, workshops, and conferences, and develop and maintain institutional partnerships. They also represent FOCAL and speak on its behalf, develop new project ideas and identify new sources of financing. Qualifications: * Master's degree in a relevant discipline; minimum two years' professional experience. * Strong oral and written communication skills (publication history). Fluency (written and spoken) in English and Spanish (competency in French an asset). * In-depth knowledge of a specific region or policy area, particularly the Andean countries, the Caribbean, intra-regional trade, social policy, or development cooperation a definitive asset. * Experience with project financing/management and event organization desired. * High degree of flexibility, experience as a team member. CONSULTANT, UNIVERSALIA CONSULTING Established in 1980, Universalia Management Group Ltd is a privately held management consulting firm that works to increase the performance of organizations in the private, public and non-governmental sectors in Canada and around the world. Universalia has four main practices: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), other international development agencies, First Nations, and private sector. Universalia provides services in organizational capacity development, institutional and organizational evaluation, program and project monitoring and evaluation, and planning and policy research. Universalia currently employs 30 staff and has offices in Montreal and Ottawa. Additional information on Universalia can be found in our webpage: www.universalia.com. Currently, Universalia has an opening for a full time consultant position based in our Ottawa office. The consultant will work in our CIDA practice and be involved in reviews and evaluation of project, programs and organizations working in international development. The consultant will also assist clients use performance measurement techniques throughout the investment cycle and provide other related support. 11
Ideal attributes * Experience in program evaluation, performance measurement (1-3 years) * Knowledge and experience in international development (2-5 years) * Excellent communication and presentation skills (including workshop and group facilitation experience) * Clear and concise writing style * Fluently bilingual * Ability to initiate activities and work independently * Good team player * Commitment to client service * Interest in travel ==========+++++++[[]]+++++++========== Revised: January 2007; December 2003 12