Program Officer, Escalations

  • Mid-level, Short-term contract assignment
  • Posted on 1 September 2022

Job Description

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC), an iconic brand and one of the most inspirational not-for-profit organizations on this planet, is seeking a Program Officer, Escalations to join the team.

We are guided by our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.

Starting with the hiring process, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.

Working with the Manager, Program Administration, with day-to-day management provided by the Escalation Team Lead, the Program Officer, Escalations will work closely with internal teams to provide second-level review of escalated program applications and partner reporting to support the integrity of the CSRF program. The Program Officer will use their analytical skills and good judgement to support program delivery through careful review of escalated applications and reports.

In this role you will:

Responsibility 1: Program Reviews

  • Provide a second-level review of escalated applications and reports, both as part of the initial program intake process and over the course of the program.
  • Provide support to Grants Officers with application review process by providing assistance with questions, required documents, etc.
  • Access various websites and registries to confirm validity of applicant information.
  • Recommend inclusion or ineligibility of an application or project based on program guidelines.
  • Ensure second-level reviews are conducted in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Support follow ups to organizations via phone and email for additional information and clarification.

Responsibility 2: Program Support

  • Contribute to the maintenance of well-organized and documented project files.
  • Actively participate in coordination meetings that support the implementation of the program and ensures alignment with program intentions, granting good practices and CRC’s methodology.
  • Contribute to and support linkages between program teams to identify opportunities or concerns with cross-sector projects and to build on collaborative efforts.
  • Contribute to the development and finalization of program tools and processes.
  • Identify issues and trends through escalations and discuss with leadership to inform program decisions.

Responsibility 3: Continuous Improvement

  • Contribute to the documentation of program practices, internal tools, and resources.
  • Provide regular input and ideas that will contribute to continuous improvement of program processes.
  • Gather program and/or project feedback and analyze information that will contribute to further developing grant methodology and tools.


What we are looking for:

  • Completion of post-secondary education in administration, finance or a related field is an asset.
  • Minimum 5+ years’ experience in Grant Management, Program Management, Community Development, Human Services or Social Sciences, or in an equivalent capacity.
  • Experience supporting the application review process for claims, loans, grants, funding, and/or services (preferably applications for government services).
  • Experience with grants and funding programs and specifically the intake/application review process is an asset.
  • Experience reviewing company financial statements to assess the overall financial health of companies, as part of the application review process.
  • Ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and apply proposal guidelines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to read, write and deliver services in English; strong preference for English / French bilingual and additional languages are an asset.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities that generate pragmatic solutions, anticipate the impact of decisions on others, and demonstrate an ability to involve others in managing problems when appropriate.
  • Ability to succinctly synthesize information from multiple sources.
  • Well-developed listening, assessment, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands and timelines in a changing environment.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize, organize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
  • Excellent knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and virtual meeting software; knowledge of database systems an asset. 


Working Conditions

  • The work will be performed remotely from home.
  • If driving for Society business; a valid driver’s license is required with a satisfactory drivers’ abstract.
  • Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
  • If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).
  • Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position and operation (the CRC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

About the Organization

The Canadian Red Cross helps people affected by emergencies and disasters—situations ranging from a housefire to a flood that disrupts an entire region of the country. Following a disaster, the Red Cross works with governments and other humanitarian organizations to provide for people's basic needs—food, clothing, shelter, first aid, emotional support and family reunification. The specific services offered are based on the community's needs and the role that their Red Cross has in the local disaster response plan. The Canadian Red Cross works overseas in cooperation with other members of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement: 185 National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. With the support of the Canadian public and the Canadian International Development Agency, we work in situations of war and natural disaster to bring urgently needed relief items, reunite families and help rebuild communities. The Canadian Red Cross supports and manages development and rehabilitation programs, ranging from primary health care to water sanitation. Each year, the Canadian Red Cross sends about 100 professional relief workers on overseas missions.

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