Technical Advisor, Cooperative Development

Job Description

Overview

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community.

The Technical Advisor (TA), Cooperative Development supports the Cooperative Development portfolio at Global Communities as a member of the Food, Economic, and Climate Security (FECS) team. The TA will assist in the successful completion of cooperative development program (CDP) objectives. The program will be implemented in Kenya and Guatemala addresses critical development issues including inclusive economic growth, improved enabling environment, and learning initiatives.

Responsibilities

Responsibility Area: Cooperative Development Program Management

• Support and directly participate in the project management and implementation of the USAID/CLEAR+ project.
• Support project implementation through direct knowledge transfer and training to cooperatives and stakeholders including topics such as cooperative development, cooperative & business management principles, and where applicable, USAID program management (i.e., Sub-award management)
• Active participation in management and engagement with program team(s) oversight of project workplan, ensuring timely delivery of program deliverables, and compiling of project data for USAID submission.
• Travel independently to provide capacity building to cooperatives and/or SMEs in areas of varying economic, social, and political stability; Design and conduct SME/Cooperative training workshops; Ensure instructional materials are appropriate and in sufficient supply for training events.
• Oversee the development of and utilize programmatic and technical tools for cooperative development such as worker-cooperative start-up guide, Cooperative Performance Index, and business management (financial management, business plans, etc.).
• Support and participate in technical evaluations of programming such as baseline, mid-line, and program evaluations.
• Support both country teams use of programmatic management and knowledge management web based platforms (such as Oracle NetSuite Core ERP, Smartsheet, Podio, and CommCare); ensure alignment across country teams’ reporting by creating templates for each team and combining reports and data into one consolidated report for submission to USAID.
• Compile monitoring and evaluation data and country team reporting for singular project deliverables for submission to USAID
• Coordinate with Global Operations regional teams to ensure alignment with regional strategies and country operations including project budgeting, procurement, participation in regional meetings.
• Ensure programmatic compliance with donor regulations and the cooperative agreements.
• Produce high quality, technically sound documents, tools, and program reports.
• Plan, analyze and track monthly budgets in coordination with program team.
• Undertake all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Responsibility Area: Technical Excellence Support

• Revise and edit technical manuals and program knowledge management documents.
• Produce technical products including learning briefs, blogs, thought pieces on cooperative development and relevant topics for Global Communities, donor requests, conferences, etc.
• Oversee and provide technical assistance to programs in needs assessments, monitoring, and evaluations including use of program specific software (i.e., Podio, Commcare, Mural).
• Collaborate with GC’s technical areas and regional teams to promote collaboration and internal learning across GC on cooperative development topics.
• Support and lead (when appropriate) efforts to cultivate visibility with key donors including USAID and other strategically important organizations.
• Represent Global Communities at conferences, workshops, and at meetings with donors, government counterparts, and senior staff from other international development organizations.
• Participate in Oversees Cooperative Development Program (OCDC) Collaborative Group.
• Track opportunities for new funding. Supports development of concept papers, executive summaries, problem statements and implementation strategies. Supports Global Communities proposal development with conceptualization, research, writing, budgeting, and document production.

POSITION SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• International Travel up to 25% of time.
• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, diversity, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline and a minimum of four years of related work experience or a minimum of eight years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge & commitment to cooperative development, small and medium enterprise development (or similar) economic growth, and social inclusion.
• Knowledge of strategies for youth engagement, job force training, youth capacity strengthening preferred.
• Ability to support strategic planning and growth with vision, expertise, and a commitment to excellence and innovation.
• Strong collaborative approach to cross-technical program support and program development
• Experience or familiarity with USAID project management, grant proposal preparation, and rules/regulations.
• Project management experience including project budgeting, work planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Experience developing training materials and training experience preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of and familiarity with economic development and social inclusion policies and best practices and willingness to stay abreast of and adapt to emerging approaches in the sector.
• Ability to learn quickly, apply knowledge, manage deadlines, work independently with minimal supervision on familiar assignments, submit high-quality work plans, prioritize workload, and multi-task in fast-paced environment.
• Good people skills with ability to build strong relationships with staff, current and potential donors, partners, and government representatives at all levels in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with others.
• Abilities in a second language, professional abilities in Spanish preferred.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Development philosophy in keeping with Global Communities’ mission, vision, core values, and approach to integrated, community-driven programming.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, please apply (including your resume and cover letter) by September 29, 2023. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

Location and Work Schedule

This selected candidate can be based in Silver Spring, MD or San Diego, CA. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without restriction. This role is on a hybrid/telework schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work at least twice as week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from either our San Diego or Silver Spring office and the remainder of the week from an approved remote location.

Salary and Compensation

The estimated salary for this position is between $80,266 - 110,336. Final salary will be based on several factors including qualifications, geographic location, experience, and internal equity. Global Communities provides a comprehensive benefits package; please note that this position is not eligible for allowances.

About the Organization

As an organization working to advance public health, Global Communities has an obligation to model best practices and to do all we can to protect each other, our partners and the communities where we work. To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our business operations, Global Communities is adopting a policy to safeguard the health of our visitors, employees, families, and the larger global community from COVID-19. Effective January 3, 2022, all U.S.-based Global Communities employees are required to provide proof of having received full dosage of COVID-19 vaccine that is FDA approved, approved for emergency use authorization, or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with Global Communities, as a condition of employment.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.