The Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) is a partnership between the federal government and the two national co-operative organizations: the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil canadien de coopération et de la mutualité, to stimulate the development of new and emerging co-operatives as well as innovative co-operative projects across Canada. The new CDI will run for 4 years from 2009 to 2013 and will be co-managed by the two national co-operative organizations.
The Innovative Co-operative Projects (ICP) part of the CDI program involves extensive contact with co-op groups and other stakeholders in both Francophone and Anglophone communities. This allows for one program officer to deal primarily with Francophone clients and the other with Anglophone clients, but each must have bilingual skills. Together, the two program officers will administer the contributions program for technical assistance to community and farmer groups, ensuring effective and accountable program delivery. They will also work with a range of stakeholders - within the co-operative sector, government, and the agricultural development community - to help the beneficiary co-ops build their capacity for success.
Term: These are full-time, term positions to March 31, 2013
Responsibilities include:
- Administer each stage and process of the contributions program - including the application, review, approvals, contribution agreement, monitoring and reporting processes;
- Ensure effective records management for all aspects of the contribution program;
- Assist the beneficiary co-ops in building their capacity for long-term success by facilitating appropriate linkages and access to other existing resources;
- Maintain effective communications with successful applicant co-ops and other program stakeholders;
- Work collaboratively with all members of the program team to ensure harmony between the various components and objectives of the larger program.
Qualifications include:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in both official languages is an important asset;
- University degree in relevant subject area;
- 3-5 years experience in administration of grants or contributions programs;
- Proven skills in relationship building and collaborative development practice;
- Excellent organizational and information management skills;
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite;
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
