INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM GROUP
Position:
Responsible to:
Location:
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
Director, International Programs
Winnipeg
July 2015
Position Summary: The Senior Program Officer works with and supports member agencies in
the planning, approval, administration and monitoring of food assistance, nutrition, and
agriculture and livelihoods projects funded by the Foodgrains Bank.
The Senior Program Officer is a part of the International Program Department and reports to the
Director of International Programs.
The position is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Periodic domestic and international travel is
required.
Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Project Planning and Approval – Review planning, provide feedback and process approval
of projects submitted by member agencies for funding. This task includes:
1.1. Liaising with member agencies and implementing partners regarding project planning;
1.2. Reviewing project proposals from member agencies to ensure completeness,
appropriateness and consistency with Foodgrains Bank policies;
1.3. Providing advice regarding project planning and proposals;
1.4. Seeking technical team input to project proposals;
1.5. Obtaining internal approval for projects, including preparing necessary budgets and
approval documentation.
2. Project Administration and Monitoring – Provide support and follow-up on project
implementation and reporting, including:
2.1. Maintaining complete project files;
2.2. Transferring cash to projects as per policy and the project funding schedule;
2.3. Initiating commodity procurement being conducted by the Foodgrains Bank;
2.4. Reviewing tenders and procurement plans for commodity procurement being
implemented by member agencies or implementing partners;
2.5. Monitoring project implementation and providing advice as necessary;
2.6. Ensuring monitoring and evaluation of project results;
2.7. Obtaining and reviewing project financial, narrative and results reporting;
2.8. Closing and archiving completed projects.
3. Member Relations – Maintain good working relationship with assigned member agencies,
including:
3.1. Being informed about and discussing member programming plans and equity
availability;
3.2. Keeping member agencies informed about Foodgrains Bank developments and policies
and procedures;
3.3. Maintaining knowledge about member agencies (i.e., goals, strategies, methods,
structures, and partnerships);
3.4. Developing a mutual understanding of the services that the Foodgrains Bank is able and
willing to provide.
4. Technical Services - Provide/arrange technical support services (typically from the technical
team, but may also include consultants) for member agencies and implementing partners as
requested to facilitate or improve project planning, implementation, evaluation and
reporting.
5. Knowledge Base - Maintain and develop knowledge about issues relevant to food
assistance, nutrition, agriculture and livelihoods programming.
6. Resource Support - Provide project information as requested to the resources and public
engagement team.
7. Delegations - Arrange and facilitate member delegations to various countries or regions as
required.
8. Representation – Represent and speak on behalf of the Foodgrains Bank in various fora
including:
8.1. Making presentations to supporters and the public about the programming of the
Foodgrains Bank.
8.2. Articulating the Christian nature and mission of the Foodgrains Bank among
constituents, churches and with partner organizations.
9. Departmental collaboration - Participate in international program planning meetings and
assist with occasional related tasks as assigned by the Director of International Programs.
Qualifications:
Required
 Previous overseas work experience in a humanitarian assistance or development
context
 Demonstrated knowledge of food and hunger issues, and international
relief/development theory and practice
 Strong written and oral communication skills
 Attention to detail
 Experience in project management
 Experience in financial management and budgeting
 Ability to work well in a team
 Ability and willingness to travel internationally
 Strong word processing and spreadsheet program skills
 Commitment to Foodgrains Bank’s mission and Christian motivation and active
involvement in a Christian faith community
Preferred
 Expertise in one of the following:
o food assistance programming
o agriculture and livelihoods programming
o nutrition programming
o emergency response programming
 Familiarity with results-based management
 Fluency in written and oral French or Spanish