International Assistance Officer

Summary of Duties:

Under the direct supervision of and reporting to the Head of Cooperation (Development), the Officer provides a wide range of project and program level services in support of Canada’s international assistance programs in South Africa and the Program’s other countries of accreditation according to Government of Canada policies and objectives. This includes: 

• Supporting sound management and administration of the Program’s operational budget including planning, procurement, contracting, disbursement, and accounting using financial accounting software; 
• Conducting research and analysis of trends and developments related to international assistance; 
• Drafting meeting minutes, briefing notes, project and program-level documents, presentations, and other materials; 
• Assisting to develop and implement the Program’s communication and visibility strategies; 
• Supporting the planning and delivery of international assistance projects and programs; 
• Undertaking consultative activities with in-country/regional partners to achieve intended results; 
• Promoting Canada’s international assistance objectives by contributing to international development related discussions in relevant fora. 

In these roles, the Officer coordinates with other stakeholders, including government, local, international and multilateral institutions, civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other development partners/donors. The Officer supports the Government of Canada’s representation at events, may participate in policy dialogue, and maintains a network of contacts and a knowledge base in support of Canada’s international assistance programming. The Officer also performs other duties as required, for example, providing support for event planning and official and/or high-level visits.

 

Area of Selection:

Open to internal and external applicants who are legally in a position to work at the High Commission of Canada in South Africa. This includes citizens or permanent residents of South Africa who meet all the essential requirements stated below and whose applications are received by the closing date. 

Please note that the High Commission of Canada to South Africa does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in the field of international development, international relations, project management and evaluation, social sciences, management, public administration, or a related field.

* The term accredited means the educational institution must be registered and recognized with an accrediting body within the country where the institution is physically located. 

 

Language:

Advanced level of English proficiency, both spoken and written

 

Experience:

*recent is defined as within the last five (5) years 

 

 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

 

Knowledge:

• International assistance trends in South Africa and Africa
• Microsoft Office tools (for example, Excel, Word)
• Budget management, tracking and preparation

 

Competencies:

• Values and ethics, professional integrity
• Judgement – Applies sound judgement when analysing problems or situations
• Teamwork and cooperation – Expresses positive attitudes and expectations of team or team members

 

Abilities: 

• Ability to prepare and manage a budget
• Ability to analyze, synthesize and summarize information and make recommendations
• Ability to draft reports, briefings, and/or presentations
• Ability to take initiative and work autonomously
• Ability to manage own time, balance multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain networks of relevant contacts

 

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Experience in international assistance program and/or project management
• Experience in results-based management
• Experience in committees, working groups and/or networks related to international assistance
• Working knowledge of French (spoken, written)
• Master’s degree (or equivalent post-graduate level) from a recognized university
• Knowledge of Global Affairs Canada international assistance priorities

 

Operational Requirements:

• Working hours 37.5 hours per week over a 5-daywork week (Monday to Friday)
• Ability to work overtime occasionally outside normal working hours
• Ability to travel on occasion within South Africa and internationally
• Work is strictly office-based, work from home not being operationally feasible

 

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

 

How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

 

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the High Commission of Canada to South Africa does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the High Commission of Canada to South Africa which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.