Position Title:        Program Manager, North America

Incumbent:           

Division:                 Governance Programs                      Salary Level:          

 

The Program Manager, under the direction of the Vice-President for governance programs is accountable for developing and delivering sustainable, federal governance programs and related projects in North America.

 

1.   Opportunity identification

• Liaises with a variety of stakeholders in the region, including Forum partners, contacts in government ministries, foundations, non-government organizations, universities, research centers and institutes.
• Discusses issues and priorities to determine possible partnerships, funding mechanisms, and areas for delivering federal governance projects
• Monitors the activities of other organizations to avoid duplication of effort, keep abreast of developments and trends and identify subject matter experts.
• Identifies funding opportunities and secures program funding for Forum activities in the region.

 

2.   Programme Planning and Strategies

·          Consults with regional/country and federalism experts and develops detailed operational plans for the North America region including program themes and sub-themes

·          Advises VP, Governance Programs on programming strategies and trends for North America.  Assists VP, Governance Programs in Forum strategic planning exercises by compiling and researching information on the region or on specific countries in the region.

·          Forecasts program expenses and develops program budgets

·          Submits plans to VP,Governance Programs for review and to program partners for discussion

·          Revises program plans to the satisfaction of the Forum Board and partners

·          Revises action plans annually to incorporate changing priorities and political developments.

 

3.   Program Implementation: 

·          Develops sub-program and project proposals, including financial and partnership details

·          Identifies logistical and personnel requirements and develops sub-program and project budget

·          Facilitates the approval process between the Board, senior management and partners

·          Identifies and recruits experts to facilitate and deliver in-country activities

·          For conference/seminar events identifies and recruits experts to deliver presentations and participants for discussions

·          Prepares progress reports, contracts for consultants, writers, experts, participants and facilitators

·          Facilitates communication among partners, experts and participants and resolves issues.

 

4.   Project delivery:

·          Manages project implementation, and resolves issues concerning project budgets, logistics, project experts and participants at project events

·          Manages project budgets, prepares quarterly forecasts, monitors expenditures against approved allocations to keep within budget

·          Provides advice and guidance to experts in the preparation of their assignment and materials

·          Prepares briefing books consisting of background material for experts and participants

·          Monitors event logistics and resolves related issues with the Program Assistant, Travel Agent and the local logistics person.

·          Coordinate tasks of other staff designated to work on specific North America related projects. 

 

5.   Partner & other country liaison:

·          Monitors federalism related developments in Forum’s North America partner countries(e.g. Canada, United States, Mexico)

·          Maintains regular contact with partner country focal points and Embassies to stay up-to-date on relevant developments; to advise on Forum activities & products ; to identify new opportunities responsive to their interests

·          Prepares country briefs & updates

 

6.   Communication:

• Prepares project follow-up assessments and reports.  Writes analytical and progress reports for Forum Management, the Forum's website and Board members, including identification of follow-up opportunities
• Prepares funding submissions in liaison with Finance, Partnerships and other Governance program officers.
• Liaises with Finance officers to prepare reports required by funding agencies and contribution agreements
• Collaborates with other program managers, and the Public Information and Education officers in the preparation of project articles, documents, educational materials and briefing packages
• Prepares briefing packages for event experts and participants

 

7.   Forum representation

• Represents the Forum at meetings of selected national and international organizations and provides input on the possible benefits of partnership with the Forum
• Builds networks of contacts in various country organizations with an interest in federalism, and with international donor organizations.