Compliance and Program Quality Lead

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA); Waterloo; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in Canada is seeking a Compliance and Program Quality Lead to ensure donor and organizational compliance across projects. The successful candidate will have a strong background in project management, engage in risk management, and provide training for teams. This role emphasizes international experience and fluency in both English and Spanish. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a master's degree.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management roles within international non-profit organizations.
• Experience in operations management of international projects.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance at country/regional level, managing risks.
• Develop and operate project management tools and systems.
• Deliver learning sessions on best practices.

Skills

Project Management

Compliance Monitoring

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international relations or similar

Master’s Degree in International Development

Tools

Project Management Guide (PMG)

Project Management Software

Job description

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Compliance and Program Quality Lead to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Compliance and Program Quality Lead is a subject matter expert on compliance with program and project requirements as well as effective project management processes. The Lead works within a Regional Structure to ensure donor and organizational compliance related to grant, contract, legal and audit requirements. The Lead provides best practices, processes, and tools to support effective project management by country staff. In collaboration with the Compliance and Program Quality team, this role plays an important role in ensuring MEDA builds and sustains the operational foundation for the implementation and delivery of projects and programs aligned with MEDA’s new strategic shifts and growth trajectory.

Current Project Responsibilities will include:
• Working on implementation of MEDA’s strategic initiatives, including the regional strategy and plan for the Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean (LAC) and Asia Pacific (AP) regions
• Development and deployment of Project Management guidelines and tools
• Promote the adoption of standard tools and processes across projects and regions – through the development & operationalization of MEDA’s Project Management Guide (PMG) and delivering learning sessions on best practices, systems, processes and compliance.
• Monitoring compliance and quality in the delivery of development projects within the LAC & AP regions.
• Guarantee the operational risk management and mitigation action Plans across projects and programs.
• Guarantee the quality and compliance of project reporting to donors.
• Provide management of international projects or consultancies operated directly from MEDA Canada or MEDA US (e.g. cross-regional or consultancy based).

Job Status: Contract, Full-time for 12 months with possible extension
Start Date: Immediately
Location(s): (Remote) Canada or any location within Latin American countries, with preference where MEDA currently has operations and potential interest to expand projects (Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras)

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Working with project teams to ensure compliance at country/regional level, managing risks and mitigation strategies based on the specific requirements of each project/program, capturing learning to improve business continuity plans and performance.
• Contribute to developing, enhancing and operationalizing tools and systems related to program management and continuous improvement, promoting the adoption of standard tools and processes.
• Delivering learning sessions to equip teams with systems, best practices, compliance and project management processes.
• Supporting the implementation of country and regional strategies, providing input for the development of financial reports, budgets and forecasts, procurement decisions, and providing guidance on best practice.
• Support the development of compelling concept notes in coordination with the Regional Director and PBA (Partnership Business Development).
• Support the Regional Director in nurturing relationships with potential donors and peer organizations;
• Liaise with other MEDA departments (Finance, Legal, People & Culture, Security, IT, Technical Teams, MIM, Internal Audit) to ensure compliance with internal processes and policies.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, Cooperation for Development, Business Administration, or similar.

Project Management for Development Projects / Non-profit management training/certification.

Master’s Degree or Postgraduate certificate/diploma in International Development, International Relations, is an asset.

Experience:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management/oversight roles within international non-profit organizations.
Experience in operations management of international cooperation projects including procurement, procedures, contract management and partner management.
Experience in Partnership Development and working with multi-country partners.
Experience working with large donor funded projects. Experience with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded project is considered an asset.

Technical Expertise:
Project Management/oversight practices, tools and systems
Fluency in English and Spanish is required
Certifications on Program or Project DPRO/ Project Result Management

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith statement, values and goals
• Ability and willingness for frequent travel to developing countries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.