Program Development Assistant

Cuso International; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international development organization is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support program development in Ottawa. The role includes proposal coordination, research, and general administrative support. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in administrative roles, strong organizational skills, and excellent English communication. Bilingualism in French is a plus. This contract offers competitive consultancy fees and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in administrative or program support roles or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work independently under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings or events.

Responsibilities

• Assist in compiling and editing proposal components.
• Maintain accurate records of funder interactions and follow-up actions.
• Coordinate logistics for donor meetings and networking events.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in MS 365

Project Management Methodology

Bilingual (English & French)

Education

Post-secondary education in international development

Equivalent experience

Tools

CRM tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Location: Ottawa Ontario (Hybrid)

Status: Consultancy up to 1-year contract

Reports to: Director Program Development

Consultancy Fees: CAD $28 - $32 / per hour (up to 35 hours per week)

Language requirements: English essential; bilingualism (French & English) will be considered a strong asset

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for underserved groups. Together with our partners we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience advance gender equality and social inclusion and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills we can build better presently supports programs implemented in Africa Canada Central and South America and the Caribbean. Find out more

ABOUT THE ROLE

Under the direction of the Director of Program Development the Assistant provides a diversified range of administrative coordination research and information management support to the Program Development team with regards to institutional program development corporate engagement and general team support. This role is critical in ensuring smooth departmental operations and timely delivery of proposals concept notes partnership development activities funder engagement and internal coordination. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented proactive and passionate about advancing international cooperation initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Development Support Research & Information Management :

• Assist in compiling and editing proposal components (particularly administrative sections annexes and due diligence information) ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Assist in keeping donor proposal submission platforms up to date with administrative information annexes and due diligence information.
• Conduct background research on funders (institutional and private sector) funding trends and thematic priorities.
• Support monitoring of emerging opportunities in the sector.
• Draft correspondence and assist in preparing briefing notes for meetings with donors and partners; assist in preparing donor presentations and communication materials.
• Organize and maintain knowledge resources templates and best practices for proposal development.
• Maintain accurate records of funder interactions and follow-up actions; maintain and update internal trackers dashboards and other tools for proposal pipeline and partnership management.
• Facilitate information flow between teams to support timely decision-making and deliverables.

ADMINISTRATIVE & COORDINATION SUPPORT

• Maintain calendars schedule meetings and organize logistics for proposal development workshops webinars and processes.
• Prepare and format documents presentations and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track deadlines and deliverables for funding opportunities and proposal submissions.
• Coordinate logistics for donor meetings workshops and networking events.
• Prepare event materials agendas and participant communications.
• Provide on-site or virtual support during events to ensure smooth execution.
• Prepare requisitions and supporting documentation for payment processing.
• Provide travel administration support including travel planning expenses visas etc.
• Track program development activities budgets travel budgets and consultant budgets.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Director Program Development

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education (or equivalent experience) in international development administration or a related field.
• 12 years of experience in administrative or program support roles or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required; bilingual (EN / FR) will be considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in MS 365; experience with CRM or project management tools is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Works effectively with diverse teams and partners.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings or events.

HOW TO APPLY

Please click the Apply for This Job button to submit your application no later than November 14 2025 at 11 : 59 PM (EST) . Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet all the essential and any desirable qualifications. Please note that a confirmation email will be generated once you submit your application but it may be directed to your spam or junk folders of your email inbox.

Cuso International is committed to the integrity of our volunteers interns staff managers board members and subcontractors in preventing sexual violence in the way we operate. This is done through a defined framework code of conduct values and guiding principles as well as Cooperation Canadas Leaders Pledge.

Required Experience : Junior IC

KEY SKILLS

Project Management Methodology,Project / Program Management,Program Management,Management Experience,Microsoft Powerpoint,Project Management,Microsoft Project,Budgeting,DoD Experience,Leadership Experience,Supervising Experience,Contracts

Employment Type: Full Time

Department / Functional Area: Program Development

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Hourly Salary Salary: 28 - 32