Job Posting Vice President, Program Operations - HQ Closing Date: October 7, 2015 Organization: Department/Division: Work location: Authorized to Work in: Right To Play International International Programs Toronto, Canada Canada (Preference will be given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents but other nationals may apply) BACKGROUND: Right To Play is a global organization, using the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through playing sports and games, Right To Play helps over one million children learn through play to create better futures, while driving lasting social change in more than 20 countries each week. Founded in 2000 by social entrepreneur and four-time Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national fundraising offices in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Regional offices are in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Our programs are facilitated by more than 600 international staff and 14,400 local volunteer Coaches. Visit us at www.righttoplay.com JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President, Program Operations is a critical role for Right To Play, with a large majority of the organization reporting through this position. Reporting to the CEO, the incumbent will need to be in lock step with our VP Program Development and Evaluation. The VP Program Operations will ensure the requisite support is provided to the regional and country teams to achieve long-term and annual goals within their relevant portfolios. The Vice President, Program Operations has oversight of all aspects of program management and planning, and the related development and refinement of work processes and systems, and provides direction to both HQ and region and country teams in these areas. This position also has accountability for the external viability of Right To Play and its programs, with specific focus on external partnerships of particular relevance. In addition this position works collaboratively with the VP Program Development and Evaluation ensuring internal integration and coordination necessary to ensure the delivery of program quality and consistent direction of programs across the organization.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Job Responsibility #1: Program Management and Planning (40% of Time): Provide strategic direction, coordination and guidance to the teams in the management and planning of Right To Play Programs. This includes: Annual Planning for Program Countries Accountable for cross-regional coordination of annual planning, including timelines, process, templates, budget envelopes and finalization of plans Directly oversees the development and finalization of regional and country envelopes, working closely with Grants Administrators and consulting with Regional Directors, and Director(s) Program Operations as required Provides oversight to Director, Program Operations in the development/refinement of templates and the review process Oversees the review and approval of plans, and upload of budgets to ACCPAC Implementation Accountable for cross-organizational coordination and overall management of current multiyear grants Supports Director(s), Program Operations in coordinating the start-up of new multi-year grants, including the development of internal working groups, Program Implementation Planning meetings, and plan revisions; accountable for ensuring that any revised plans and corresponding budgets are of high quality and reviewed in a timely manner Oversees Program Operations team in the leadership of narrative and financial donor reporting processes to ensure timely and quality reporting Reviews donor agreements and recommends approval and/or actions for revision; ensures that agreements are reviewed internally Supports Director(s), Program Operations and Grants Administrators in the mapping of donor budgets to ensure alignment with internal budgets and the development of grant agreement summaries Ensures internal and external communication of programs, noting programmatic successes and challenges, in particular with National Offices Provides input on program monitoring, evaluation and learning in collaboration with Program Development and Evaluation as required Program Finance Accountable for the regional Funding Frameworks; works closely with Grants Administrators and Regional Directors in the development, review and revision of each regional Funding Framework Oversees quarterly and annual implementation reviews, with a focus on budget vs. actual Oversees and works closely with Regional Directors and Grants Administrators in the revision of budgets Oversees and works closely with Grants Administrators and Regional Directors in the annual recognition of revenue from institutional donors
Responsible for the approval of monthly projections to regions and program countries, and the purchase orders from regions and program countries between CAD 10,000 25,000 Fundraising Collaborates with Institutional Partnerships and provides input on major donor, multi-country and/or regional proposal development process, including: o The review of Go/No-Go submissions o The identification and building of the appropriate proposal teams from within Right To Play o The review, development and finalization of reports Collaborates with the International Programs Leadership team in identifying fundraising priority areas and program countries Liaises with National Offices about priority countries and projects, as required Job Responsibility #2: People (30% of Time): The Vice President Program Operations is the principal management link between Right To Play HQ and region and country teams. Regional Directors report directly to this position. Duties include: Completes all performance management activities for direct reports including performance planning, monitoring, and regular performance appraisals Interviews and selects staff with input from others, and orients, trains, and coaches direct reports (and other staff) as required Recommends or initiates HR changes for direct reports such as merit increases and other salary adjustments, promotions, transfers, terminations, performance improvement plans Provides input to, and veto if necessary, the actions and activities of indirect reports Job Responsibility #3: Work Processes and Systems (15% of Time): Leadership of organizational initiatives related to work processes and systems to ensure the effective functioning of operations in program countries. This includes: Safety and Security Supports the Director, Program Operations in the development and review of the Safety and Security Management Plan, Standard Operating Procedures and training for program countries Engages in regular safety and security briefings with Regional Directors; oversees the development and review of bi-weekly safety and security report A member of the Crisis Management Team; organizes the CMT for briefings, as required Program Finance Supports the Director, Program Operations in the implementation of the Program Finance Working Group
Team Structure Periodically reviews work processes within operations to identify role redundancy, inefficiencies, unclear accountabilities, etc. and addresses issues with new work processes, design and role clarity Job Responsibility #4: International Programs Team Internal Integration (10% of Time): This position works closely with the Vice President, Program Development and Evaluation and Director, Institutional Partnerships in support of the CEO to ensure the internal viability of RTP s programs through coordination and integration of all relevant components of the organization that are required for the achievement of the global program priorities. This involves: Participation and decision-making in short term and long term program priorities, goals and strategies Participation in annual planning process for International Programs team Ensures team alignment with cross-functional team meetings Job Responsibility #5: Representation (5% of Time): This position leads and supports the representation of the organization and the International Programs team in a number of different venues, both internal and external. These responsibilities include: Supports the coordination of International Programs team participation in a variety of internal venues, including International Board of Directors (IBOD) and IBOD Program Committee meetings, HQ Leadership Team meetings and Global Leadership Team meetings Leads the strengthening and development of assigned and new partnerships including INGOs, NGOs, and UN agencies EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Required (must have): Masters level in International Development or related field Desired (an asset): Knowledge of other languages (French, Arabic)
EXPERIENCE: Required (must have): 15 years of professional experience in role with progressively senior levels of international complexity and technical relevance in both field and HQ contexts Solid knowledge of issues related to development and humanitarian programs, and international bodies and policy Proven experience developing talent and managing initiatives within complex, cross-functional organizations/ projects KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED: Required (must have): Knowledge and understanding of International Development and Sport for Development and Peace sectors including issues, key players and stakeholders, and the role of the United Nations Understanding of donor rules and regulations in relation to program implementation and management Analytical and written skills, highlighted by the writing of reports and briefs Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and analysis of budget vs. actual expenditure Leading the development and overseeing the implementation and review of operational plans Developing and supporting the development of key work processes and systems as they relate to Human Resources, program finance and safety and security Ability to provide oversight and leadership to cross-organizational initiatives Skill in supporting and coaching staff Ability to identify potential partners and strengthening existing relationships LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Being a Champion for Right To Play conducts oneself with professionalism, diplomacy and works collaboratively with others Demonstrating Personal Maturity possesses a high degree of self-awareness; open to continuous self-improvement; manages well during times of ambiguity Dealing with Trouble challenges what needs to be challenged; addresses performance issues quickly and effectively Making Complex Decisions makes decisions in a timely fashion using data, seeking input, thinking creatively; applies a critical thinking process before making significant decisions Getting Work Done Through Others an effective promoter of people who understands the importance of developing the skills, knowledge and abilities of direct reports; manages work, project plans and outcomes effectively SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Up to 20-25% travel to selected areas of RTP s operations
Compensation: Employment Start Date: Contract Duration: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package Immediately Full Time, Indefinite HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to: hr1@righttoplay.com and kindly include VP Program Operations and your name in the subject line. Please indicate your salary expectations in the cover letter. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Right To Play is a child-centered organization. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs. The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory police record check as a condition of employement. To learn more about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.righttoplay.com. Right To Play - Human Resources Philosophy Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses the power of sport and play to improve the lives of children in the disadvantaged areas of the world. We believe that all children have the right to play. Right To Play s human resources philosophy reflects the spirit that drives the organization. The philosophy influences the kind of people who are interested in working for us, the kind of people we recruit and how we treat our people. Right To Play s culture is entrepreneurial, where employees are encouraged and empowered to perform in the context of rapid international growth, and to aim for the highest quality and adopt global best practices in delivering our programs. Our employees are global citizens who are passionate about improving the world we live in through value-based grassroots activities. We work on the ground with and through people in the communities we serve to improve the lives of their children. By having a constant presence in these communities and helping them develop the resources and skills they need to help themselves, we aim for sustainable, long-term development. To translate our vision into action, our philosophy for delivering our programs is LOOK AFTER YOURSELF, LOOK AFTER ONE ANOTHER. Our employees are the backbone of this delivery, and the philosophy supports them by defining the desired outcomes of our human resources philosophy. This means that we pay competitive salaries, provide comprehensive benefits, encourage employee social events, provide development opportunities and a great work environment. We measure the success of this philosophy by indicators such as employee satisfaction surveys and staff turnover rate, as well as the overall success of Right To Play.