Program Assistant, Program Development

POSITION TITLE: Program Assistant, Program Development

POSITION LOCATION: Ottawa Area Preferred

REPORTS TO: Program Manager, Program Development

CONTRACT TERM: Indeterminate

SALARY LEVEL: SPU5 $43800 - $51500

LANGUAGES REQUIRED: Complete Fluency in both English and French is required

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 9, 2026

EXPECTED START DATE: April 27, 2026

WUSC is currently looking for a Program Assistant to provide administrative support to the Program Development team.

BACKGROUND

WUSC is a Canadian global development organization working to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We bring together and collaborate with a diverse network of partners (including students, volunteers, schools, governments, not-for-profits, and businesses) who share this mission. Together, we influence systems change, and foster inclusive, youth-centered solutions that enable young people to thrive and belong. We work with all young people, with a focus on women and displaced populations. WUSC currently operates in 30 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $65 million. Our global team includes over 100 staff in Canada and more than 250 staff internationally, implementing a diverse portfolio of development projects in collaboration with numerous multilateral and bilateral donors, and philanthropic foundations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

WUSC’s Program Development (PD) team is a dynamic group responsible for the design of new and innovative programming at WUSC, in collaboration with other departments, particularly: our country offices, program managers, and technical advisors. The PD team identifies funding opportunities that are aligned with our programming areas. The PD team works with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop and deliver quality proposals, particularly for institutional donors and foundations. The PD team also develops and delivers communications materials that support WUSC’s PD goals.

Under the direction of the Program Manager, Program Development, the Program Assistant will provide administrative support to the Program Development team, including:

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

• Maintain WUSC's registrations with donors and other organizations/ stakeholders;
• Maintain, update and organize program development databases, files and records;
• Assist in scanning for relevant funding opportunities from a variety of donors;
• Provide support in the preparation of high quality project proposals, concept papers and expressions of interest to various donors, including formatting, proof-reading and submitting;
• Conduct research on relevant projects, issues and partner organizations to support program development initiatives;
• Assist with the preparation of contracts for program development consultants;
• Assist with the preparation of partnership agreements and their execution/ approvals;
• Assist with the development, production and distribution of PD promotional and communications products, and coordinate translation (English/French);
• Monitor and manage the WUSC PD email address and respond to inquiries relevant to PD at WUSC;
• Maintain and update the WUSC internal PD website that provides information and tools to support PD at WUSC.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

• Prepare finance requisitions and manage bill payments;
• Administer travel arrangements (including, the processing of visa applications) for staff and others traveling for WUSC program development purposes;
• Assist with logistical arrangements for events and conferences;
• Organize and coordinate meetings, record and distribute minutes, and support in following up on decisions;
• Support in-house/ team meetings and events (logistics, meals, material, room bookings);
• Order office supplies and manage inventory;
• Prepare correspondence for mail / courier / shipping;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

EDUCATION

• Diploma, Bachelor’s degree in a related field (administration, social sciences, marketing, international development, public administration), or equivalent with relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent administrative and organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple initiatives simultaneously;
• Solid computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database management, electronic mail and graphics;
• Strong interpersonal skills: able to work well with teams under tight deadlines;
• Experience in a similar field (administrative, planning, project coordination), overseas experience an asset;
• Experience working in an NGO environment and in donor-funded projects considered an asset;
• Experience in preparation of and/or collaboration on project reports and/or proposals;
• Well-developed writing skills: clear, concise, persuasive writing style;
• Ability to work in French and English, and to support translation of French-English documents;
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently;
• Curious, enthusiastic and willing to innovate and adapt.

LANGUAGES

• Complete Fluency in both English and French is required

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

Here’s some of what you can expect working with us in Canada:

• 35-hour workweek, ability to work flexible hours
• Remote-friendly workplace, with free access to our Ottawa office
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Paid sick days (10) and special leave days (5)
• Extensive health and dental coverage for you and your dependents, 100% covered by us
• Group RRSP contributions, from day 1
• 300$ reimbursement for home office equipment
• Parental leave top-up
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to hr-rh@wusc.ca.

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Candidates must be legally allowed to work in Canada. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We may utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to facilitate the initial screening of applications based on criteria outlined in the job description. The ultimate decision to interview and hire is determined by our dedicated hiring team.