JOB ADVERT: Program Assistant

Job Ref: 3742

Job Title: Program Assistant

Salary: Starting salary 8 800 729 CFA-BEAC gross per annum + social benefits

Vacancy type: Indeterminate

Term Details: This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Cameroon.

Level: Assistant

Classification: LE-05

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Closing date for applications: 02-12-2019 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

Summary of position:

Under the general supervision of the Politics Program Manager and supporting the Political and Public Affairs, Commercial and Consular programs, the program assistant completes operational, administrative and support tasks to assist mission programs. Responsibilities include administrative support to both the political and commercial sections to ensure effective implementation of their programs. The incumbent contributes to social media accounts management and to campaigns promoting Canadian interests. In addition, the incumbent’s responsibility include: follow-ups to information requests, data entry to the client management system and completion of other tasks as needed.

Essential qualifications:

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language. It is not sufficient to simply state responsibilities. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications:

Education:

• University degree from a recognized institution in a discipline related to the qualifications of this position (communication, international relations, political science, business, or in another field related with the position).

Language:

• Fluency in French (reading, written and spoken);
• Intermediary level in English (reading, written and spoken). Intermediary level" corresponds to the ability of communicating in this language on topics of daily life with ease, fluidity and in a comprehensible manner.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of recent experience in administrative and budgetary support in organisations working in international fields;
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent experience in the logistical organisation of official visits and events;
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent experience in writing notes, minutes and internal and external correspondence;
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent experience in information management and database use.

Rated Requirements: The Rated Requirements relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies will also be assessed. Methods of assessment may include, but are not limited to: written examinations, oral interviews, role-playing, practical tests, presentations and / or psychometric assessments.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of office procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of financial and budgetary procedures;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word);
• Knowledge of social media (Facebook and Twitter);
• Knowledge of information management principles;

Abilities / Competencies:

• Ability to process the different steps of administrative and financial processes in accordance to the policies and procedures of the mission and of the Government of Canada;
• Ability to offer logistical support, notably in relation to official visits and events, and to develop and maintain networks of local and international contacts;
• Ability to prioritize and work with tight deadlines;
• Ability to communicate efficiently, both orally and in writing;
• Attention to detail;
• Initiative;
• Adaptability;
• Judgement;
• Teamwork and collaboration;
• Autonomy.

Asset Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.

• Knowledge of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and of the Canadian commercial delegates services;
• Knowledge of Cameroon (local customs, protocol and cultural issues);
• Knowledge of Gabon, of the Central African Republic, and of Chad;
• Knowledge of the diplomatic community and of international organisations in Cameroon;
• Knowledge of marketing tools;
• Professional experience in an embassy.

Organizational Needs / Operational Requirements:

• Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays and from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Fridays;
• Overtime on evenings and / or weekends may be required occasionally.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Candidates must have a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period. If the employment is indeterminate, the work authorization should be permanent or itself lead to a permanent work authorization;
• Before an offer of employment can be made, candidates must provide a local address as proof of residence so that if selected, it will appear on the offer letter;
• A reliability rating (security clearance) is required to obtain this position at the High Commission of Canada and will be subject to audits. This rating must be maintained throughout the employment – loss of the latter is sufficient reason to dismiss the employee;
• The appointment of the selected candidate will be conditional to a probation period.

Area of selection: This position is open to candidates who are authorized to live and work legally in Cameroon. Candidates must meet all the essential qualifications and the application must be received by the closing date of the competition. The High Commission of Canada in Cameroon does not sponsor work permits, neither directly nor indirectly. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

Important Notes:

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application;
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required;
• Candidates who apply to this vacancy should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder;
• Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process;
• Proof of educational qualifications will be required during the process;
• The High Commission of Canada in Cameroon does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews / exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs;
• Candidates requiring any special assistance in attending exams or interviews are requested to inform us;
• The results of this recruitment process may also be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates for similar openings at the High Commission of Canada in Cameroon, which might arise in the 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process;
• If you have any questions regarding this recruitment process, please contact us at: LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca.

Application process

• Please follow the link http://wfca-tpce.com/vacancyView.php?requirementId=3742& and complete the online application form;
• Candidates are also required to upload a cover letter and CV in English or French;
• Applications which do not include all requested documents will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.