Economic Development Specialist - Center of Hope

The purpose of the position is to provide technical leadership and support in developing and implementing the organizational capacity for effective Economic Development programming and promoting continual learning and innovation in alignment with the National Office strategy and the Center of Hope goals.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy:
• Lead the development of a strategy and business plan in support of and in alignment with the goal and objectives of the Center of Hope.
• Ensure that Economic Development is adequately and appropriately integrated in the business model and sustainability strategy of the Center of Hope.
• Facilitate the development of a community economic development plan including vision, goals and objectives.
• Evaluate results of economic development studies and agreements and make recommendations
• Identify sectoral opportunities for economic development (i.e. Internet-based market, tourism, arts and crafts, etc.).
• Act as a liaison between local organizations, businesses and individuals and representatives of government, business and industry concerning economic development.
• Develop partnerships within the community to develop and promote opportunities and assist local organizations, businesses and individuals to take advantage of economic development opportunities.
• Conduct surveys and research on market opportunities and assist with the development of job creation projects.
• Identify community training and development requirements to take advantage of economic development opportunities
  
  Capacity Building:
• Coordinate development and implementation of an integrated regional capacity building plan informed by the Economic Development priorities, strategy and capacity assessment
• Facilitate access to programming and technical resources and appropriate learning and support opportunities for local staff and partners. These may include active involvement in training, engagement of trainers, establishing institutional links, identifying opportunities for staff exchange or mentoring.
• Advise National Offices on Economic Development core competencies and capacity requirement at national level (including advice and support in recruitment and orientation of Economic Development leadership where requested)
  
  Knowledge Management:
• Lead the process of continuous learning related to Economic Development and integration with other lines of ministries and sectors and themes
• Contribute to the development of Economic Development Project Models fully that enable the wellbeing of children.
• Promote and contribute to the Economic Development Community of Practice website on wvcentral to share knowledge and experience with others around the Partnership
  
  Quality Assurance:
• Collaborate with the Program Quality team in adapting and integrating DME policies, LEAP framework and tools in Economic Development programming.
• Support the National Office in ensuring adherence to policies, protocols and standards established by the Economic Development Community of Practice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

REQUIRED:
• Degree (Bachelor required and Master preferred) in Business Administration, Economic Development or other relevant field.
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Effective written, verbal, presentation and skills in French
• Effective negotiation and mediation skills
• Effective communications skills required.
• Demonstrated experience in program or project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Team building skills
• Community Economic Development theories and practices
• Economic development and business
• Ability to develop and analyze business plans
• Ability to identify and promote community economic development projects and initiatives.
  
  PREFERRED:
• Business planning and market analysis

Economic Development Specialist - Center of Hope