The Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas - FIPA (www.e-fipa.org) is an independent network that brings together the national parliaments of member states of the Organization of American States (OAS). FIPA is currently looking for a Program Officer, Communications for its Technical Secretariat, located at the Parliamentary Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

I.              Summary OF FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of the FIPA Program Coordinator, the Program Officer, Communications is primarily responsible for coordinating designated components of FIPA's program. In particular, the Program Officer will be managing and implementing FIPA's communications strategy, including the development of the FIPA website, newsletter, publications, information resources and tools in support of strategic objectives. The Program Officer will also contribute to the design and organization of inter-parliamentary events and training activities. In performing these tasks, the Program Officer will work in close collaboration with the FIPA President and Executive Committee, and other partners as appropriate.

II.            Primary Responsibilities

Communications, publications and research (40%)

• Manage and implement the communications strategy of FIPA in line with priorities agreed to by the Executive Committee;
• Work on the development and promotion of ICTs in support of FIPA program objectives (e.g., blog, networking tools, training tools); 
• Manage the public relations dimension of FIPA meetings and projects in consultation with host parliaments (e.g. organization of press conferences);
• Develop the content (by writing articles and looking for external contributors) and coordinate the quarterly publication of the FIPA newsletter ParlAmericas;
• Develop and update the content of the FIPA website and develop and disseminate information-resources for the FIPA membership (calendar of activities, results, reference materials, etc.);
• Develop, design and edit FIPA publications and communication material (information packages, press releases, media kits, promotional material, reports, etc.) and produce briefs as required;
• Keep abreast of relevant developments in FIPA member parliaments and countries and produce a periodic review for the FIPA team;
• Respond to general inquiries and information requests about FIPA and draft or edit correspondence as required; and
• Review and edit translations in FIPA languages as required.

Project management and implementation (30%)

• Contribute to the design and implementation of designated FIPA activities (training activities, working group activities, missions and inter-parliamentary meetings), including the development of curricula and materials, in collaboration with FIPA member parliaments and other partners;
• Contribute to the development of the annual FIPA work plan and of project proposals for funding;
• Contribute to the development of partnerships and to the identification of external resources to support the FIPA program;
• Assist in the financial management of designated projects and program components, including budget preparation, cash-flow management and reporting, in collaboration with the FIPA Program Coordinator and the Parliamentary Centre finance team;

• Monitor designated program outputs and outcomes and work with the Program Coordinator in reporting those results to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other donors, and  to the FIPA Executive Committee;
• Maintain program files (electronic and hard copy archiving), a directory of contacts and contribute to database updates;
• Travel with delegations, when required; and
• Perform other tasks as requested by the Program Coordinator.

Advisory (15%)

• Provide advice and input to the FIPA team, President and Executive Committee regarding the FIPA program and communications strategy;
• Participate fully in decisions and planning by the FIPA Technical Secretariat team.

Representation (10%)

• Develop relationships and maintain regular communications with the Forum's members and stakeholders, in particular national sections, member parliaments and government/embassy representatives;
• Attend events and activities relevant to the organization's mandate in Ottawa and abroad when required; and
• Act as deputy Executive Secretary of the Technical Secretariat when requested.

Centre-wide collaboration (5%)

• Work in collaboration with the Parliamentary Centre staff on FIPA program delivery  and joint initiatives as needed; and
• Participate in regular PC staff meetings and in other committees when required.

III.           STAFF SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer is responsible for the management of specific program components, including the communications strategy, in close collaboration with the program coordinator, and according to priorities agreed to by the Executive Committee of FIPA.

IV.           FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer will assist the Program Coordinator in the financial management of specific program components (including budget preparation, cash-flow management and reporting) when required. These responsibilities will be carried out as outlined in the budget approved by the Executive Committee and in adherence to PC standards and procedures.

V.             INTERACTION WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS

The Program Officer is expected to interact on a regular basis with various stakeholders including parliamentarians and staff of FIPA member parliaments, inter-American institutions, donor agencies, media and other stakeholders. Close interactions with these stakeholders will serve to:

§  Keep members and stakeholders informed of FIPA initiatives and activities and encourage them to participate as resource people, hosts, speakers, presenters, observers, etc.;

§  Strengthen relationships between member parliaments and FIPA to ensure commitment, participation and quality input in FIPA activities; and

§  Build recognition for FIPA's mandate.

VI.           WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time position based in Ottawa, Canada, which requires occasional travel and some irregular work hours.

VII.         KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Minimal Requirements:

§  Bachelor's degree in communications, international relations, international development, journalism or related field;

§  Minimum 2 years relevant professional experience, with experience in communications;

§  Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken);

§  Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese;

§  Excellent communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills;

§  Experience in results-based management and in financial management;

§  Advanced proficiency in Outlook and MS software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and knowledge of ICTs;

§  Ability to work under short deadlines, resource limitations and balance multiple project activities;

§  Ability to work in highly politicized environments;

§  Capacity to work both independently as well as in a small team environment;

§  Availability for travel abroad, when requested; and

§  Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.

The following will be considered as assets:

§  Knowledge of Dreamweaver;

§  Knowledge of political systems in the Americas, governance issues and inter-American forums;

§  Professional or academic experience in Latin America and the Caribbean;

§  Sensitivity to the importance of gender equity and related issues.

Please send your C.V. and letter of interest by end of day Monday, November 30, 2009 to the attention of Emmanuelle Pelletier at pellee@parl.gc.ca. The subject line should read: Program Officer - FIPA.

The Parliamentary Centre is an equal-opportunity employer, offering a competitive compensation and a stimulating, professional work environment. Visit us at http://www.parlcent.ca.

We thank all who apply, but regretfully only those selected for an interview will be contacted.