Save the Children Canada is a member of Save the Children International, a federation that works in more than 120 countries worldwide delivering programs focused on health and nutrition, education, child protection, child poverty, humanitarian response, and child rights governance. As the world's leading independent organization for children, Save the Children’s vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. 
Position Title: Head, Thematic Quality Status (FT/PT/Contract): FT
Department: International Programs Job Level Classification: V
Reporting to: Director, International Programs Bargaining Unit (Y/N): N
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada People Manager (Y*/N): Y
Revision Date:   *Number of Reports: 12
Primary Job Purpose This position plays a lead role in leading the thematic and MEAL advisory teams to implement thematic strategies and ensure quality programming, support business development and advocacy initiatives, and build a solid evidence base of innovations to achieve breakthroughs. The Head, Thematic Quality works with the Director of International Programs and the Head of Award Management to achieve ambitious goals for international programs. Responsibilities  
  Responsibilities Time %
1. Thematic Leadership and Quality Assurance Work with the Director, International Programs to develop and oversee implementation of strategic plan priorities as they relate to thematic strategies and  quality programming Ensure  programming supports research and learning that is consistent with SC aspirations and supports the Theory of Change, and that this learning informs current and future programming Work with MEAL staff  to develop and maintain knowledge management framework that captures program evidence and brings innovations to scale Develop and support the implementation of key performance indicators, including implementation of SCI Quality Framework and thematic KPIs for Award Management Build and maintain relationships with relevant networks and stakeholders within Save the Children and the sector Work with the National Indigenous Program to support thematic quality and strengthen opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration 25%
2. Program Development Support Lead discussions with International Programs management team and SCI to build technical capacity and resourcing in the field to achieve quality programming in a cost effective model Work with the Manager, Business Development to support program development efforts and ensure adequate resources are available 15%
3. Team Management and People Management: Lead team on operational execution to support strategic organizational goals Set clear team and individual performance expectations for productivity, quality, and success; providing direction and support as needed Manage and monitor operating budget spend to approved targets Effectively resolve issues through appropriate escalation channels Maintain relevant standard operating procedures In compliance with HR policies and the Collective Agreement, lead employees using a performance management process that includes performance goal setting, timely feedback, and recognition Mentor and coach employees to support professional development Manage new employee onboarding, ensuring employees receive relevant training and tools to be successful in their roles Model behaviours consistent with Save the Children values, actively creating an organizational culture that reflects values Deliver timely and effective communications, promoting open dialogue Managerial responsibilities of ensuring health and safety, proactive risk management through organizational policy enforcement and maintaining currency of organizational policies and procedures, and integrating Child Safeguarding practices across our work  60%  
  Qualifications and Experience
  • Master degree in International Development / Social Services / Political Science
  • 10+ years’ experience working in International Development / iNGO sector
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical, project management, knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation leadership for development projects
  • Seasoned people manager that is passionate about leading motivated, high performing teams:
    • Experience with coaching and mentorship required
    • Prior experience managing in a unionized setting required
  • Experience with child rights programming in areas of Health, Education, Child Protection, and Livelihoods
  • Knowledge of Save the Children’s Theory of Change
  • Knowledge of gender equality principles and practices
  Competencies, Skills and Behaviours
  •  A strategic thinker with the ability to translate broad concepts into tactical plans
  • Ability to synthesize disparate information and consolidate into a holistic portfolio view
  • Is innovative, develops new ideas, and demonstrates adaptability
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to develop strong working relationships across cultural and organizational boundaries with internal and external stakeholders, and managing through influence
  • Apply judgement and make sound decisions that are financially responsible, accountable, justifiable, and in adherence to organizational policies
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills to create new processes, with demonstrated change management expertise to lead successful implementation
  • Strong leadership and team building capabilities; including facilitation
  • Superior English verbal and written skills; proficiency in French / Spanish / Arabic considered an asset
  • Adhere with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding policy and protocols
  • Ability to travel internationally on occasional basis
  Other Requirements
  • Adhere to Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding policy and protocols
  • Police check vulnerable sector screening
  OUR VALUES IN PRACTICE  Accountability:
  • Holds oneself accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
  • Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved
Ambition:
  • Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
  • Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
  • Future orientated, thinks strategically
Collaboration:
  • Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
  • Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
  • Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to
Creativity:
  • Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
  • Willing to take disciplined risks
Integrity:
  • Honest, encourages openness and transparency
  If you are interested in this position, please e-mail a letter of application and a resume by Wednesday, October 12th 2016 to jobs@savethechildren.ca with Subject heading “(Head, Thematic Quality)”. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.