ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM (ADIP)

If you thrive on working in a dynamic environment that’s diverse, inclusive, and collaborative—while doing some of the most meaningful work of your career, we want to hear from you!

Position Title: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM (ADIP)

Position Type:  3 days per week, 7.5 hour per day

Status: This is a temporary position until January 2026, with the possibility of extension based on available funding.

Location: Hybrid (in-office and remote) in Guatemala City, Guatemala OR Tegucigalpa, Honduras. You must currently reside in Guatemala or Honduras and be either a citizen of, or hold a valid work visa for, your country of residence.

Reports to: International Program Director

Application deadline: Rolling basis – Open until filled

Start date: ASAP

ABOUT THE JUSTICE EDUCATION SOCIETY (JES)

Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES) is a Canadian non-profit organization with over 35 years of experience in advancing the rule of law by empowering people to access and deliver justice through increasing legal capability, strengthening justice systems and developing digital solutions. We seek to improve access to justice, to promote human rights, and to protect the fundamental freedoms of all people—including women, children, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized populations. We are driven by the belief that building a person’s legal capability, and strengthening the justice systems that serve them, has the power to create a more equitable society.

JES has built a strong international reputation as an innovative organization that values collaboration, diversity, and sustainable impact, and is leading the sector in progress on Canada’s Justice Development Goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. All our initiatives are grounded in our mission to empower people to access and deliver justice in Canada and globally.

Our commitment stretches across continents: JES has successfully implemented impactful access-to-justice projects in 24 countries with the support of diverse sources of funding including provincial, federal, and overseas governments, donations and contributions from foundations. JES currently has offices in Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Guyana, Saint Lucia and works in El Salvador, Grenada, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. More information about JES can be found at: www.JusticeEducation.ca.

THE ROLE

The Assistant Director for International Programs (ADIP) plays a vital role in advancing JES' mission on the global stage. In close collaboration with, and reporting to, the International Program Director (IPD), the ADIP will contribute to the strategic planning, development, and successful execution of JES' international initiatives. Engaging regularly with operational teams, the ADIP provides critical support and coordination to drive program success, ensuring that all donor-funded projects meet contractual obligations and align with JES’ policies and goals. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape impactful, sustainable justice education projects worldwide.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Program development and delivery

• Support international operations and logistics.
• Liaise with JES Project Directors, Finance Department and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to receive feedback on systems and processes and provide recommendations on improvements to JES’ international operations to the IPD.
• Assist with the implementation of policies, procedures and operational plans as required by ELT.
• Manage the appropriate recovery of staff time to projects.
• Assist with project implementation startup and the set-up of new offices.
• Assist in the progress of monitoring and evaluation of all projects.

Reporting and compliance

• Be a key resource within JES on policies and procedures governing our international operations, particularly the donor agreements and guidelines for all new and ongoing project.
• Help ensure compliance with project contractual obligations.
• Help ensure that all financial and narrative reports are prepared on time to meet donor requirements, including contributing to and reviewing reports before final approval by the IPD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Maintain and track reporting calendar for all new and ongoing projects to ensure that reports are submitted by their respective deadlines.
• Ensure that all physical and digital files are maintained in good order in accordance with donor agreements and guidelines.
• Advise the IPD on recommended changes to policies and procedures to strengthen program reporting and donor compliance.
• Support CEO and IPD on all other reporting and compliance activities as required.

Procurement

• Serve as a key resource within JES on policies and procedures governing procurement and recommend changes as required.
• Perform internal audits to ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Monitor procurement processes and advise project teams on improved compliance with policies and procedures.
• Train new staff on international procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist in the negotiation of long-term service agreements for accommodations, travel, translations, and printing, among others.
• Manage a database of consultants and service providers that have been satisfactorily identified and vetted in accordance with JES’ procurement policy.

Financial and risk management

• Ensure international projects adhere to guidelines on procurement and documentation so that they are “audit ready” at all times.
• Manage International Program budget portfolio to ensure effective allocation and oversight of financial resources.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reporting, monitoring and budgeting of the International Program to the IPD.
• Advise IPD of discrepancies in project activities relative to budgets and forecasts for international operations.
• Review and approve financial transactions for the International Program.
• Help identify and implement risk management strategies that respond to current and anticipated risks in program operations.

Communications

• Assist in the development of content for reports, newsletters, presentations and social media.
• Review all communications materials for International Program to ensure accuracy of information and quality of presentation.

People management

• Assist onboarding of staff to the International Program, especially Project Directors, by providing training on the international program as well as relevant policies and procedures.
• Help foster a dynamic organizational culture and strong team cohesion amongst JES staff.
• Ensure human resource policies and practices are understood and adhered to.

Business development

• Participate in drafting proposals and budgets for new projects.
• Research potential project opportunities for JES and maintain a database of business development leads.
• Identify and summarize sectoral news, conferences and events that JES should be aware of.
• Participate as required in meetings with potential funders, partners and stakeholders.
• Participate in ongoing analysis and assessment of the international program landscape.

Strategic leadership

• Participate in discussions regarding JES international programming and determine strategies that improve JES’ project design and implementation to optimize resources, minimize costs and ensure a positive work environment for employees.
• Support SLT by contributing to the overall strategy, administration, and management of the organization.
• Participate in strategic planning and the execution of strategic initiatives as required by the IPD and CEO.

THE PERSON

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Project management experience in public or private sector organizations on international development projects in the justice sector required.
• Experience living and/or working internationally.
• Knowledge of international development issues, trends and practices.
• Experience working in multicultural teams.
• Experience preparing project proposals for donor funding, specifically for government, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Experience in communications, including creating content, developing strategies, and engaging with diverse audiences across various platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders in Canada and internationally.
• Budgeting experience and financial management skills.
• Strong Excel and database management.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English and Spanish; French would be an asset.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.
• Highly organized.

Education

• Post-graduate education in a relevant discipline such as business administration, project management, international development, human rights, law or equivalent professional experience and education.

Other

• International travel may be required, including immunization as per the legal requirements for entry into countries being visited.
• You must currently reside in Guatemala or Honduras and be either a citizen of, or hold a valid work visa for, your country of residence.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume in English to jobs@justiceeducation.ca at your earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we aim to fill the position promptly.

Please do not hesitate to apply even if you do not meet every specific requirement listed above. Additionally, if your lived experience equips you with a foundation comparable to the work experience required, we encourage you to highlight this in your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

At JES, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and supported. We recognize and honour the unique history and culture of Indigenous peoples and are deeply committed to the principles of reconciliation. We are steadfast in our belief in a diverse workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, religions, disabilities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all races and colours.