Canine Programme Manager

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

The purpose of this role is to manage and supervise a team of programme instructors, responsible for the design and implementation of EQUAL’s Canine-Assisted Learning (CAL) programmes for a diverse range of beneficiaries.

This role is responsible for planning the design and development of CAL programmes. This includes finetuning the pedagogy and methodology for the programmes using evidence-based framework and developing processes to bring about the quality standard and services in the programme delivery. He/ she is to monitor the conduct and facilitation of the CAL programmes and services and ensuring the timely submission of beneficiary progress reports to stakeholders. Through the design and administration of the programme evaluation measurements, he/ she is responsible to conduct the needs and outcome assessment to measure and enhance the relevance and effectiveness of CAL programmes.

One of the main responsibilities of this role is to manage the selection, adoption and training process of therapy dogs used for CAL programmes. This includes managing the wellness and welfare of the therapy dogs as EQUAL’s animal partners when working with the beneficiaries.

This role is required to cultivate new opportunities with schools, partners and stakeholders for CAL programmes, events and activities. He/ she is to develop and build multi-stakeholders’ relationships and pipeline to expand and enhance the impact of the programmes. It is also the responsibility of this role to prepare and/ or vet proposal developed for the programmes prior to the submission to the relevant stakeholders in securing new opportunities.

As a manager, he/ she is to oversee the planning and budgeting of resources for CAL team (i.e.staff, dogs, van, budget, spaces, etc.) for CAL programmes. He/ she is to manage the performance review and development of direct reports by identifying their areas of improvement through training, mentoring, coaching,providing guidance and motivation to achieve the set objectives for the CAL programmes.

This role works at EQUAL’s main office and satellite office, and may require to work on the weekends and public holidays if there are programmes or events. Reporting to the Head of Programmes & Services, he/ she will work closely with the leadership team and the Board members on the strategic growth of the organisation. He/ she is to explore EQUAL’s area of innovation and collaboration by setting up systems for greater efficiency.

**ROLE REQUIREMENTS**

**Preferred Experience**
- **Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in programme management and/or working with various beneficiary groups, preferably in the social services sector**
- **Project and programme management and development skills**
- **Experience with social impact measurement tools**
- **Stakeholder management**
- **Budget and Financial management**
- **Staff development**
- **Case management system management**

**Technical Competencies**
- A strong team-leader who can guide others on their work and support them in their professional development.
- Excellent project management and implementation skills
- Excellent communication skills

**Other Attributes**
- **Good track record in leadership and managerial roles**
- **Educational and professional background in psychology, social work, counselling, casework or equivalent work involving beneficiaries will be an advantage**
- **Passion and love for animals; Experience with dog-handling and training will be a bonus**
- **Animal-assisted intervention background and experience working with animals and people will be a strong advantage