Co-operative Officer I Full Time NEW

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Co-operative Officer I
PAY RANGE: Range 35

Kind of Work
Entrance level work of a technical nature in the field of Co-operative Development.

Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class assists in the promotion, supervision, monitoring, regulatory and educational duties in the field of Co-operative Development. Work involves visiting Co-operative Studies to assist in the solution of problems encountered in the development and operations of such societies; auditing of accounts and supervision of the activities of Junior Co-operative Societies. Work also includes assisting in education and training programmes organized for Directors, Committee members, employees and members of Co-operative Societies. Work is reviewed by a superior officer through consultations, conferences and reports for efficiency and compliance with relevant legislation and established policies and procedures.

Examples of Work
Assists in the promotion of the Co-operative Societies through lectures, discussions, training and education, and the preparation of applications for registration of societies to groups interested in the formation of Co-operative Societies.
Organizes the development of Junior Co-operative, audits their accounts and supervises their activities.
Assists Co-operative Societies with the preparation of business plans.
Assists in the conduct of pre-feasibility studies in order to determine whether there is a need for a Co-operative in a community.
Attends meetings of Co-operative Societies to ensure compliance with Co-operative principles, practices and procedures and prepares a report on each visit.
Conducts regular inspections of the operations of Co-operative Societies to ensure that the Societies operate within the Co-operative Societies Act, Regulations, Bye-Laws and other related legislation.
Assists in arranging education and training programmes for Directors, Committee Members, Employees and Members of Societies.
Investigates complaints made by members of Co-operative Societies, other organizations and members of the public doing business with societies and conducts preliminary enquires into the affairs of Societies.
Assists in conducting audits on the accounts of Co-operative Societies as required.
Assists with the review of the Bye-Laws of the Co-operative Societies and submits recommendations to a Supervisor.
Acts as a mediator for conflict resolutions in Co-operative Societies and refers the more difficult cases to a senior officer.
Performs related work as may be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of co-operative development principles, accounting/auditing techniques, relevant legislation (Act, Regulations, Bye-Laws), sociology, group administration, and dispute resolution.
Ability to work with computers, prepare business plans, analyze and solve problems, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and maintain strong working relationships.