Regional Grants Officer Sightsavers’ Dakar, Senegal

Our vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where visually impaired people participate equally in society. Each year, we improve the lives of millions of people in the poorest parts of the world.

An employment opportunity has arisen for a Regional Grants Officer within the West Africa region. The primary purpose of the post is to support the contract management of a 4-year Programme Funding grant from Irish Aid, lead the development of relationships with Irish Aid in country and support Sightsavers and its partners to maximize income and manage grants from other bilateral and multilateral donors.

The location of the post is within the West Africa Regional Office (WARO) in Dakar, Senegal, but for the right candidate there is flexibility to be located within one of Sightsavers’ other offices where the Irish Aid grant is focused.

To succeed, you’ll have a proven track record of working in institutional funding for an international development organisation. Experienced in raising and managing funding from a range of institutional donors, for example Irish Aid, DFID, the EC or USAID, you’ll also know how to build relationships with major multilateral/bilateral donors. You’ll be an excellent communicator who is both passionate about their work, persuasive, able to speak with authority and write with flair.

The principal responsibilities of the job will include supporting Sightsavers Programme Funding from Irish Aid in West Africa, implementing the regional government funding strategy; identifying, coordinating, submitting and supporting the management of other non Irish Aid government funding proposals and contracts in co-ordination with the existing WARO Grants Officer and responsibility for developing country level government funding capacity and planning government funding at strategic level in collaboration with broader regional and country funding strategies.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

· Preferably a Masters Degree or equivalent in relevant field (Social Sciences or International Development)

· Minimum 3 years experience in successfully raising and managing bi-lateral & multilateral funding grant for reputable NGOs

· Knowledge of major funding agencies e.g. Irish Aid, DFID, the EC or USAID

· Minimum 5 years experience of working with reputable NGOs.

· Strong knowledge of current development philosophies and trends

· Fluency in English and French is essential

Remuneration:

A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, offered on national terms and conditions depending on the location of the post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 23 March 2012

First round interviews are expected 23 April 2012

How to apply:

To apply, and for further details about the role please download an application pack from www.sightsavers.org/vacancies

As an equal opportunities employer we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Qualified people living with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.

We will be contacting short-listed candidates for interview, shortly after the closing dates. We very much regret that in view of the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond if you are unsuccessful. I am sure that you will understand the need to concentrate resources towards our work.