Humanitarian Forum Head of Programme Funding

THF wishes to fundraise from the EC, DFID, UNDP etc. This new post has been created to meet plans for income growth. In particular:

• Oversee the development of THF programme funding*
• Manage grants

THF employs a Head of External Relations to focus on other donors.

Main duties & Responsibilities:

Programme funding management: In relation to multilateral and western bilateral donors, and major international foundations:

• Provide leadership in this area
• Oversee the development of thematic, regional and country strategies
• Develop and implement plans in order to meet the on-going needs of THF and to enable income (grant and unrestricted) targets to be achieved
• Lead on THF’s relationships with new and existing donors. Analyse information on funding opportunities. Lead on building the donor relationship: maintain donor satisfaction and donor retention
• Nurture new potential funders and meet them as appropriate; turn these into grants
• Work closely with programme delivery staff to develop funding applications. Prepare written and verbal project funding proposals, including concept notes and budgets. Keep records of all commitments and track them
• Develop relations with partners including governments, civil society organisations and international agencies
• Explore other possible, including non-traditional, sources of funding
• Share best practice and lessons learnt; promote internal lesson-learning. Promote awareness of funding opportunities throughout the organization, ensuring that the organization is suitably prepared and positioned to maximize funding
• As agreed, train other staff/forums

Project grant oversight In relation to all donors:

• Manage all grants applications (including for the other donors mentioned above)
• Maintain oversight of donor compliance issues on all awarded grants, prepare reports and ensure that THF is fully accountable for the funds.

Department leadership:

• Actively participate in THF SMT and the organisation as a whole
• Contribute to THF global strategy development
• Identify common themes and trends, and pursue emerging issues of relevance
• Maintain the necessary contacts and reading to keep abreast of emerging issues of significance
• Contribute to the development of organisational systems and policies
• Recruit, motivate and monitor manage members of staff in a positive and empowering style
• National and international travel as appropriate

Perform such other duties as are prescribed in writing from time to time by the Director.

• Excellent written and spoken English. Desirable: Excellent written and spoken Arabic.
• Valid work permit for the UK, with no restrictions on travel to relevant countries
• Educated to degree level. Desirable: Masters (or equivalent) in international relations, development studies, political science or a related field
• An experienced development or humanitarian professional with significant experience in the areas described above and a strong track record of personal success. Desirable: A good understanding of and experience of working in, at least one of THF priority regions
• In particular, proven track record in securing and managing grants of £250k+ for international development programmes from institutional donors and major foundations. An excellent understanding of the programme management cycle and good analytical skills to appraise proposals and reports.
• Excellent financial management skills to prepare budgets, analyse financial information, negotiate budget variations etc.
• Excellent representation skills and ability to work at the most senior level.
• Strong ability to work on own initiative and manage own work
• Proven experience of working in partnership with NGOs and other civil society organisations and networks
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to achieve objectives through fostering excellent inter-organizational relationships
• Proven abilities for the establishment and maintenance of relevant networks and contacts, domestically and overseas
• Ability to write papers and reports for consideration by or presentation to meetings involving senior level internal or external contacts
• A strong negotiator with proven skills in gaining agreement
• Highly effective communicator, written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural organisation and commitment to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the organization
• Excellent organisational skills and a keen eye for detail
• Good IT skills.

How to apply:

To apply for this position please send a copy of your CV (maximum 2 pages) together with a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrates how your skills and experience match those outlined in the job description. They should also contain the following information: full name, address, telephone number (daytime and evening), details on your education and qualifications, details of your employment history, current salary/salary on leaving, and the name, address and telephone number of 2 referees (including your most recent employer).

You should email these to: info@humanitarianforum.org

All offers made are conditional subject to the two satisfactory written references which must be received prior to commencement of employment.