Institutional Donors and Foundations Officer

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 56 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

The main services provided are in the field of education, reconciliation, livelihood activities and psychosocial support. Currently, more than 677,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

Operational Context

The Programmes and Innovation Department is composed of the Grants Unit, Programmes Officers with a geographical focus, specialists in JRS’s priority areas of intervention, and the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. Under the supervision of the Programmes and Innovation Director, the incumbent will effectively steward, foster and retain partnerships with institutional donors and foundations.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship

• Research and identify new potential institutional donors and foundations
• Participate in the development and execution of a strategy at global, regional and country level
• Monitor recurrent funding opportunities and donor trends
• Build and maintain relationships, participate in relevant workshops, meetings, events and conferences

Proposal Development

• Coordinate the submission of grant proposals and reports
• Coordinate the preparation of project portfolios and concept notes for institutional donors
• Maintain records of outreach activities and proposal submission up to date in the CRM
• Support IO Departments in the drafting and submission of grant proposals and reports to funders

Capacity Building

• Prepare training materials and presentations to support Regional/Country offices regarding capacity strengthening focusing on funding trends, grant winning and good donor reporting practices

Qualification and Competencies

• University Degree in International Relations and Development or related fields
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience with institutional donors and resource mobilization
• Knowledge and /or experience with UN Agencies and EU templates and procedures (particularly UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF)
• Experience with grant proposals and fundraising strategies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and Access
• Knowledge and/or experience with CRM systems
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Outstanding writing skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to persuasively articulate messages  to external audiences
• Strong analytical and planning skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, international, professional environment
• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international humanitarian standards

Desirable

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Working knowledge of other languages (French, Spanish, Italian)
• Previous work experience with faith-based organizations

Travel

• The position requires occasional travel to (potential) institutional donors and JRS country offices

Core values and ethics

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS
• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value
• Willingness to work in stressful, sub-optimal and multi-cultural environments

Terms and Conditions 

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who possess EU citizenships or other legal authorizations to work in the European Union.

Contract is for one year, renewable with an initial probationary period of 3 months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. Benefits and compensation package will be discussed with short-listed candidates.

How to apply

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents no later than 16 December 2019:

1. A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address

Consideration of candidates and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining JRS