As Frameworks and Grants Advisor you will sit in AMU in the Program and Grant Support Pillar, within the Frameworks Team. You will provide support on the overall implementation and management of the IRC-UK’s Humanitarian Framework Agreement with Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).

The purpose of this role is to:

• Provide high quality grants management and compliance support to the implementation of the Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement (HFA) throughout the full project cycle, including the development and submission of funding applications, monitoring grant performance and expenditure, leading on review and compilation of narrative, financial and audit reports.
• Support on overall management of the HFA with the Senior Frameworks Manager; contributing to strategic engagement with the donor and support on growing the IRC’s Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement funding.

Key Working Relationships

• Close working relationship with the Head of Frameworks and other Frameworks Managers
• Coordinates with and supports across the AMU pillars – especially Regional Grant Advisors (RGAs), Grants Advisor - Technical Unit Awards, Regional Grants Directors (RGDs), Senior Program Development Advisors (SPDAs) / Program Development Advisors (PDAs), and the Compliance and Policy team.
• Works closely with Finance colleagues and the Programmatic and Learning Advisor

Scope and Authority

As Frameworks and Grants Advisor you have the authority to make decisions within the parameters of donor policy and procedures, referring any non-routine and complex matters to the Senior Frameworks Manager.

This position does not have budgetary or line management responsibilities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Acting as an internal focal point for any issues related to the implementation and management of the Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement under the guidance / supervision of the Senior Frameworks Manager.
• Handling and cultivating professional relationship with Sida HFA focal point and relevant staff from the Humanitarian Unit by serving as one of two IRC focal points for Sida; facilitating meetings and engagement as needed; providing updates on implementation and grants management issues and supporting in preparing materials for briefing events and meetings.
• Addressing queries in relation to implementation issues and standard compliance questions (e.g. visibility, budget variance, reporting deadlines, and procurement) in coordination with AMU Compliance and Policy pillar.
• Reviewing and submitting correspondence and amendments to the donor in a timely manner, including narrative and financial reports; Cost Extension, No Cost Extension, budget realignments, project changes and critical updates, ensuring that all documents and information submitted are high quality and compliant.
• Leading on the submission of Sida framework narrative, financial and audit reports; producing templates, guidance and timeline; involving relevant internal and external (audit firms) stakeholders and ensuring that donor requirements and quality standards are met and reports are submitted on time.
• Collating inputs for framework proposals, write proposal sections, consolidate and edit inputs from colleagues, including on the Rapid Response Mechanism, if required.
• Preparing and consolidate budgets, and coordinate internal reviews and approvals before submission.
• Producing quarterly internal financial management updates and analysis on interim reports.
• Updating and maintaining internal systems for data management.
• Contributing to AMU/Unit work plan and delivery of specific projects.
• In collaboration with Finance and the Senior Frameworks Manager, reviewing Budget versus Actuals of the Quality Assurance and Learning component; ensuring the use of correct coding on expenditure and regularly update spending plans.
• Participating in country and project visits to monitor progress on HFA grants.
• Supporting the project team with event arrangements (participants, venue, etc.).
• Supporting the development and management of other frameworks.
• Other duties as required.

Background

Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The International Rescue Committee UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its headquarters in New York and London. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 28 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC-UK

IRC-UK was established in London in 1997 to support the organisation’s global activities and particularly to diversify its donor base and be able to better advocate with European policy-makers on behalf of the people we serve. Since its establishment IRC-UK has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged for its high quality project management, technical expertise in governance and rights and economic recovery, and innovative thinking on early recovery and gender based violence. IRC-UK comprises approximately 120 staff.

The IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm

The Awards Management Unit (AMU)

Established in January 2016, the Awards Management Unit (AMU) is a global unit with the responsibility for identifying, securing, and managing all funding from statutory/government donors. The unit is organized into five pillars: Strategic Partnerships, Programme and Grant Support, Compliance and Policy, Programme Development, and Training.

The AMU is a bridge between donors and the field: providing expert technical advice to the field, while maintaining portfolio-level visibility to ensure consistency and compliance, and manage risk. This unit ensures that donor compliance policies and procedures are implemented consistently, and supports all staff working across the grants management cycle for all restricted funding from global government sources.

The unit operates within a matrix management system across teams in Germany, the US and the UK, driving functional integration between all relevant units and staff, in collaboration with the Senior Vice President AMU, Vice President, AMU, and the Senior Vice President for Europe in relation to overarching issues with European donors.

The Purpose of the Role

As Senior Program Development Advisor you will lead IRC’s new business development efforts by engaging with global, regional, country, and technical staff through the proposal development cycle from opportunity tracking and capture planning to proposal development, and submission.

You will primarily serve as proposal manager, and will also train and mentor staff throughout the department on topics relevant to business development. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of leading new business efforts in international development with DFID and other multilateral and bilateral donors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the process of development of concept papers, project proposals and responses to key SQ/ITTs. This includes writing and coordinating proposal elements (e.g. past performance, management plan, etc.), ensuring appropriate technical review and quality assurance.
• Lead proposal development in response to requests for proposals, including those for field based projects and large global opportunities. This will involve management of proposal teams, calendars, and deadlines; strategy development with technical staff; partner identification and negotiations; recruiting; writing and ensuring a strong commercial/budget response for DFID contracts.
• Lead on advising other IRC departments when required on DFID contract terms and implications for structuring proposal budgets, milestones/PBR, and deliverables.
• Build the capacity of other IRC staff—including IRC country and regional teams—to identify opportunities and develop strong program designs and proposals.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of DFID and other donor funding priorities, in geographical interests relevant to IRC’s area of work.
• Provide IRC’s country, regional, and technical teams with guidance on DFID, and other donor policies and prepare standard language for proposals to ensure alignment with donor policies.
• Contribute to business development systems, tools, and process improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience of successfully working on DFID commercial contracts, writing grants, and/or developing funding proposals for a for-profit and/or non-profit organization.
• Experience working with UK Government, in particular with DFID.
• Substantial experience and a successful track record leading large proposal teams on complex subject, multi-year, multi-partner proposals with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of UK donor client requirements and preferred methods of business.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively manage a variety of relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate equally effectively with colleagues in ‘remote’ and diverse teams, including as team leader for proposals.
• The ability to work productively and accurately while under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Flexible work attitude: the ability to work in a team environment and independently and ability to meet unexpected demands.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to travel internationally (up to 20% of time).

Desirable

• Degree in relevant field, including international relations, political science, public administration, and communications preferred.
• Experience of working with FCO, EU institutions (EUTF), and other European donors desirable. 

Applications will be reviewed and invited to interview on a rolling basis.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

IRC-UK is committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination for all applicants and employees. IRC-UK seeks to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious belief, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. IRC-UK welcomes applications from all candidates, including refugees who have the right to work in the UK.

The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 28 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. 

The Purpose of the Role

The Senior Program (Business) Development Advisor will lead IRC’s new business development efforts by engaging with global, regional, country, and technical staff through the proposal development cycle from opportunity tracking and capture planning to proposal development, and submission. The SPDA will primarily serve as proposal manager, s/he will also train and mentor staff throughout the department on topics relevant to business development. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of leading new business efforts in international development with USAID, DFID, ECHO, and other multilateral and bilateral donors. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage the process of development of concept papers, project proposals and responses to key RFA/Ps. This includes writing and coordinating proposal elements (e.g. past performance, management plan, etc.), ensuring appropriate technical review and quality assurance.
• Lead proposal development in response to requests for proposals, including those for field based projects and large global opportunities. This will involve management of proposal teams, calendars, and deadlines; strategy development with technical staff; partner identification and negotiations; recruiting; writing; production; and after-action reviews.
• Lead on advising other IRC departments when required on USG contract terms and implication for structuring proposal budgets, targets, and deliverables.
• Build the capacity of other IRC staff—including IRC country and regional teams—to identify opportunities and develop strong program designs and proposals.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of USG and other donor funding priorities, geographical interests relevant to IRC’s area of work.
• Build and strengthen relationships with internal stakeholders (HQ-based regional and technical units, as well as IRC country offices).
• Provide IRC’s country, regional, and technical teams with guidance on USG, DFID, EU, and other donor policies and prepare standard language for proposals to ensure alignment with donor policies.
• Contribute to business development systems, tools, and process improvement initiatives.
• Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
• Participates in developing proposal training for the organization.

Do you have at least 3 years' experience in institutional fundraising, working with European government donors?  Do you want to use your experience to help create a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and foresters?

We are looking for a senior associate to write six and seven-figure funding proposals to European bilateral and multilateral donors to support the work of Rainforest Alliance globally.  The senior associate will collaborate closely with our program teams and other units across different Rainforest Alliance locations, to ensure quality writing and editing of proposals, concept papers, and reports for institutional donors in line with tight deadlines.

This is a fast paced, highly competitive environment, and we are looking for candidates who have a high degree of organizational skill, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines. 

The ability to proactively identify new funding sources to ensure a healthy financial pipeline growth is essential, as is confidence in liaising with contacts at government agencies to track opportunitites and trends. 

 Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; 
• At least 3 years’ experience in institutional fundraising, with proven track record of securing government grants; 
• Experience of working with European government donors is essential; direct experience with the Dutch government would be a significant plus;
• Must have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with fluency in English; Dutch, Spanish and/or French fluency a significant plus;
• Must be a strong writer that is detail oriented, resourceful, and able translate complex, technical information into persuasive proposals;
• High degree of organizational skill, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines;
• Experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, work environment – preferably within a global organization;
• Experience of working within a developing-country context a plus;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as be an effective team member;
• High degree of skill in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required;
• Strong knowledge of conservation and/or community development/forestry/agriculture/livelihoods issues strongly preferred;
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM system a plus;
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time