The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has an opening in its Geneva offices for a
GLOBAL FUNDING OFFICER
Starting date: as soon as possible
Closing date for applications: 14 February 2020
Duration of contract: initial contract of 5 years
Candidates for this position require a church endorsement
Purpose
LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.
A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centered and community- based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.
The Global Funding Team (GFT) in World Service is responsible for securing and managing new funding opportunities as part of World Services’ efforts to diversify its funding portfolio.
During the 2013-2018 Global Strategy this work has mainly focused on securing grants from institutional donors (including US Government and EU) in an effort to provide funding for the World Service country program operations, in particular those associated with refugees and IDPs.
As part of more intensified efforts to further diversify funding opportunities during the new 2019-2024 Global Strategy, the GFT intends to broaden its funding portfolio beyond institutional grants and pursue other funding sources and partnerships (including foundations, private, corporate, individual and other sources) in Switzerland and in newly emerging markets.
There will be increased collaboration with the LWF’s Department for Theology, Mission & Justice’s (DTMJ’s) Action for Justice unit, and in particular collaboration with the Resource Mobilisation Coordinator in DTMJ and where possible/relevant seek funding which will benefit both departments.
A large part of the time will be spent identifying new opportunities which will include mapping and identification of potential donors, followed by building, nurturing and developing those relationships. Duty travels will mainly focus on visits to potential donors and as part of the donor relationship tasks.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in business development or marketing, and/or other related subjects.
Proficiency in English, German, French required. Arabic an asset.
Additional Study and Experience
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in resource mobilization and donor relationship management roles and responsibilities.
Knowledge and experience of collaboration and building relations with HNWIs, foundations and private sector donors (and particularly in the field of humanitarian assistance, advocacy, human rights and sustainable development).
Ability to work independently and at times with little supervision.
Experience with innovative approaches to funding and fund raising.
Flexible, ability to travel at short notice.
Strong computer literacy.
LWF Core Skills
Achieving results – expert level
Initiative – expert level
Analytical thinking – advanced level
Leadership – advanced level
Working effectively with others – advanced level
Accountability – advanced level
Required Skills
Innovation – expert level
Communication – expert level
Networking, advocacy – expert level
Facilitation, negotiation – expert level
Stakeholders Management/ resource Mobilization – expert level
Position Environment and Dimensions
Internally, as a member of the Global Funding Team, reporting to the Global Funding Coordinator, mainly interacts with World Service in Geneva, including the Extended Management Team, and with the Action for Justice’s team and Resource Mobilization Coordinator in DTMJ.
Externally, interacts and relates with other Swiss NGOs, INGOs, authorities, corporate sector, foundations, private donors and other like-minded agencies. Travels required as necessary.
Extensive travel: more than 20 days per year
Main Duties
Donor Development & Diversification
As part of the overall task of identifying and pursuing funding opportunities with new donors (World Service’s donor development and donor diversification strategies) key tasks will include:
Research and map potential funding partners in Switzerland and in newly emerging markets (including foundations, private, corporate, individual and other sources);
Conduct other necessary ground work and research in order to position LWF for future funding opportunities;
Meet and establish relations with potential funding partners;
Prepare potential funding partners profiles (geographic and thematic priorities / areas of interest, eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, etc);
Conduct analysis on potential funding partners; interests and identify matchmaking possibilities and funding opportunities for the World Service strategic priorities;
Establish, pursue and build relations with the relevant and potential funding partners and donors (including meetings, visits, conference calls, follow up and other tasks needed to build the relations).
Works closely with program staff (DWS and DTMJ) to be familiar with the program content and ensure the sourcing of relevant funding.
Expertise, Support, Learning and Development
Supports and advises WS GFT and DTMJ Action for Justice’s team on strategic engagement with key funding partners and development of potential fundraising networks.
Monitors strategically the fundraising trends, priorities, landscapes, mechanisms, activities and practices with existing and potential donors.
Contributes actively to sustainable knowledge management and continuous improvement.
Communication and Promotion
Represents LWF in public fora and networks with potential donors.
Ensures a good visibility and updated information flow through the various LWF communication channels.
Special Duties
As may be assigned by the supervisor.
Major Challenges
In this new position, the incumbent will have to develop and build a network of potential new donors without initial returns on investment. A lot of patience and commitment will be needed to open doors and generate the release of funds for LWF programs.
To apply, please click on the following link:
https://lutheranworld.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk035pn?cjb_hash=O_TFOs10&apply_now=true
