The Program Design Officer (PDO) will be responsible, in close collaboration with the Senior Director for Programme Design and Knowledge Management, for raising funds from bi- and multi-lateral government donors, and for major aspects of donor relationship management, for AWF’s work in Southern Africa, particularly with a focus on its Zambezi and Kazungula Heartlands (includes areas of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia). This position will work closely the Regional Director and field based implementation teams, as well as the other members of the nine person Programme Design team.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Fundraising from government donors a) Manage regional donor relationships to identify and secure funding opportunities. Develop and manage donor relationships in southern Africa; act as a specialist source of knowledge on opportunities arising within bilateral and multilateral donor agencies and professional foundations, with a special focus on Zambia and Zimbabwe, but also including donors in other countries in the region where AWF works (Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa) and might work (Angola); focal point for all information and intelligence on donor opportunities for Zambezi and Kazungula Heartlands.
b) Prepare and submit proposals. Responsible for leading on and/or contributing to preparation of a steady stream of concept notes and proposals, taking them through from research, partnership formation, writing, revising and finalising text through to the internal review and external negotiation processes, in full compliance with AWF protocols, with a goal of securing at least US$1 million p.a. of government funding for each of the Zambezi and Kazungula Heartlands, as well as funding for other AWF activities in the region and for cross-site work. c) Support DC-based fundraising initiatives by Philanthropy & Marketing Department. Ensure effective interaction with the AWF’s teams working on fundraising from corporates, foundations and individuals in the US and Europe.
Oversight on grant management a) General support to Kazungula and Zambezi Heartlands with management of existing grants. Help ensure timely financial tracking of grant spending against budget and high quality donor reporting for ongoing grants.
Analysis, learning, knowledge management and communications a) Support sound analysis and documenting of lessons learned & best practice in AWF. Provide multi-disciplinary analytical support to the Heartland Programme, nurture these skills in Heartland staff, and assist in the development and implementation of an integrated information and knowledge management strategy within AWF, in support of the programme agenda. b) Provide and or prepare digests of programme information written to different target audiences including “success stories” from each Heartland, and short communications for AWF’s internet, intranet and newsletter(s). c) Prepare specific technical publications related to personal technical competencies, and support other Heartland staff with preparing and publishing technical papers.
Providing technical support to programme a) Provide technical support to Heartland teams in areas of personal technical competency, as requested by Regional Programme Director and Heartland Directors. b) Provide technical support to Heartland strategy development; Heartland Conservation Planning; annual work plan and budgets and coordination with the AWF finance team. c) Contribute to the evolution of the Programme Design function within AWF.
Represent AWF in international and local fora, as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Reputable Postgraduate (MBA, MSc or PhD) qualification required in relevant field: including economics, business management, conservation, natural resource management, rural development. • At least 5 years relevant experience of working at a responsible level in conservation and sustainable natural resource management, including direct experience in these fields in Africa and strong track record in raising significant volumes of restricted funding. • Demonstrable experiencing of engaging in high level stakeholder consultation with regards to conservation and sustainable NRM in Africa, including donor presentations and policy dialogue. • Demonstrable commitment to AWF mission and understanding of issues faced by AWF in delivering its mission. • Knowledge of southern Africa conservation landscapes; • Up to date understanding of main bi- and multi-lateral donor programmes in the region; • Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and manage donor relationships; • Outstanding writing skills including proven ability to conceptualize and write project documents (including budgets, logframes, and work plans) and reports. • Outstanding communication skills, able to communicate effectively with a wide group of partners; • Advanced computer and internet skills; • Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively in cross-functional teams; • Ability and willingness to fulfil AWF administrative and accounting procedures; • Fluency in written and spoken English essential. Competency in French is an additional benefit as AWF strives to become a bilingual organization. Fluency in African languages also an advantage.
• Up-to-date understanding of bilateral and multilateral donor priorities and good networks of contacts in the region would be considered an additional advantage. • Ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines. • Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time, including to remote areas • Ability to work as part of a team and independently, including with colleagues remotely located.
If your background, experience and competencies match the above specifications please send your cover letter, and detailed CV indicating daytime telephone numbers, address, names of three referees and an example of a proposal you have written to humanresources@awfke.org . Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
For further information on the position and AWF, please visit www.awf.org
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