The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
About The Job
The Programme Support Specialist (Business Development) [PSSBD] is a key member of the Programme Support Unit (PSU) responsible for leading the coordination and submission of timely and compliant concept note and proposal packages, which reflect the shared vision, mission, or objectives which are in alignment with DRC Afghanistan's mandate and strategic priorities. In coordination with the Programme Support Manager (PSM) and Head of Programs (HoP), the PSSBD will support business engagement and fundraising efforts, including mapping existing and potential donors; contributing to the development of a country fundraising strategy; planning donor engagement and preparing pitches to secure funds; managing and maintaining records of donor engagement/strategy; and identifying funding opportunities through relations and portals. The PSSBD will provide thorough responses to information requests from internal and external sources, and lead on the submission of timely grant amendment or extension requests within the permitted timeline outlined in the grant agreement. The PSSBD manages donor reporting workflows and processes between programme, MEAL, and finance teams to ensure the timely and quality development and review of reports, strictly managing deadlines within and across grants. Throughout the grant cycle, the PSSBD will lead initiatives to identify, research, and write on key sector success stories and briefings for internal and external audiences, packaging stories that center on evidence to further illustrate the impact of programming and importance of funding. The role has a country focus and ensures full compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. Upon delegation by the Programme Support Manager (PSM), the PSSBD will support with other grants management responsibilities, including sourcing intelligence for funding opportunities, advising on donor regulations and compliance, and reviewing and negotiating contractual terms.
Responsibilities:
Business Development (Proposal Development)
Facilitate internal Go/No-Go meetings with Programme and Finance staff to ensure an informed and participatory decision for new funding opportunities
Coordinate proposal development processes, including drafting and producing high quality concept note and proposal packages
Submit timely grant amendment and extension requests, closely adhering to contractual terms and processes
Strengthen organisational capacity in business development, including enforcing clear and structured processes and providing trainings for Area Office and Country Office staff
Business Engagement and Fundraising
Support the PSM and HoP in identifying new funding opportunities through external relations and portals
Contribute to the development of a country funding strategy, including mapping of existing and potential donors and their priorities/historical programming in Afghanistan
Assist the PSM in managing and maintaining records of donor engagement, including key focal points
Source intelligence for upcoming funding opportunities and external engagement
Support the development of donors relations and prepare pitches to secure funds
Donor Reporting
Support the development and preparation of high-quality, timely reports for donors and partners on implementation progress, ensuring all donor reporting requirements are met and demonstrate DRCs capacity across Afghanistan
Manage reporting workflows, processes, and deadlines between programme, MEAL, and finance teams to ensure the timely and quality development and review of reports
Maintain a donor reporting schedule, ensuring realistic deadlines for internal revisions
Work closely with the MEAL department to ensure credible, best-practice monitoring and reporting of activities
Update internal reporting workflow and guidelines, as needed
External Communications
Increase visibility and ensure leadership positioning through developing strategic communication materials, such as sector profiles, impact reports, programme briefings, and other relevant pieces
Serve as the main gatekeeper of high-quality communication activities for the entire portfolio, drafting original content and providing strategic guidance on positioning and messaging of all reporting and communications materials
Coordinate with Regional and HQ Communications, Social Media, and Press colleagues to maximize the impact and visibility of external materials
Ensure close adherence to donor communication guidelines and requirements
Provide thorough responses to information requests from internal and external sources
Support the PSM in maintaining strategic engagements with country donor representatives
Grants Management
Develop and update internal ‘programme cheat sheets,’ summarizing programme and donor commitments, including reporting requirements, donor compliance, and targets per activity
Promote internal version control of proposals and grant amendments
Participate or co-lead grants opening, review, and close-out meetings with programme and support departments
To be successful in this role you must have:
Experience and technical competencies:
At least 3 years' experience in proposal, project, or programme development, reporting, or grants management in an INGO
Proven experience in successfully developing winning proposals
Experience with grant management, donor reporting, and communications
Ability to live and work in an insecure and changing environment
Education/qualifications:
University degree in international relations, humanitarian or development studies, business administration, or other relevant field
Superb writing and editing skills
Excellent organizational skills and strategic thinking
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to coordinate inputs from various departments
Ability to work in a deadline driven environment and undertake a proactive approach
Knowledge of donor rules, regulations, and procedures including but not limited to US and European donors, EU funding mechanisms, and UN agencies.
Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken English;
Understanding of local languanges (Dari and Pashto) an asset
