Organization: American Refugee Committee International
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 02 Oct 2015
POSITION TITLE: Program Development Advisor
DEPARTMENT: International Programs
RESPONSIBLE TO:Director, Program Development & Quality
STATUS: Full time
SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Interns
DATE:September 2015
*APPLICANTS MUST ALREADY BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES.
DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION
Program Development aims to provide strategic direction and support to ARC country programs in the development of innovative, evidence and results-based strategy and programming and a commensurate funding strategy, The department supports four priority areas: 1. New strategic / program initiatives and proposal development; 2. Geographic and sectoral program expansion; 3. Monitoring and evaluation; and, 4. ARC emergency preparedness and response.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Program Development Advisor position requires a range of experiential knowledge and technical skills and abilities. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated track record of field experiences, working alongside beneficiary populations, local partners, host government entities, and institutional donors, in order to achieve the strategic aims of the department.
The principle focus of the position will be on development and acquisition of new funding for ARC’s global core program areas and sectors, and in particular opportunities for expansion and scale up of innovative programs.
The position will work with ARC staff, partners and donors to ensure complete, thorough and timely proposal preparation and submission. The Program Development Advisor will join a high performance team who are proactive and results-oriented in making ARC a successful organization. S/he will report to the Senior Program Development & Quality Manager and will be based in ARC’s Headquarters in Minneapolis.
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Proposal Development (50%)
- Provide leadership and management in the proposal development process including but not limited to gathering, analyzing and acting upon relevant information, conducting due diligence and priority-setting; identifying potential partners; recruiting project staff and partners; and manage in-country proposal assessments.
- Write, edit and/or provide technical input on concepts and proposals on an as needed basis, including advising and counseling team leaders and team members on proposal content, strategy, staffing, partners and budgeting.
- Assist in reviewing and refining program development tools while establishing and integrating them into the ARC system.
- Negotiate with donors and represent ARC in meetings with the aim to secure program funding.
Surveillance/Assessment (25%)
- In conjunction with other members of the Program Development team, research, identify, and track funding opportunities, including donor solicitations, strategic plans, presentations, and current projects in and countries of interest.
- Develop and carry out in-country assessments as needed using methods that are appropriate to the local context.
- Based on specific locations, develop and execute a data collection, analysis and dissemination plan for new country entry and emergency response.
- Draft Grants Development Plans (GDPs) for country programs.
Proposal Management (20%)
- Help determine whether proposals are in compliance with donor guidelines.
- Assist with budgeting and reporting as needed.
- In conjunction with other members of the Program Development team, conduct training/overview sessions on related topics.
Program Start-Up (5%)
- Provide leadership and management in program start-up including serving as a member of ARC emergency response team. This may require little notice and subsequent long hours in unstable areas.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
- At least 5 years of related professional experience including at least 3 in international humanitarian/disaster/post-conflict situations.
- Proven skills in gaps/needs assessment, program design, proposal writing, budgeting and donor relations.
- Demonstrated experience with donors (either working inside or along) such as USAID/OFDA, DOS/BPRM, UNHCR/UNOCHA and other UN agencies.
- Previous proposal experience for long term development programs a plus.
- Masters degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs or related sectoral discipline strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of French a plus.
KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; team player.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills.
- Self-starter; takes initiative.
- Detail oriented.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.
- Good sense of diplomacy; tactful and mature.
- Strong interest in international humanitarian and development work.
- Approximately 30% travel required, at a minimum.
How to apply:
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