The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Resource Mobilization Coordinator will contribute to CIFOR-ICRAF’s global resource mobilization goal to achieve significant, predictable, multi-year funding to enable, flexible support for CIFOR-ICRAF Key Performance Areas (KPA’s). To do so, the coordinator will ensure CIFOR-ICRAF staff benefit from funder profiles and contacts, funding opportunities (Call for Proposals (RfPs)), standardized RM processes, tools and more strategic, coordinated, efficient and high quality, compelling solicited and unsolicited submissions. Primary objectives for the position include: Reviewing identified funding opportunities; coordinate and support the development of strategic grant applications, timely review and submission of concept notes and proposals; facilitate donor intelligence and assurance of strategic alignment of CIFOR-ICRAF’s objectives with donor priorities and objectives; assisting and supporting other relevant units with outreach and stewardship of major global donors and prospects; and building standardized processes, tools and resources for unsolicited fundraising.

Duties and responsibilities

Improved development and submission of high-quality concept notes and proposals to donors. Performance will be measured against the number of submitted grant applications. Improved CIFOR/ICRAF-wide proposal-writing capacity – measured by the quality of drafts produced by science teams and increase in overall quantity of grant applications in the pipeline. Strengthened relations with current donors and prospects with increased revenue available to implementation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s 2020-2030 Strategy. Enhanced institutional reputation as a global research authority. Other Responsibilities Develop institutional infrastructure for unsolicited fundraising A standardized process (RM Strategy) for program development linked to CIFOR- ICRAF Key Performance Areas (KPAs) support the development and submission of high-quality programs and coordinated planning with the RM, Q4I, communications and other relevant units. Relevant guidance notes, standard operating procedures, tools, templates, best practices, lessons learned, and ensure consistent use of required tools by scientists. Funder Profiles in MyTree enable scientists to present programs in coordination with RMU and f under focal points. Tools and processes that support “go/ no go” decisions and the monitoring of progress with unsolicited progress support management decisions in relation to unsolicited fundraising. Proposal/ Program Development and Coordination Coordinate the research and verification of new funding opportunities for relevant global campaigns and/or initiatives. Support global research teams in all stages of pre-award functions (concept note/proposal development, planning, drafting, editing, internal clearances and submission of high value solicitation documents) and efficient transfer of approved awards to Programme/Grant Management. Strategy, Analysis and Reporting Maintain efficient knowledge sharing and information portal in MyTree system for capturing and sharing information and managing donor intelligence to enable successful funding approaches and institutional understanding of CIFOR-ICRAF’s resource development activities. Support the RM team on reporting progress in key areas of the funding strategy and preparation of briefing materials for donor presentations and/or meetings. Funding Partner Relations Coordinate with the RM Team and other corporate units on donor stewardship, communications and cultivation of major global donors and prospects.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Conservation/Environmental Sciences, or Agricultural Development (an undergraduate degree with 5 years’ relevant work experience will be considered).
• Knowledge of national/global development agendas and goals.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in resource mobilization with proven track record of raising substantial funds for international organizations, UN agencies, and/or international non-governmental organizations.
• Understanding of project cycle management.
• Diplomatic, tactful, and effective management and stewardship of major international donors.
• Ability to quickly upload and interpret complex and technical subject matter to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve various general problems and advise complex and sensitive problems.
• Experience in working with diverse teams.
• Solid work ethic including quality and timely delivery.
• Above average written and presentation skills.
• Experience with fundraising databases.
• Fluency in English (French and/or Spanish desirable).
• Highly organized, detail oriented, “door opener” with reliable timely and high-quality delivery of assignments.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Global position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial appointment will be for 2 (two) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya (preference); or Abidjan, Ivory Coast; or Yaoundé, Cameroon
  To apply, please visit our career site at: http://www.cifor.org/careers and https://www.worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf
  To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor.org and www.worldagroforestry.org
  CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
  CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 06 Nov-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.