Programme Funding Manager

Programme Funding Manager

ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY

UWS has exciting plans to grow our impact and reach. This position will play a key role in identifying and securing funds from international grant-making donors (trusts, foundations, and institutions) to enable that to happen. The postholder will be detail- oriented and a good communicator, with some experience of working with international donors, and the ability to take ownership of developing new business opportunities.

The Programme Funding Manager is a new role within UWS’ global Programme Funding ‘Hub’ which supports fundraising activity across our global operations. You will be part of an exciting global approach to resource mobilisation, working internationally to secure funds to scale existing programmes and develop exciting new initiatives.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Proposal development (70%)

• Monitor global funding opportunities and ensure relevant staff are informed. Facilitate go/no go decisions.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of grant proposals from identification through to submission, in close collaboration with cross-organisational teams
•  Work closely with programme and MEAL teams to facilitate high-quality project and proposal development processes, delivering theories of change, logical frameworks, narrative, and budgets in line with donor requirements and priorities.
• Draft compelling outreach materials, concept notes, and narrative proposals tailored to different audiences.
• Work alongside finance colleagues to guide budget development based on an in- depth understanding of donor guidelines and efficient cost recovery. Ensure key stakeholders are engaged in this process
• Where relevant, support engagement with other NGOs and strategic partners for consortium-based proposal development.
• Coordinate and share best practice, tools, opportunities and approaches with the wider fundraising Team to maximise UWS’ reach and impact.
• Coordination of donor due diligence processes.

2. Pipeline development (20%)

•  Review the funding market for new opportunities that are relevant to UWS’ approach and five ‘pillars’ for education delivery. Maintain up to date information on donor priorities and prepare briefing notes and cultivation plans.
• Build and maintain regular dialogue with programmes colleagues to identify key external relationships, including support for identifying potential strategic partners for fundraising via consortia.
• Work with country teams and senior staff to develop action plans to support regular and proactive donor engagement to maximise opportunities.
•  Act as a trusted focal point for UWS’ grant funders, maximising relationships and ensuring they are updated on progress or changes to the projects they fund.

3. Tool development and capacity building (10%)

•  Support the Senior Global Programme Funding Manager to build processes for project design, proposal development, and knowledge sharing
• Support the wider fundraising team to share and create proposals that will help secure large gifts
• Upon the signing of new grants, coordinate set-up processes with programmes and MEAL teams, and take accountability for ensuring donor compliance requirements are understood and taken over by relevant leads (including through handover meetings for large and complex grants)
  Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required in agreement with your line manager.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

Every individual at UWS needs to be able to:

• Be committed to UWS vision, mission and values and apply them in their daily behaviour and work.
• Be committed to undertaking UWS’s safeguarding training and adhering to relevant policies, to ensure everyone who comes to contact with UWS are as safe as possible.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL

• Experience working in a programme funding role and building and maintaining a pipeline
• Proven track record of leading successful £200k+ grant proposals
•  Experience working with diverse and international teams
• Understanding and experience of international development programmes, tools and approaches.
• Deep understanding of the programme cycle and process for securing high-value grant funding
•  Proficiency in IT packages and grant management systems
• Highly organised and resilient
•  Exceptional English writing skills, with the ability to tailor complex technical content into a compelling and accessible case for support for different audiences
•  Excellent attention to detail
•  Excellent communication and team work skills,with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders
• High quality research and analytical skills
•  Ability to build, understand and work with complex budgets
•  Ability to organise own work, and to manage time and resources effectively

DESIRABLE

•  Experience of developing proposals for major grant-making donors such as EU, FCDO, USAID, or large foundations
• Experience of developing proposals for development programmes on the theme of education
• Prior knowledge of the funding policies and strategies of key grant-making donors in relevant countries
•  Experience of remote project management, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies
•  Proficient in the development and use of theories of change and logical frameworks

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please send a comprehensive CV (max 2 pages) and a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) to uwsnepal@uwsglobal.net. The deadline for applications is 5 pm on 15 December 2023.

You should give the names, positions, organizations, and telephone contact numbers of two referees, one of whom should be your current/most recent employer. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted.

RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES

UWS is committed to the safeguarding of children and ensuring we recruit safely is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service check (or country-equivalent background check) as a condition of employment.

UWS is an equal opportunity employer and commits to treating all applicants fairly. We actively promote diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from under-represented groups. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

All successful candidates must satisfactorily complete a 3-month probation period.