The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a dynamic & target driven candidate to join its Headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, as the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Specialist*.
The Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Specialist will contribute to resource mobilization and partnership activities at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Working closely with the Senior Manager - Resource Mobilization and Partnerships, the Specialist will assist in various aspects, including supporting the Funding Opportunity Review Team (FORT) with research and analysis, proposal and budget development, partnership engagement and stewardship. The role also involves managing IWMI's pipeline of proposals, encompassing both administrative and technical aspects of the proposal development process.
To ensure seamless integration of the pipeline and proposal development process into IWMI's program management cycle, the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Specialist will report directly to the Senior Manager \u2013 Resource Mobilization and Partnerships. Close coordination with multiple departments and teams, such as Communications and Knowledge Management, Finance, Legal, and the Research programmes, is integral to the role.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage Pipeline Tool and Information,
Research, monitor, and identify funding opportunities, and develop summaries of opportunities for internal distribution and review by FORT. Research donor strategies and priorities, including multilateral and bilateral donors, Trusts, and Foundations. Research country/regional level funding priorities and opportunities and support the development of Country Resource Mobilization Plans. Provide backstopping support and advice to Country Representatives in relation to resource mobilization opportunities. Review requirements of all opportunities being pursued and determine eligibility, deadlines, and responsibilities, ensuring proposals are of high quality and submitted on time. Manage the 'Pipeline' tracking using the IWMI Pipeline Tracking management system, where all the requirements, deadlines, and assignments will be noted. Coordinate and monitor the proposal development process, as appropriate and necessary, working closely with proposal teams and external partner organizations. Manage and monitor IWMI\u2019s pipeline tracking systems and tools, ensuring accurate information is available whenever needed. Monitor and compile information on the status of submissions until a decision is received from the client, and once approved, until an agreement is reached. Act as IWMI\u2019s main internal point of contact during the proposal submission process and follow up with internal and partner stakeholders on logistical and administrative issues.Support Proposal Development,
Work with proposal leads, the budgeting officer and, where necessary, the finance department to support the development of winning proposal budgets through strategic input into the presentation of budget templates and cost narratives to ensure comprehensive and competitive submissions that meet donor specifications and ensure full cost recovery. Support proposal teams to develop and compile non-technical proposal submission requirements, such as CVs, project experience references, and other supporting documents required for submission, contracting, and due diligence checks. Ensure all documentation related to proposal development is organized, searchable, and easily accessible on the IWMI network system. Develop templates for common tasks and store information required repetitively in an organized manner to ensure expedient and efficient proposal development. Ensure version control of all documentation.Provide Up-to-Date Pipeline and Related Information,
Generate statistics, graphs, and tables from the proposal pipeline for data analysis. Compile, organize, and analyze feedback from clients on submissions, particularly where rejections are received. Support in developing reports on rejection issues and trends, including recommendations to improve success rates in the future. Develop dashboards for management that provide essential information on the pipeline and funding forecasts, which can be used to understand where resource mobilization efforts should be focused. This includes statistics on resource mobilization efforts related to Strategic Programs, Research Groups, CGIAR Research Programs, regions and offices, skillsets, and grades. Develop weekly resource mobilization updates for issuing to IWMI Researchers.Support Partnership and Donor Engagement and Management,
Analysis of potential partners at pre-proposal and proposal stage. Undertake initial screening of potential partners. Support the preparation of due diligence responses required by lead partners or donors when IWMI is being engaged/contracted. Support the implementation of the IWMI Partnerships Strategy and Action Plan. Contribute to IWMI policy/procedure development in the event of new policy/compliance requirements by a partner/donor.Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
Bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience with progressive responsibilities and growth. Experience working in and with international organizations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,
Strong ability to effectively engage with others, cultivate positive relationships, and work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural setting. Advanced knowledge of financial accounting and budgeting, as well as financial planning and analysis. Capacity to act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and new procedures quickly. Proficiency in Microsoft Office package with the ability to operate spreadsheets, databases, and word processing programs at a highly proficient level. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner. Capacity to demonstrate high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and sound work ethics. Excellent communication skills in oral and written English, with the capability to negotiate and interact effectively at all levels.Benefits
This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.
*Please note that should a qualified candidate at the Specialist level not be identified, or if a suitable candidate at the Senior Officer level is found during the selection process, the position will be adjusted accordingly.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on March 07, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.