Core Donor Engagement and Grant Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization founded to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature, and stabilize the climate. Established with a mission to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems, WRI operates in more than a dozen focus countries and collaborates with partners in over 50 nations. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, WRI is dedicated to advancing gender and social equity, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment. The organization values independence, integrity, impact, partnership, and care, striving to create a workplace that emphasizes diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Core Donor Engagement and Grant Management Specialist position is situated within WRI's Global Development Department, specifically in the Government and Multilateral Relations Team. This role is pivotal in supporting the team’s core donor engagement and grant management activities. The specialist will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director of Government and Multilateral Relations and will work closely with the Senior Grant and Engagement Specialist, particularly in relation to the WRI-Danish MFA partnership agreement. The position requires a hybrid work model, necessitating 8 days per month in the office, with the flexibility to be based in either The Hague or London. The role emphasizes the integration of equity into all aspects of work, reflecting WRI's commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specialist will lead core donor engagement and cultivation, dedicating 50% of their time to this area. Responsibilities include cultivating relationships with core donors, particularly the Netherlands MFA and Sida, organizing regular check-in meetings, and preparing for bilateral meetings with senior donor officials. The role also involves organizing joint events at high-level gatherings and supporting WRI Country Offices in connecting with local donor counterparts. Additionally, the specialist will monitor key funding and policy developments in core donor countries and maintain updated donor information in Salesforce. For the remaining 50% of the role, the specialist will manage donor engagement work, including keeping the Engagement Tracker up to date and acting as the main focal point for donor engagement within the team. They will also oversee core grant management and renewal processes, ensuring compliance with reporting obligations and collaborating with various teams to deliver annual reports. The specialist will contribute to the renewal of core donor grants and support donor field visits as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed bachelor’s degree in international development, Business Administration, Research, International Relations, or a related field. Proven experience in donor cultivation and management is essential, along with familiarity with ODA-related requirements and compliance with donor reporting obligations. Experience in managing projects and working within a multicultural, geographically distributed team is also required. Familiarity with climate and environmental issues is a plus, as is prior experience in an international NGO or as a partnership or grant officer with a multilateral climate/environment fund or bilateral ODA provider.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, Business Administration, Research, or International Relations is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of donor relations and grant management.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in donor cultivation and management, demonstrating comfort in leading and coordinating strategic engagement activities with high-value donors. Experience in ensuring compliance with donor reporting and contractual obligations is crucial, as is familiarity with working in a multicultural team across different time zones. Experience in project management is also necessary, along with a background in climate and environmental issues being advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a hybrid role requiring 8 days per month in the office, with the possibility of being based in either The Hague or London. WRI is unable to sponsor visas in the UK for this position. The contract duration is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The potential salary ranges from €57,000 to €71,000 if based in the Netherlands, and £45,000 to £56,000 if based in the UK, with salaries being commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive salary, access to a global network, opportunities for career development, and a commitment to a hybrid working model with flexible hours.