UNV Grant Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM) is a non-profit organization established in 2007 by Teh Francis Yai. The organization has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). GMM primarily operates in the North West Region of Cameroon, particularly focusing on the Boyo Division. The core mission of GMM is to eradicate rural poverty through sustainable community development, advance women's economic empowerment via skills training and financial literacy, enhance child education initiatives by improving school access and resources, and foster local leadership and self-reliance within marginalized rural populations. GMM has been actively involved in various community-based interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities, especially in light of the ongoing socio-political crisis in Cameroon that has severely impacted women and children, leading to displacement and lack of access to education and economic opportunities.

Job Overview:
The UNV Grant Development Specialist position is designed for an Online Volunteer who will play a crucial role in enhancing the resource mobilization capacity of Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM). The volunteer will be tasked with identifying suitable funding opportunities and preparing high-quality grant proposals that align with the organization's mission to empower women and children in Cameroon. The role involves developing persuasive concept notes and completing donor application requirements, ensuring that all proposals accurately reflect community priorities and donor expectations. The volunteer will collaborate closely with GMM's leadership team over a 12-week period, contributing to the organization's ability to secure sustainable funding for programs aimed at improving the economic status of women, expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable children, and enhancing the overall well-being of marginalized rural communities. This position is vital for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty alleviation, quality education, gender equality, decent work, and partnerships for development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNV Grant Development Specialist include:

• Identifying potential funding sources, including international foundations, corporate donors, and bilateral grants that align with GMM's mission.
• Writing compelling proposal content tailored specifically to women's economic empowerment and child education programs.
• Accurately filling out grant application forms according to specific donor guidelines to ensure compliance and increase the chances of funding approval.
• Drafting clear and concise concept notes that outline new project frameworks, budgets, and measurable outcomes that can be presented to potential donors.
• Collaborating online with the GMM leadership team to ensure that all proposals are aligned with community needs and reflect the priorities of the organization.
• Conducting research on best practices in grant writing and fundraising to enhance the quality of proposals submitted.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of submitted proposals and adjusting strategies as necessary to improve future submissions.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the UNV Grant Development Specialist position should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising, particularly in the non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of the funding landscape for women's economic empowerment and child education initiatives.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with donors.
• Familiarity with donor guidelines and application processes for various funding sources.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring that all proposals are submitted accurately and on time.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields such as international development, social sciences, public policy, or a related area. A degree in a relevant discipline is preferred, but equivalent experience in grant writing and fundraising may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in grant writing, fundraising, or resource mobilization within the non-profit sector. Experience working with organizations focused on women's empowerment and child education is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all proposals and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, given the bilingual nature of Cameroon and the potential for engaging with French-speaking donors.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position for a duration of 12 weeks, and it is expected to be conducted remotely. The role is part-time, allowing for flexibility in working hours. The volunteer will not receive financial compensation but will gain valuable experience in grant development and fundraising within a reputable non-profit organization. The position is open to both national and international applicants.