Desk Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. The organization aims to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established to address the needs of vulnerable populations, Relief International operates in various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on delivering essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods. Relief International emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and climate-smart programming that is responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. The organization is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, encouraging applications from candidates with lived experiences relevant to their work contexts. With a global presence, Relief International employs a significant number of staff across multiple countries, ensuring that its programs are tailored to local needs and conditions.

Job Overview:
The Desk Coordinator position is a vital role within the Resource Development and Program Implementation team at Relief International. This position is designed for individuals who are experienced in business development and are passionate about securing funding for humanitarian and development programs. The Desk Coordinator will work closely with Desk Managers, Country Offices, and technical teams to enhance donor engagement and strategic positioning. The role involves leading the proposal development process from identifying opportunities to submitting high-quality proposals that meet donor requirements. The Desk Coordinator will be instrumental in ensuring that Relief International can deliver impactful programs across various country offices, particularly in challenging humanitarian contexts. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring donor trends and funding opportunities, as well as the ability to coordinate complex proposal processes across different cultures and time zones. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping the organization secure the necessary resources to implement its programs effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Desk Coordinator will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: monitoring donor trends and funding opportunities, sharing intelligence with country and headquarters teams; supporting donor engagement by developing concepts and funding approaches; leading the proposal development process to ensure high-quality submissions; coordinating proposal design workshops and internal review mechanisms; providing technical support to Country Offices on donor requirements and proposal development; facilitating decision-making processes regarding funding opportunities; maintaining accurate funding pipelines; developing capacity within country teams for program design and donor engagement; participating in donor submissions and utilizing online donor platforms; and supporting cross-functional coordination between various teams within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess professional fluency in English, with additional fluency in French required for one of the positions. A demonstrated track record of securing funding from institutional and non-institutional donors is essential, along with strong experience in working with donor mechanisms such as ECHO, FCDO, EU institutions, UN agencies, and US Government donors. The ideal candidate will have experience leading complex proposal development processes and a strong understanding of donor compliance requirements, proposal budgeting, and financial management principles. Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills are crucial, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities across different countries and time zones.

Educational Background:
A degree in international relations, business administration, or a related field is required, or equivalent professional experience may be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of international development and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in business development, particularly in securing funding for humanitarian and development programs. Experience working in humanitarian or conflict-affected contexts is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the international humanitarian system. The role requires a proven ability to manage complex proposal processes and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in French is required for one of the available positions. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, depending on the specific country contexts in which Relief International operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as remote, allowing candidates from various countries within the UK and Pakistan time zones to apply. The role may require up to 30% travel to country programs and field locations as necessary. Relief International is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff and volunteers to uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct. The recruitment process includes enhanced pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and early applications are encouraged as the position may close before the stated deadline.