At a Glance
- Tasks: Support program development and grants management across multiple countries, focusing on Sudan.
- Company: Join a dynamic global support team dedicated to humanitarian efforts.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in international development and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on integrity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in humanitarian crises while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 3-5 years in program development required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Desk Coordinator is a key position within the Program Implementation Department (part of the Global Support Team) dedicated to providing program development and grants-management support across several countries (Sudan, Chad, Syria, Turkiye, Lebanon), while focusing on direct support to the Sudan Country Office. The Desk Coordinator works closely with key functions within the Team and other Support functions (e.g., Resource Development, Awards Management) to ensure adequate support is provided to assigned country(ies) on proposals and grant/program management. The Desk Coordinator will step in as Lead Writer on funding opportunities in support of the Country Office(s) depending on identified needs and priorities. Field travel is expected to provide direct support, gap filling, capacity building, monitoring, and surge response in humanitarian crises. This position requires a highly dynamic, proactive, autonomous, and flexible individual with solid experience in program development and overall project‑cycle management. Strong writing and proposal‑design skills are a must.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the RI Support team and country teams (especially Sudan) to ensure the highest quality of program development, implementation and reporting.
- Coordinate with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify and raise risks on program design and implementation.
- Proposal Development
- Foster a culture for evidence‑based design and support COs with design workshops for standard proposals.
- Contribute to program design for solicited and unsolicited programs, pilot and full‑scale programs, cost and program modifications/extensions.
- Manage/coordinate the preparation of funding proposals across a broad range of donors and award amounts, and submit them via the appropriate donor portals after approvals are secured.
- Lead proposal writing and costing efforts across a broad range of donors and award amounts as assigned, including supporting and/or leading on other internal processes related to program development (partnership identification, donor due diligence, etc.).
- Ensure package is compliant with donor regulations and requirements and that all internal processes/policies have been adhered to (partnership, due diligence, etc.).
- Work with country teams to develop a work plan for priority proposals, ensuring time is built in for robust and participatory program design workshops.
- Ensure cost‑share/contribution identification for proposals is clear and reasonable and follows RI’s processes.
- Coordinate with relevant Support Team members for proposal development and/or review.
- Support the Desk Manager in monitoring and identification of funding opportunities and facilitate Go‑No‑Go review and decisions in line with organisational processes and strategy.
- Track country and proposal efforts and report to Desk Manager on status.
- In collaboration with country and Support Team, keep the Desk’s proposal development pipeline accurate and up‑to‑date.
- Program and Grants Management Support
- Work with the Desk Manager and coordinate with the Desk Officer to ensure quality and timeliness of all donor reports, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and guidelines.
- Provide final copy‑edit and/or support in writing sections upon request, and ensure submission under certain donors’ dedicated platforms in coordination with country offices.
- Deploy to country programs to assist in writing reports, when needed.
- Support the Desk Manager in ensuring grants and reporting trackers as well as online grant folders are regularly updated in coordination with the Global Awards Team as necessary.
- Lead overall coordination of grant modifications between CO(s) and Support team offices, facilitating reviews/input from Support Team departments as needed.
- Provide other grant‑management and compliance tasks as needed and in coordination with the Awards Team.
- Actively support the continuous improvement of program quality and management efficiency through contributions to country and global initiatives, such as SOP/tool/template development/refinement.
- Communication and Representation Support
- Collaborate with the Desk Manager to coordinate appropriate RI colleagues for accurate and timely communication to donors.
- Produce and update regular programmatic updates/briefing materials/capacity statements/country profiles for business development purposes.
- Behavior and Conduct
- Ensure that behavior inside and outside of work promotes RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies.
- Act with integrity and hold oneself accountable for being respectful, inclusive and professional.
- Report any concerns.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required for the Role
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Management, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of progressive experience in program/proposal development and grants management.
- Proven experience with major donors such as USG, ECHO, AICS, UN agencies; experience with EC and development donors is a plus.
- Strong skills in the full program cycle, from design to evaluation.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication; skilled in building consensus; ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and handle high‑pressure environments.
- Logical thinking, comfort with complex budgets and high attention to detail.
- Work well independently and within teams; open to feedback and collaboration.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
- Willing and able to travel internationally to support field operations.
Desirable
- Arabic and/or French.
- Experience in one or more of the countries supported by the Desk, especially Sudan.
RI Values
- Integrity
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Inclusivity
- Sustainability
Desk Coordinator in City of London employer: Relief International
Relief International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its staff while making a meaningful impact in communities across Africa and Asia. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to employee growth through training and capacity-building initiatives, we empower our team members to thrive in their roles. Join us in a remote position that not only allows for international travel but also provides the opportunity to contribute to vital humanitarian efforts in high-risk areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Desk Coordinator in City of London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Relief International.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Relief International.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Relief International.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Relief International. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Desk Coordinator in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Relief International. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Desk Coordinator, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Relief International
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Relief International. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
