Canada: Donor Relations and Partnerships Officer

Organization: Action Against Hunger-CANADA
Country: Canada
Closing date: 03 Dec 2014

Job title: Donor Relations and Partnerships Officer

Job location: Action Against Hunger/Action contre la Faim - Canada

Direct supervisor: Operations Director

Location: Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal

Type of position: Full Time

Context and responsibilities

Action Against Hunger/Action Contre la Faim (ACF) Canada is part of the international ACF International Network which provides humanitarian relief in over 45 countries worldwide, in nutrition, water and sanitation, and food security sectors. ACF-Canada has been engaging with the Canadian Government since 2005 for emergency funding around the world.

Due to the programming volume growth and the strategic directions of the ACF International Network, ACF Canada is looking for a Donor Relations and Partnerships Officer to develop donor understanding and foster ACF relationships with the Canadian Government, provide grant management expertise and guidance for the ACF International Network for Canadian funding, grow Canadian funding for ACF programmes, develop a range of new strategic partnerships for the organization in Canada and representation of ACF in relevant Canadian networks.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Operations Director of ACF Canada and in close collaboration with the ACF International Network, the responsibilities of the Donor Relations and Partnerships Officer will be:

1. Develop donor knowledge and foster ACF relationships with DFATD

· Regular analysis of DFATD (structure, opportunities, contacts), tracking of investments and analysis of policy and positioning.

· Advise ACF positioning at the global, regional and country levels through in depth research and analysis of DFATD strategy. This will provide a basis on which to annually update the ACF Canada donor engagement strategy as well as individual tailored country or regional strategies.

· Track results, recognize successes, conduct benchmarks and review contextual information to improve the ACF approach and positioning. · Facilitate the coordination of ACF technical discussions, presentations and/or trainings for DFATD staff in Ottawa.

· Pro-actively develop and manage the relationship with DFATD in order to ensure the expansion of the existing funding portfolio, in line with ACF’s country and thematic strategic priorities and the donor engagement strategy.

· Pro-actively communicate with DFATD the achievements and successes of ACF and its funded programs*

* This can be done but is not limited to the sharing of achievement reports, technical publications, video footage, photography, case studies, face to face presentations and/or lessons learned. 2. Provide grant management expertise and guidance for the ACF International Network for Canadian funding

· Provide leadership on strategies for proposal development and manage those processes to meet both ACF and DFATD specific interests and requirements

· Ensure the coordination and participation of the ACF International network in the annual emergency funding process with DFATD.

· Identify processes and opportunities for funding within Geographic and Partnerships Braches of DFATD and coordinate strategies with the ACF International Network to develop programming.

· Monitor DFATD regulations and produce and/or update donor profile and process documents.

· Track, analyze and share with the network new trends and opportunities with the Canadian Government for funding.

· Coordinate responses to donors on technical project questions that arise during the life of the project.

· Facilitate the coordination of DFATD field visits to ACF missions and projects.

· Ensure the application and development of internal monitoring tools for grant management. · Develop training materials on DFATD funding guidelines and/or policies for relevant ACF staff or partners.

· Organize and conduct capacity building for the ACF International Network.

This may include (but is not limited to) providing feedback on the quality of proposals before submission, editing and formatting, ensuring consistency of proposals, preparing formal submission letters, filing of contractual information, preparation of internal sub-contracting, coordinating ad hoc amendments or specific grant modification requests, review of budgets, submission of reporting 3. Grow Canadian funding for ACF programmes

· Working in close collaboration with ACF International operations and technical departments ensure a comprehensive annual strategy for meeting the funding goals established by the network.

· Contribute to development and implementation of new and innovative programme strategies and plan of actions at various stages of project cycle management.

· Provide guidance for ACF International Network in the drafting of concept notes, proposals and/or budgets for the continuation of funds, future funding opportunities or for new project proposals.

· Ensure that programme funding portfolios are maintained and shared with the ACF Canada fundraising team for private sector proposal development. 4. Develop a range of new strategic partnerships for the organization in Canada

· Conduct research and gap analysis in order to identify future partnerships with Canadian institutions, networks and or organizations for programming, research and funding opportunities. This will be done in line with the global strategic objectives of ACF Canada and the International Network.

1. Representation of ACF in relevant Canadian networks

· Represent ACF Canada and ACF International Network interests and positioning in Canadian based international forums, technical working groups, and consortia as relevant to successful programmes fundraising in Canada.

· Ensure collaboration with relevant government authorities, academic bodies and/or other relevant groups or networks represented in Canada during emergencies.

· Participate on behalf of ACF Canada in the Humanitarian Response Network of Canada quarterly meetings and thematic events. 6. General

· Attend planning sessions, team meetings and annual performance reviews as required.

· Pro-active exchange and collaboration with the other ACF Canada team members and with Donor Relations Officers across the ACF International Network.

· Keep up to date with other institutional donor developments and humanitarian financing and share information with the ACF Canada operations team, the Donor Management Unit in France and with Donor Relations Officers in USA and UK.

· Ensure an on-going process of personal professional development and learning.

· Other duties as assigned.

Specific conditions

Staff work a five-day, 37.5-hour work week. However, the different tasks involved may sometime require irregularworking hours, particularly in times of crisis. This position requires a high level of time to be spent in Ottawa and Toronto and some international travel to project sites.

Qualifications

Essential Skills

· Master Degree in relevant discipline in a field related to social sciences, development or public health

· and/or equivalent experience gained.

· Minimum of 5 years working with a humanitarian organization.

· Field level experience of working in emergency and/or development settings and a solid understanding of

· humanitarian principles and current global sectorial issues.

· Demonstrated experience working with and/or knowledge of DFATD.

· Experience of building strategic relationships and partnerships to develop further opportunities for an organisation

· Strong verbal and written communication skills including demonstration of cultural awareness, diplomacy and tact

· Demonstrable project management skills

· Facilitation and training skills

· Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines, and to multi-task.

· Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal and coordination skills

· Strong organisational and planning skills.

· Excellent knowledge of MS Office Applications.

Desirable Skills

· Previous experience in a similar position.

· Experience working in coalitions or networks

· Ability to work in French is an asset.

To learn more about ACF, visit our website at www.actionagainsthunger.ca

How to apply:

We are looking for an autonomous and very dynamic professional to complement the ACF Canada team. If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to rec@actioncontrelafaim.ca before December 3rd 2014 end of day. In the subject line, please indicate Donor Relations and Partnership Officer.

Candidates must be legally authorised to work in Canada.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.