Project Support Officer at United Purpose (UP)

Location: Calabar, Nigeria (with occasional travel to Abuja and field offices)
Contract type: Permanent, full time

Purpose/Description

• We seek for a Project Support Officer to support the Country Director and team in the Nigeria country programme.
• The purpose of this post is to support the Country Director in reporting to donors, sharing and promoting project impacts, identifying funding opportunities and submitting grant applications, and communicating effectively with partners and other stakeholders.
• The post holder will liaise with other United Purpose country programmes/offices and the UK Office to ensure effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Identify and track relevant donors and assess funding opportunities in response to the needs of the Nigeria Country Programme.
• Coordinate proposal and budget development processes (internally and externally with partners), and write and submit concept notes and proposals.
• Assist in building donor relations, including attending meetings and identifying opportunities for closer coordination and communication.
• Identify and build relationships with relevant partners, including local and international NGOs and CSOs, private sector, and research institutions.
• Liaise with UP West Africa cluster to identify opportunities for regional funding, learning and closer coordination.
• Support effective information management, and report programme and pipeline information to the UK Office to the UK Head Office on a monthly basis.
• Advise and support Project Managers on donor guidelines and contractual obligations, particularly on reporting, co-funding, procurement and visibility requirements.
• Ensure there is regular content for programme communication, including case studies, technical briefs, photos, and videos for brochures, posters and social media
• Build capacity of staff in project reporting, presentation, and case study development.

Person Specification

• This is a pivotal position, mainly office-based but with ample opportunities for in-country travel and exposure to field work. The ideal candidate is well-organised, motivated and methodical with a strong understanding of development issues and the passion to make a difference.

Required:

• BA/BSc in International Development (or other relevant subject);
• 2 years’ experience in a relevant field/position;
• Excellent proposal/report writing & faultless attention to detail;
• Proven experience in proposal writing and understanding of project budgets;
• Strong IT, communication & problem-solving skills;
• Good interpersonal skills with a patient, flexible & responsive disposition;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Desirable:

• MA/MSc in International Development (or other relevant subject);
• Experience in international NGO/donor sector;
• Record of published writing in print or online;
• Proven experience in grant and donor contract administration and management;
• Experience in strategic communications and advocacy in an INGO/donor organization;
• Experience of training others; and
• Demonstrated skills in graphic design, photography, photo editing, video editing, or publishing software
• A commitment of at least 12 - 18 months to the role An interest and experience in communication (journalism and graphic design will be an asset); Skills and experience in social media will be an asset; and Knowledge and experience of organisation learning will be an asset.

Salary/Benefits
Salary:

• £5,000 p.a.

Benefits:

• Local living allowance, annual return flights to home country, secure accommodation, comprehensive insurance and 25 days annual leave
• This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to gain meaningful overseas experience with an international NGO. Above all, we offer a respectful, empowering and dynamic working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.