Project Support Officer at United Purpose (UP)

Location: Calabar, Nigeria
Contract type: Permanent, full time

Purpose

• 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 in West Africa and also with the UK Office to ensure effective communication.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate and coordinate work relating to donor funding within the Nigeria programme
• Advise and support Project Managers on donor guidelines and contractual obligations, particularly on reporting, co-funding, procurement and visibility requirements
• Develop and maintain a database of donors and related funding opportunities that respond to the needs of the Country Programme
• Work with Project Managers to ensure a coordinated approach to donor grant management
• Develop clear and achievable short and long-term funding strategies for each project area
• Monitor Nigeria-specific funding opportunities and provide Project Managers with access to and support on donor funding guidelines and application processes
• Communicate wider West Africa funding opportunities to other Country Programmes
• Assist the Country Director in building donor relations, including attending meetings and identifying opportunities for closer coordination and communication
• Develop strategic communication content, including for brochures, posters and social media
• Co-ordinate and maintain the monthly Project Status Summary Report and Project Summaries
• Build capacity of other staff in proposal writing, project reporting and presentation skills
• Support partners in development of proposals, donor linkages and grant management
• Contribute to organisational decisions and other tasks agreed with the Country Director

Person Specification

• This is a pivotal position with significant responsibility that is mainly office-based but with opportunities for in-country travel and exposure to fieldwork.
• 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.
• Interest/experience in communication (Journalism, graphic design, website and social media content)

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 of training others; and
• Demonstrated skills in graphic design, photography, photo editing, video editing, or publishing software

Remuneration

• Salary: £5,000 P.A.
• Benefits: A living allowance (up to £300 per month), secure and comfortable private accommodation, annual return flights to your home country, 25 days annual leave, and comprehensive medical & travel insurance. Above all, we offer a respectful and empowering working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.