Work Context :

After having received registration from the local authorities, Cesvi is looking to start-up humanitarian and development projects in Niger.

In this framework, the main objective of the collaboration is the development of project proposals to start working in Niger, consolidating Cesvi presence and increasing its projects and donors’ portfolio.

Job Description :

The collaboration will start in September 2020, according to the opening of the Country’s borders currently closed for the COVID-19 emergency.

The main duty station will be Niamey, with frequent field missions.

The Program Development Officer will be in charge to manage and develop relations with Donors and partners (national and international), promote Cesvi’ strategy and brand; identify funding opportunities and write winning proposals and/or negotiate new projects.

Main tasks :

• S/He will be in charge of coordinating all the writing process of a project including needs assessments, budget and field visits ;
• S/He will represent Cesvi vis-à-vis Donors, partners (including Alliance2015), stakeholders, clusters and coordination bodies and fora, and any other appropriate networks aiming at raise Cesvi’s profile within the country ;
• S/he will be in charge of maintaining an in-depth insight on donors and other stakeholders ‘strategies, activities and opportunities in-country (monitoring of calls, ect.) ;
• S/he will support to set the strategic vision and direction of the Cesvi in Niger to serve more people with the highest quality programming possible, and secure the necessary resources to ensure its realization, expanding Cesvi activities in the country, and identifying new funding sources ;
• S/He will take the lead in the development, drafting and consolidation of project proposals and fundraising documents in liaison with the HQ.

Essential Requirements :

• Degree in International cooperation, Development studies or other related field ;
• At least 8 years’ working experience in developing countries as expatriate in the humanitarian sector, preferably with INGOs in Western Africa ;
• Previous experience in start-up of INGOs programs ;
• Strong writing skills: he/she will bring a well-established track record of developing winning funding proposals to donors such as EU/ECHO, Italian Cooperation, UN agencies, OFDA, DFID, etc. ;
• Proven ability in development of needs-based and context-based project proposals (including budgets) ;
• Strong representation, communication and diplomatic skills, capacity to effectively manage relations with Donors, potential Partners (international and national NGOs), and local authorities ;
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills ;
• Good organizational skills, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively ;
• Highly flexible with the ability to set priorities and change programmes according to issues that may arise ;
• Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills ;
• Ability to build networks and partnerships ;
• Excellent knowledge of French written and spoken and Italian ;
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel.

Desirable Requirements :

• Specific training in project proposal writing in the humanitarian context ;
• Previous working experience in Niger and knowledge of the local context.

Safeguarding :

Cesvi has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners.

Cesvi commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process performance.