Project and Resource Mobilization Officer at Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF)

About Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF)

The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF) is a nonpartisan, independent, inclusive, and voluntary national platform established in May 2013 to address common concerns and challenges faced by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia. Re-registered by the Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) with Reg. No 4414 in 2019, ECSF functions as a network of networks. It embraces more than 54 consortiums across the country, which collectively comprise over 1,500 member organizations. The Forum boasts unique experience in uniting diverse networks and engaging them in common national agendas.

Job Summary

The Project and Resource Mobilization Officer will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to support ECSF’s programs and initiatives. This role involves a strong focus on proposal writing, donor relations, grant management, and project coordination, ensuring the effective implementation of projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented individual with excellent communication and networking skills, and a proven track record in resource mobilization and project management within the development and civil society sectors.

Job Type: Contract (One year with possibility of extension up on availability of fund)

Key Responsibilities

Resource Mobilization & Partnership Development

• Donor Research & Identification: Proactively research and identify potential funding opportunities from a diverse range of donors, including institutional donors (governments, foundations, multilateral organizations), corporate partners, and individual philanthropists, aligning with ECSF’s strategic priorities.
• Proposal Development & Writing: Lead the development and writing of high-quality, compelling, and compliant project proposals, concept notes, grant applications, and expressions of interest in response to identified funding opportunities.
• Donor Relations & Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring timely communication, reporting, and stewardship to foster long-term partnerships.
• Partnership Building: Identify and develop strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, NGOs, CBOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program delivery and resource mobilization efforts for ECSF and its member networks.
• Funding Strategy: develop and implement resource mobilization strategy, identifying new funding streams and diversification opportunities.
• Marketing & Communication: Develop and update compelling marketing materials, including organizational profiles, brochures, and presentations, to effectively communicate ECSF’s impact and the collective voice of its members to potential donors.

Project Management & Coordination

• Project Planning & Design: Support the design and planning of new projects, ensuring alignment with ECSF’s strategies, donor requirements, and the needs of its member CSOs.
• Grant Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of grants, including contract review, compliance monitoring, financial management, and timely reporting to donors.
• Project Implementation Support: Provide technical and logistical support to project teams to ensure efficient and effective project implementation, adherence to work plans, and achievement of objectives.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL): Contribute to the development of MEL frameworks, track project progress against indicators, facilitate data collection, and support internal and external evaluations.
• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive and timely project progress reports, financial reports, and donor reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with relevant teams.

Knowledge Management & Capacity Building

• Information Management: Maintain an organized system for tracking funding opportunities, donor interactions, and project information.
• Learning & Adaptation: Stay abreast of trends and best practices in resource mobilization, project management, and the Ethiopian civil society sector.
• Internal Capacity Building: Potentially contribute to building the capacity of internal staff and ECSF’s member organizations on proposal writing, donor relations, and project management principles.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a strong advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in resource mobilization, fundraising, business development, or proposal writing, preferably within the non-profit or development sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing successful projects, including proposal development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Proven track record of securing grants from institutional donors (e.g., USAID, EU, UN agencies, DFID, private foundations) and/or corporate partners.
• Experience working with civil society organizations or networks in Ethiopia is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive proposals and reports.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Financial literacy and experience with budget development and management.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Desired Attributes

• Results-oriented and highly motivated.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of ECSF.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.