Partnership & Fundraising Advisor

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a leading 501 (3) (C) registered South Sudanese based international nongovernmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering in Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Our mission is to implement evidence-based, culturally Sensitive, innovative projects promoting health, according to perceived public health needs and priorities as understood through quality research. THESO 2030 strategy is contributing to achieving global strategies 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 6 set targets and beyond in LMICs. To establish well-performing sustainable health system, Education system, and WASH system in developing countries, THESO is working with governments, UN Agencies and other stakeholders to achieves resilience and sustained outcomes through continuous improvement of the four sectors of Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH and Research.

Context and Background

THESO has been working in South Sudan since mid 2008, and currently runs 4 field programme offices across Africa. THESO Strategic Plan (2021 – 2025) includes expansion of its programme to other Countries, deepen its working relationship with host governments & partners at all levels, develop a gradual exit strategy to allow the smooth transfer of specific facilities to government, and support affected people with emergency response, recovery and resilience programmes. The primary focus of THESO South Sudan programme is integrated healthcare, Education, WASH, and community based and health facilities-based management of malnutrition. The special emphasis is given to maternal and child health care services. Using our expertise, we support aid workers and strengthen existing services. We build resilience by helping societies at risk of future disasters, to be better prepared.

We believe that everyone has the right to access and utilise free public health services with dignity. We believe good health is fundamental to transforming societies in transition that’s why THESO is a Force for Health to build healthy communities.

THESO is seeking to recruit a Volunteer Fundraising Advisor for its South Sudan programme to be based in Washington DC.

The foundation is expanding to the United States and we are forming a new volunteer team.

Requirements for the Fundraising Advisor will be responsible for:

Role overview THESO is seeking a Partnership & Fundraising Advisor based in Washington DC Office to support THESO’s response to various proposals. The Partnership & Fundraising Advisor must have demonstrated skills, expertise, and experience in responding to solicitations from CDC, USAID, NIH, FCDO, EU, SIDA, CIDA, NORAD, JICA, DANIDA, KOICA etc. The proposal writer will work with the technical, programme and proposal management team, both in Washington DC and with THESO staff in-country, to help review solicitations, determine strategy for the application, storyboard, and write the technical proposal. The proposal writer will produce a high-quality proposal that is compliant with donor requirements, technically clear and accurate, and adheres to THESO style. The Volunteer Fundraising Advisor will report to the Chief Executive.

Major Responsibilities:

In close collaboration with technical teams and proposal managers, serve as lead writer and/or editor of proposals. This would include:

• Aid in developing and implementing an organized fundraising strategy
• Lead a team of volunteers to execute fundraising strategy and report back to leadership on progress, forecast.
• Approach businesses, local authorities, trusts and individuals to secure funding for Positive Planet initiatives.
• Organise and help with fundraising activities such as sponsored or promotional events.
• Recruit volunteers and coordinate their work
• Plan donation campaigns and events
• Control budgets and work toward fundraising targets
• Preparing an outline for the technical narrative, highlighting key donor requirements.
• Authoring the technical narrative of the proposal. This may include gathering information; leading technical design and storyboard sessions, writing and/or editing proposal sections such as executive summary, technical approach, management and staffing plans, and other sections as needed; consulting with THESO staff to ensure accuracy; integrating different sections of the proposal developed by other authors; and revising text based on feedback.
• ·Substantive editing. This may include reorganising material, adding or deleting information, revising major sections of text, and asking authors to address questions and concerns.
• Copy editing. This may include revising the text to make it clear, concise, correct, consistent, and coherent. With this level of editing, the proposal writer will ensure the flow between sections and follow guidance provided in the THESO style guide and any specifications in the solicitation.
• Write and/or edit supportive documents needed for proposals including capability statements, past performance references, work plans, and background information on the relevant subject areas as needed.
• Attend technical meetings, check-ins, and other meetings as requested.
• Liaise with technical experts, both in-country and in Washington DC, to ensure the accuracy of content; with graphic designers to improve the presentation of information; with editors to incorporate their feedback; and with other communications experts to ensure compliance with organisational processes for preparation and approval of materials.
• The proposal writer shall remain flexible, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with other members of the proposal team to ensure a smooth proposal development process and adherence to the timeline developed for this proposal.
• In the event of scheduling conflicts or difficulty obtaining needed information, the proposal writer shall inform the proposal manager promptly to ensure speedy resolution of any issues.

Primary Skills Include:

• Sales and negotiation
• Inspirational leadership
• Forecasting
• Communication
• IT and social media
• Good organisation
• Administrative and project management
• Resourcefulness
• The ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Creative thinking
• Initiative and the ability to solve problems.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public health, marketing, or related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.

Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years writing public health related US government proposals and prior experience writing large scale, complex bids
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills appropriate for competitive proposal submissions.
• Demonstrated skill in using terminology and concepts related to global health issues.
• Knowledge of technical areas such as health systems strengthening, human resources for health, global health security, Education, Research, WASH etc. strongly desired.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and data to create engaging and compelling text while maintaining technical accuracy and adhering to strict page limitations.
• Ability to juggle multiple demands, manage shifting priorities, and negotiate timelines.

THESO Values:

We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:

ü Inclusiveness

ü Transparency and Accountability

ü Agility and Innovation

ü Collaboration

ü Sustainability