ABOUT START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to see:

• LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

• NEW FORMS OF FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

• COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

  For more information please visit our website HERE.

JOB PURPOSE

The Business Development Lead is responsible for raising new income for Start Fund Bangladesh (SFB) and Start Fund Nepal (SFN), while providing an excellent donor experience to existing donors, currently the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In addition, the role is responsible for diversifying the donor portfolio to other institutional donors and private funding such as corporates, trusts and foundations to support sustainability. This will include donor mapping, writing proposals, pitching to donors, donor event planning, and ongoing donor engagement and reporting. The role is also responsible for maintaining donor relations, supporting donor compliance and ensuring timely and accurate donor reporting.

The role reports to the Head of Resource Mobilisation (based in London) and works closely with the Country Leads for SFB and SFN.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Business Development

• Develop a plan for diversification of funding, in consultation with SFB, SFN, the Resource Mobilisation Team, and other parts of the Network as necessary

• Identify key geographic target markets for SFB and SFN and prospect donors in those markets and develop a clear strategy for the donors in those markets

• Organise donor round table/prospecting events

• Draft and submit proposals in cooperation with SFB and SFN Managers

• Support the SFB Country Manager to secure the new FCDO business case  Engage FCDO in the process of developing this new business case, making sure they are invested in this new stage of the programme

Marketing materials

• Developing a standard case for support for SFB and SFN

• Work with the SFB and SFN teams to develop a series of case studies (impact stories) for sharing with donors

• Develop slide decks aligned to the strategic objectives of donors

• Support, as required, the development of additional communications products including brochures and website content

 Reporting and engagement of existing donors 

• Support the SFB and SFN teams with ongoing engagement of existing donors, maintain relations through regular update calls and correspondence

• Work closely with SFB and SFN teams and the Start finance team to ensure that donor requirements are met in programme implementation

• Work with SFB and SFN teams to submit timely donors’ reports, ensuring compliance to donor guidelines

• Work closely with Start Network finance team to make sure timely, accurate financial reports following donor guidelines are submit

• Support the planning and execution of donor visits as required

Support country level donor engagement

• Provide leadership, advice and support on donor engagement and positioning to team in Bangladesh and Nepal 

• Work with country teams to lever donor intelligence and insights

• Support SFB and SFN Managers and team with prospecting calls and approaches

PERSON PROFILE

Essential Skills and Experience

We are seeking candidates who bring an interesting combination of skills and experience in the following:

• Track record in securing large and/or complex tenders or grants institutional donors

• Preparation of donor bids and proposal writing

• Donor grant management and reporting

• Donor relationship management

• Strategic thinking

• Building relationships with international and remote-working teams

• Identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks to capitalise on opportunities that further our purpose and mission without compromising our vision

• Inspiring and motivating others by creating passion around our vision and focus, connecting with humility and empathy, and showing openness and resilience

• Actively promoting collaboration by spotting and breaking down barriers to siloed working, connecting colleagues, teams, and initiatives

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Flex communication style to convey complex information concisely to different audiences, avoiding jargon and using simple language

• Deliver results with awareness of impact on others internally and externally by considering the positions and perspectives of relevant stakeholders

• Build trust by showing commitment to your role, explaining your thought processes, checking your reactions and encouraging others to share their insights

• Embrace diverse perspectives by using collaborative language, recognising and taking account of power dynamics

• Seek to understand and act upon own areas for growth, reflecting and learning from things that have not gone so well by showing vulnerability and openness to change

• Able to reprioritise and shift focus in response to changing needs of the organisation or network by being aware of how your role sits in the system

ABOUT START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to see:

• LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

• NEW FORMS OF FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

• COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

  For more information please visit our website HERE.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being part of a network bringing change to the humanitarian sector

• Hybrid working with the expectation of being in the London office 1 to 2 days per week

• Contributory pension

• Life assurance

• Family friendly policies

• Learning and development opportunities

• 25 days’ holiday plus 2 company days over the Christmas period

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Please note this role is offered on a Fixed term 2 year contract.

While we operate hybrid working, all roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us for a conversation about possibilities.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from harm that may be caused due to their contact with Start Network and responding effectively should any harm occur. We are committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power.

Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and LGBT+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Skills section.

APPLICATION

We work with Be Applied, an online recruitment platform designed to allow teams to measure candidates on what actually matters. Rather than relying on CVs and cover letters, Be Applied allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities through answering questions which are blind- reviewed by our team to reduce bias.

 If you have any questions or need support with your application, please email us using peopleandculture@startnetwork.org

Closing date applications: Sunday 29th May 2022 23.59 GMT

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date.

Any offer of employment is subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy statement and candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data.