APPOINTMENT MARCH 2016 BRIEF PROGRAMME FUNDING OFFICER 1
Welcome Thank you for your interest in the role of Programme Funding Officer. 2016 is a pivotal year for international development. As the United Nations sustainable development goals come into effect, we need to act bigger and bolder. It s time to find the breakthroughs that will allow us to change the world faster. The Open University is the only UK university to combine project delivery with research and teaching in international development. Our projects are underpinned by a unique academic expertise and research capability, creating the opportunities to discover innovations and practise that will speed up the sector s progress. When we find these innovations, the OU s flexible learning can be scaled up at low cost so that everyone can benefit. We aren t just delivering in one community or one country. For example, we have the potential to make a defining contribution to the 21st century ambition for every child to be taught by a qualified teacher. As we design our new strategy to deliver the sustainable development goals, we are growing our Business Development Team. As part of this, you will contribute to and progress the future funding and partnerships that will enable The Open University to address global challenges. Good luck with your application. Matthew Foster Director of the International Development Office The Open University 2
About Us Almost 50 years ago, The Open University was founded with a unique goal; to make education open to all. Our social justice mission rapidly drove us to explore where open distance education could make the greatest difference. Through education, we empower the teachers, healthcare workers and development professionals who will change millions of lives. Teacher education: Our award-winning projects are reaching millions of teachers in India, Bangladesh and sub-saharan Africa. Innovative scholarship programmes in Malawi and Sierra Leone are providing pathways into teaching for young women. Healthcare: In Ethiopia, we work with four universities to deliver postgraduate healthcare degrees, and we are developing key resources to enable practitioners to create more sustainable clean water (WASH) projects. Higher education: In Ghana, we are working with the government and universities to expand the number of university places available through the expansion of open and distance education. Our projects use the latest innovations in education, we create freely available Open Educational Resources (OERs) and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), to deliver the best possible learning experience tailored for the technology and connectivity programmes users already have access to. To date IDO has established a strong track record with DFID, receiving A+ ratings on key projects from them and other funding agencies. 3
IDO S Vision and Mission Vision To be internationally recognised as a key contributor to international development, in line with The Open University s social justice mission. Mission To support developing regions in building the human capital needed to meet their social and economic development targets, as framed by the Millennium Development Goals and SDGs. This will be achieved through leveraging The Open University s knowledge, experience and expertise. 4
How we do this We work alongside academic experts within the OU to create and deliver scalable development programmes and teaching and research initiatives which positively impact developing countries. Our teaching and education expertise directly addresses skills and leadership gaps, improves governance, boosts economies and drives social, technological and entrepreneurial innovation. Our research, often in partnership with multiple institutions and stakeholders, is concentrated on areas of need to meet global challenges for inclusive growth. 5
Some of our projects Apr 2016-Mar 2018 6
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Job Description Job title: Programme Funding Officer Reports to: Head of Programme Funding and Business Development Salary: 31,656-37,768 Duration of post: Permanent Terms and conditions: Academic related Working hours: Full-time Location: International Development Office, Milton Keynes International travel: Is a requirement of the post Role summary A key member of the International Development Office (IDO) team, the Programme Funding Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of statutory donor prospects, identifying and developing funding approaches for the OU s international development projects. Working closely with colleagues across the OU, you will prepare effective and compelling proposals in order to secure funding at the 1m+ level from development partners. The Programme Funding Officer will be responsible for: Identifying and mapping of key prospects bi and multilateral donors. Being recognised as a source of expertise on key bilateral and multi-lateral donors within the portfolio. Support to the Head of Programme Funding and Business Development, the Senior Institutional Fundraiser and colleagues in the Fundraising team in the Development Office as required to drive new business and growth. 8
Job Description Main duties Map bi-lateral and multi-lateral funding opportunities and other key donors (trusts and foundations, corporate etc.) against IDO strategy working closely with the Fundraising Team in the Development Office. Manage portfolio of prospects, ensuring exceptional donor relationship management, cultivation and stewardship. Lead the management of relationships with development partners and agencies externally including grant management and compliance issues and to assist in managing relationships with a number of OU faculties and departments. Regularly attend external network events to raise profile of the OU s international development work. Working closely with Head of Programme Funding and Business Development and colleagues, develop a case for support for IDO s work that will ensure consistent messaging from all parts of the OU. To provide current international development sector intelligence across the University; this will include researching current development partner trends, recommending strategic opportunities for IDO / OU faculties and establishing strong institutional relationships with sector partners. To create powerful 1M+ bids for development partners for funding to support OU international development priorities, often based on complex academic projects, using a range of methodologies. Identify, and form partnerships to leverage income from key funders in line with IDO strategy. To use judgement and sensitivity in the anticipation and resolution of problems that could result in significant damage to the OU s reputation and to support the IDO Director to mitigate against any such occurrences. To assist in the design and implementation of strategies for international development work identified by the academic colleagues in alignment with IDO strategic approaches and set realistic targets and timetables. To assist the Head of Programme Funding and Business Development, Director of International Development Office and Director of Development with this and in addition any duties that arise on an ad hoc basis. To assist in identification and preparation of promotional material (capability statements, evidence of impact) to support senior OU personnel in IDO fundraising strategies and to also assist in raising the profile of the IDO and to promote partnership approaches across the sector. To keep accurate database and other appropriate records of prospects, applications, responses and follow-ups to build a rolling institutional fundraising programme. Other appropriate tasks as asked by the Head of Programme Funding and Business Development and the Director of IDO. 9
Job Description All members of IDO staff are required to: Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity. Take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Attend appropriate events and undertake staff development activities to build understanding of the international development sector. 10
Person Specification Essential Graduate or equivalent qualification. Demonstrate ability to proactively fundraise for from statutory donors. Track record in securing five - seven figure grants/ contracts. Desirable International development experience. Experience of managing DFID bids. Understanding or knowledge of Higher Education. Knowledge and ability to provide a high level of account management for key partnerships. Ability to craft creative and bold approaches to potential funders, in line with the OU s strategy and brand. Ability to work with senior decision-makers internally and externally. Ability to work flexibly, to deadlines, with tact and diplomacy, using judgement and Initiative. Persuasive writing and negotiation abilities. Numerate. Excellent team-working and inter-personal skills. Ability to understand and interpret complex academic subjects into persuasive proposals and presentations for an external audience. Ability to manage a number of bids simultaneously and juggle a busy and varied workload. 11
Our Benefits The OU offers an attractive working environment and an exceptional benefits package that includes some home working, 33 days holiday (+ public holidays and 3 day closure period between Christmas and New Year), 16.5% pension, subsidised shuttle/free parking and a scheme which enables employees to study OU modules and qualifications without fee liability. 12
How to apply To be considered for this post, we require an up to date version of your CV in Word format. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete an application form and submit a tailored supporting statement prior to the application being sent to the client. To complete your application please visit our dedicated microsite at: http://prospect-us.co.uk/campaigns/ openuniversity/index.aspx Timetable: Closing date: 19 April 2016. Queries: For an informal discussion, please contact Chris Bowman, Senior Consultant via: Tel: 0207 405 4999 Email: chris.bowman@prospect-us.co.uk 13
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