The Program Officer is responsible for managing new funding acquisition and contract management and reporting for a portfolio of multi/bi-lateral institutional and private non-sponsorship (from WVI Support Offices and private entities, such as foundations) donors to enable World Vision Lanka’s strategic objective to develop diversified and sustainable funding. Under the overall guidance of the Director – Grants Acquisition and Management, the Program Officer will be responsible for proactively managing four key areas within their assigned donor portfolio.
In order to be successful in this role, the ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience leading proposal development and PCM processes. The position follows the overall fund acquisition strategy of the GAM department and is embedded in the World Vision Lanka strategy. The Program Officer is expected to confidently communicate and represent the WVL grants strategy and may be required to take on additional tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the Department.
- Develop and acquire new funding opportunities (50%). The Program Officer will proactively identify new, relevant funding opportunities for WVL, and will provide a clear ‘win strategy’ for WVL to compete for the funding. S/he will lead the internal Bid Team, SO and partners (where relevant) throughout the proposal development process, ensuring the delivery of a high quality and timely submission to the donor.
- Effective Project Cycle Management (PCM) (30%). The Program Officer is responsible for deepening and strengthening a sustainable and impactful grant-funding base; as such, s/he will be the organizational focal point for coordinating PCM processes, from inception to final reporting, providing tailored advice to guide effective operationalization/implementation, monitoring the health and performance of projects through the development and utilization of appropriate grant management systems and close liaison with program teams.
- Build and maintain effective professional relationships (10%). To be effective in this role, the Program Officer will be required to develop and maintain effective working relationships, both internal and external, including within other departments, with key SO focal points, donors, and partner organisations. The Program Officer will represent WVL and the GAM department professionally in all interactions.
- Develop and strengthen internal processes for effective grant acquisition and management (10%). The Program Officer will have good working knowledge of WVL business systems and processes so as to work efficiently and effectively with other departments. S/he will proactively identify opportunities for improving GAM systems, tools and processes so as to contribute to overall department and organizational efficiencies and effectiveness and will provide periodic input into developing work flows, tools and processes for other departments where there is intersectionality with GAM.
- Demonstrable at least 1- 2 years of experience in developing and designing successful proposals for institutional funding
- Demonstrated understanding of project logic development
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Working knowledge of Tamil and/or Sinhalese will be an asset
- Experience in successfully managing communications and relationships with institutional donors
- Demonstrable prior successes in Project Cycle Management (PCM) and overseeing grant processes through log frame, budget, progress monitoring
- Demonstrable understanding of community development processes, inter/national frameworks and principles
- Project planning and project team leadership
- Management of complex government/institutionally funded programs/projects
- PCM training or certification
- Understanding of monitoring/evaluation frameworks
- The position requires ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.
- Commitment to World Vision Core Values and Mission Statement