Project Development Officer

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

Our work ranges from reducing illegal trade in ivory, rhino horn and other endangered species products to supporting fair and sustainable trade in the herbal products sector. 

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and organised individual to work as part of a team to grow TRAFFIC’s project portfolio and funding base underpinning our work.  This newly created post provides a great opportunity for the right person to help shape and communicate TRAFFIC’s work to government, foundation and other institutional donors.

The role involves working as part of a team in TRAFFIC’s Cambridge headquarters and with colleagues in TRAFFIC programme offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA. 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Works in close collaboration with TRAFFIC programme and operations staff, with particular focus on government and foundation funding sources: 

• Develops and packages funding concepts reflecting identified programme priorities and funding needs
• Writes funding applications and develops funding proposals responding to opportunities
• Assists with identification of new funding opportunities and supports related donor cultivation efforts
• Supports the prioritisation of responses to major funding calls

Specific Duties

Plays a key role in delivery of TRAFFIC’s project/grant funding strategy, with particular emphasis on proposal development and writing.

• Supports TRAFFIC thematic teams and Programme Offices to transform project ideas into funding concepts
• Provides written content and technical and editorial guidance and support for proposals in development
• Prepares sample text and standard approaches for grant applications to donors with regular funding windows along with suggested best practices around proposal development.
• Works with staff in Cambridge and regional programme offices to identify and strategize responses to grant opportunities from government and foundation donors
• Develops and provides training and training materials on proposal design, including problem identification and articulation, stakeholder analysis, development of theories of change, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and processes, etc. 
• Provides guidance on specific donor opportunities and criteria, provides related training and materials
• Assists and manages preparation of grant review exercises for best practices using proposals and funders’ guidelines and selection criteria.

• Participates in donor meetings and fundraising strategy discussions.
• Additional responsibilities as agreed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous project design and grant writing experience and a track record of success with securing at least six-figure grants from government donor sources.
• Articulate with persuasive and engaging verbal communication skills and excellent written communication skills (English).  Similar communication skills in other languages (particularly French) desirable but not required.
• Able to assist with the packaging of a complex programme portfolio into language and visuals suitable for conveying TRAFFIC’s work to existing and potential supporters.
• Strong background in biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable development issues preferred.
• Strategic, organized and results focused.
• Strong networking, relationship building and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others working as part of a distributed, multi-cultural team globally.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.
• Able to travel internationally.