Who are we?
Proforest is a mission-driven organisation that provides a consultancy service working throughout agricultural supply chains supporting the production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for People, Nature and Climate.
We manage grant-funded programmes through our charitable Proforest Initiatives in the UK, Africa and Brazil. The combination of our grant-funded programmes with client-funded consultancy services is fundamental to the way Proforest works and the value we can bring to all parties.
What will you do?
This is a unique opportunity to take on a role that you can develop as your own with the opportunity to have large-scale impact across a global organisation, where you’ll work with colleagues across all regional Proforest teams.
We have a number of long-term programmes that are funded by grant-making and donor organisations and you’d be tasked with building on these foundations to actively fundraise for current and future programmes. You’ll lead on developing existing, and building new, relationships with corporate foundations, donors, philanthropic organisations and advisory services and individuals, for activities delivered largely through Proforest Africa and also Proforest Europe.
While all Proforest regional teams are active in fundraising for specific activities within their regions, you will develop a global and consistent approach to fundraising, including developing concept notes and templates, co-ordination of our global fundraising process to ensure efficiency and identifying opportunities for the regions. In addition, supporting applications by regional entities, when required, and building the capacity of regional entities.
Key responsibilities include:?
- Develop Proforest Europe fundraising strategy and input into global strategy
- Research new avenues for fundraising and identify potential funding sources
- Support Proforest Europe Director of Programmes, Director of Africa and technical team to create compelling, appropriate and targeted proposals and grant submissions.
- Develop and manage the fundraising database, coordinating contact among entities and identifying opportunities for all Proforest entities
- Develop and improve guidance and generic procedures/approaches related to fundraising for adoption / adaptation by regional entities
- Lead or support development for large, multi-entity proposals
- Identify key workstreams and priorities for which grant or donor funding is needed
- In collaboration with the Communications team, develop fundraising and related communications materials, including presentations and pitch documents
What is your profile?
You’ll be someone who enjoys developing and maintaining relationships, who is collaborative and mission driven. You thrive in a role where you take ownership within a fast paced environment in an exciting and rapidly evolving industry. To be considered for this role you will also have:
Essential:
- Successful fundraising experience within a global organisation with an element of sustainability, environment, climate, nature and/or human rights
- Knowledge of and relationships with international philanthropists
- Experience writing, coordinating and driving submission of applications and fundraising proposals
- Cultural sensitivity with the ability to work with a diverse range of people
- Excellent communication skills with proven ability to present and persuade
- Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM having set up and ran systems and processes across global teams
Desirable but not essential to have to be considered:
- Previous networking with donors and partners
- Familiarity with key fundraising information sources
- Global coordination of fundraising efforts experience
- A fundraising related qualification or professional development
- Degree level qualification or equivalent in a sustainability or related field.
Why should you work for us?
- Be part of a global organisation with a shared vision, working in offices across 8 countries with staff from more than 17 countries, speaking more than 40 languages
- We care about work-life balance and offer 25 days plus public holidays (with an extra 2 days the following year should you take your well earnt holiday within the year)
- We contribute to your pension (up to 8%)
- We support learning and development with a dedicated team to help you achieve your goals; we provide access to training for knowledge and competency skills
- Free fruit, tea and coffee in the office
- Life insurance and income protection insurance
- We organize regular in-person team gatherings, regional and international knowledge exchanges and social events.
Key information
Location: Oxford, UK or Ledien, Netherlands
Salary: In the region of £46,000 - £50,000 per annum
Closing date: 4th September (please note we may close the advert earlier should we find our chosen candidate and therefore encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment).
Working hours: We are open to applications from candidates wishing to work full or part time (minimum of 3 days per week or equivalent over more but shorter days).
Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis. We encourage staff to attend the office to maximise interactions with colleagues and encourage collaboration but also appreciate individual circumstances and preferences. We ask that you attend the office at minimum of twice a week and are happy to explore flexible working options such as part time working.
We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.
