Head - Resource Mobilization and Partnerships (Globally Recruited)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head - Resource Mobilization and Partnerships (Globally Recruited)

🔹 Company: International Water Management Institute

🔹 Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Research Services

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-21

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: No

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading business development and resource mobilization strategies
• Managing the identification of funding prospects and developing high-quality proposals
• Overseeing team performance and guiding internal stakeholders
• Cultivating strategic partnerships with donors, partners, and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and extensive experience in resource mobilization and partnerships to drive organizational growth and impact.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the preparation of concept notes, expressions of interest, and formal proposals

✅ Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of business development, resource mobilization, and partnership strategies

✅ Develop, refine, implement, and enforce policies, guidelines, processes, standards, and templates to increase efficiency and quality in business development/funding opportunities

✅ Innovate and adapt business development/funding tools and systems, structures, and processes to improve intelligence gathering and decision-making for funding opportunities

✅ Oversee and manage the identification of funding opportunities from both traditional and innovative sources, ensuring effective donor engagement and relationship management

✅ Research and analyze market intelligence on donor and investor strategies, priorities, and stakeholders to identify new funding opportunities that align with organizational goals

✅ Lead and manage the unit/team by coaching and guiding staff, conducting performance reviews, and offering learning opportunities to cultivate a respectful and high-performing work environment

✅ Advise and guide internal stakeholders on donor/investor strategies and engagement opportunities to align with the organization's strategy and enhance business development efforts

✅ Oversee guidance provided to research teams throughout the proposal development and submission process, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and organizational standards

✅ Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to enhance the organization’s visibility and expand its funding opportunities

✅ Represent the organization in high-level meetings with donors, national authorities, and partner organizations to advocate for its mission, build networks, and identify new opportunities

✅ Oversee the dissemination of funding prospect knowledge to enable early identification of opportunities and ensure proposals are submitted within deadlines

✅ Develop and monitor team workplans and budgets to ensure activities are executed on schedule and within allocated resources

✅ Manage, write, coordinate, and oversee the creation of viable and impactful funding concept notes and proposals aligned with organizational strategy, incorporating log frames, Theories of Change, and Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks

✅ Lead the development and implementation of a business development and proposal management system that enables data-driven insights and informed decision-making

✅ Conduct financial analysis, cost-benefit assessments, and revenue forecasting for business development initiatives and existing programs, tracking key performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills to manage teams, engage stakeholders, and drive business development efforts.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Relevant Master’s degree in management, international development/relations or a discipline relevant to IWMI’s mandate

Experience: At least 10 years of experience in Resource Mobilization & Partnerships

Required Skills:

• Superior proposal development and writing skills, ideally targeting opportunities in Africa, Asia, or the MENA region
• Willingness to travel internationally based on organizational needs

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the water resources management sector or natural resources sector
• Experience working at an international level and with a variety of international funding agencies

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in resource mobilization, partnerships, and business development, along with relevant experience in the water resources management sector, will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary, with details to be discussed during the interview process. The salary range is estimated to be between LKR 3,000,000 - LKR 4,500,000 per annum, based on industry standards for similar roles in Sri Lanka.

Benefits:

• Attractive retirement plan
• Comprehensive international health insurance
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Relocation assistance
• Housing allowance
• Home-leaves plane tickets for self and eligible dependents
• Education assistance for eligible dependents

Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard working hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (IST). Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on organizational needs and team agreement.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Sri Lanka. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the organization's budget.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Research Services, focusing on water management in agriculture, irrigation, groundwater, river basins, wetlands, ecosystems, food security, wastewater, climate change, water and gender, trade policy, multiple use services, re-use of human waste, water storage, and water food energy nexus.

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees), offering a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary working environment.

Founded: 1985, with a mission to provide water solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient development.

Company Description:

• IWMI is part of #OneCGIAR and provides water solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient development
• IWMI is a research-for-development (R4D) organization, with offices in 14 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries
• IWMI's research results have led to changes in water management that have contributed to social and economic development

Company Specialties:

• Water management in agriculture
• Irrigation
• Groundwater
• River basins
• Wetlands
• Ecosystems
• Food security
• Wastewater and climate change
• Water and gender
• Trade policy
• Multiple use services
• Re-use of human waste
• Water storage
• Water food energy nexus

Company Website: iwmi.org

ASSUMPTION: IWMI's extensive global network and research focus make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking international experience and impactful work in the water resources management sector.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Director of Business Strategy and Delivery

Reporting Structure: This role is responsible for leading and managing the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships unit/team, with the potential to oversee additional staff members

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position, with the possibility of remote work based on organizational needs and team agreement

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the team and take on additional responsibilities based on organizational growth and funding success
• Opportunities for professional development and learning through coaching, mentoring, and training programs
• Chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the organization's mission and vision

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the team, take on additional responsibilities, and make a meaningful impact on the organization's mission.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities

Office Location(s): Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Geographic Context:

• Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city in Sri Lanka, offering a vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and entertainment options
• The Western Province is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, technology, and tourism
• Sri Lanka is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, with numerous attractions and recreational opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard working hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (IST), with flexible arrangements based on organizational needs and team agreement

ASSUMPTION: Colombo offers a dynamic and multicultural work environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the IWMI careers portal
• Initial screening and shortlisting of candidates based on qualifications and experience
• Phone or video call interview with the hiring manager to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-depth interview with the Director of Business Strategy and Delivery to discuss the role's requirements and the candidate's suitability
• Reference checks and background verification for the final candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Proven track record in resource mobilization and partnerships
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Strategic thinking and leadership abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with IWMI's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of IWMI's mission and the specific requirements of the position
• Provide examples of your successful resource mobilization efforts and strategic partnerships

ATS Keywords: Resource Mobilization, Partnership Development, Proposal Writing, Market Research, Team Management, Donor Engagement, Strategic Planning, Financial Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, Water Resource Management, Collaboration, Communication, Coaching, Data-Driven Decision Making, Innovation

ASSUMPTION: IWMI's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the organization's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Proposal management software (e.g., ProposalPoint, Proposal360)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant software and tools is essential for this role, as the successful candidate will be responsible for managing and developing proposals, as well as tracking key performance metrics.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Sustainability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on achieving impact
• Adaptable and open to change
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with IWMI's mission and values, and how can you contribute to our organization's success?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you handle it?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and national authorities?

ASSUMPTION: IWMI values candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit, with a commitment to the organization's mission, values, and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team with diverse backgrounds and experiences, requiring strong leadership and communication skills
• Navigating complex donor relationships and funding landscapes, demanding strategic thinking and adaptability
• Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills
• Working in a dynamic and evolving organizational environment, necessitating flexibility and resilience

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by a strong, adaptable leader with excellent communication, strategic thinking, and time management skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from similar positions in other organizations in its focus on water resources management and the specific requirements of the International Water Management Institute
• IWMI's global network and research focus offer unique opportunities for candidates seeking international experience and impactful work in the water resources management sector
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding the team, taking on additional responsibilities, and contributing to the organization's mission and vision

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in other organizations, with a focus on water resources management and the specific requirements of the International Water Management Institute.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive proposal for a multi-million dollar funding opportunity to support IWMI's research and development efforts in Africa
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region
• Managing the preparation of concept notes, expressions of interest, and formal proposals for multiple funding prospects, ensuring timely and high-quality outputs

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and impactful nature of the work required for this role, with a focus on resource mobilization, partnerships, and proposal development.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the organization's strategic priorities for the next 3-5 years, and how this role contributes to their achievement?
• How does the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships unit collaborate with other teams and departments within the organization?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
• How does IWMI support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the organization in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, the organization, and its mission, while also providing valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of 24:00 (IST) on August 20, 2025

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.