Program and Partnerships Funding Advisor (Maternity Cover – 1 Year)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Program and Partnerships Funding Advisor (Maternity Cover – 1 Year)

🔹 Company: War Child Alliance

🔹 Location: Multiple locations (see below)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-30

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with travel between countries in the Middle East)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the development of high-quality proposals for institutional and foundation donors
• Supporting country teams in donor engagement and capacity strengthening
• Collaborating with global teams and other relevant stakeholders
• Ensuring proposals meet donor expectations and showcase War Child’s evidence-based programming

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise in proposal writing and a strong understanding of donor requirements and funding cycles.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and coordinate the writing of compelling, donor-compliant proposals, including narratives, log frames, and budgets

✅ Provide hands-on support to country teams to ensure proposals meet donor expectations and showcase War Child’s evidence-based programming

✅ Work with technical experts to develop innovative and scalable programme designs

✅ Systematically identify and analyse new calls for proposals from institutional donors and foundations

✅ Support country teams in engaging with institutional and foundation donors, aligning messaging with War Child’s strategic priorities

✅ Prepare donor-focused materials (concept notes, capability statements, and case studies) to strengthen relationships and position War Child as a partner of choice

✅ Mentor and coach country program staff in proposal development and donor compliance

✅ Contribute to regional fundraising strategies and pipeline management, ensuring accurate tracking of funding opportunities and proposal progress

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams across multiple time zones.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in international development, Humanitarian Relief, or a related field

Experience: Proven experience in technical proposal writing for institutional and foundation donors (EU, ECHO, MoFA NL, FCDO, UN agencies, and private foundations)

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of donor requirements, compliance, and funding cycles
• Demonstrated strong experience in MHPSS, education, and child protection programming in conflict and post-conflict contexts
• Demonstrated ability to transform program ideas into compelling, fundable proposals
• Skilled in opportunity research, donor intelligence, and pipeline development
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; able to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Arabic is pulse
• Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, preferably in the Middle East
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working with geographically dispersed teams
• Commitment to War Child’s safeguarding policies and child-focused mission

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with EU, ECHO, MoFA NL, FCDO, UN agencies, and private foundations
• Familiarity with War Child’s programs and mission

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the Middle East and familiarity with War Child’s programs may have an advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified. Industry standard for a similar role in the Middle East ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 USD per year, depending on experience and location.

Benefits:

• Accommodation provided in War Child’s guest house/office
• Professional Development opportunities
• Meaningful Impact: The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families affected by conflict

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: Salary and benefits may vary depending on the specific location and experience level of the candidate.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: War Child Alliance is a non-profit organization focused on providing aid to children affected by war and armed conflict.

Company Size: War Child Alliance has 501-1,000 employees globally, with a presence in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Founded: War Child was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to protecting and supporting children and young people affected by war.

Company Description:

• War Child Alliance works in over 20 countries, providing aid and support to children and young people affected by war and armed conflict
• The organization focuses on education, protection, and psychosocial support, as well as advocacy and research
• War Child Alliance aims to empower children and young people to overcome the impact of war and build a better future

Company Specialties:

• Education in emergencies
• Child protection and psychosocial support
• Advocacy and research

Company Website: https://www.warchild.net/

ASSUMPTION: War Child Alliance is a well-established and respected organization in the humanitarian and development sectors, with a strong commitment to its mission and values.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in proposal writing and donor engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Program and Partnerships Funding Advisor reports to the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Advisor – Middle East and works closely with country teams, global Institutional Funding & Grant Delivery (IFGD) team, Fundraising Member teams, and any other relevant teams across the War Child Alliance (WCA).

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a requirement to travel between countries in the Middle East. Accommodation is provided in War Child’s guest house/office, requiring adaptability to basic living conditions and high levels of self-reliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the organization as War Child Alliance expands its programs and presence
• Opportunities for professional development and capacity building
• Potential to transition into a permanent role, depending on organizational needs and performance

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a senior-level position within a well-established international organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: War Child Alliance has offices in multiple locations across the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territories, Syria, and Yemen.

Office Location(s): The role is to be based in one of the following War Child country offices: UK, Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territories, Syria, Yemen. Applicants must be able to travel between countries in the Middle East.

Geographic Context:

• The Middle East is a diverse region with a rich history and cultural heritage
• The region faces significant challenges, including armed conflict, political instability, and economic hardship
• The role requires a strong understanding of the context and complexities of the Middle East, as well as the ability to work effectively in challenging environments

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a requirement to travel between countries in the Middle East. Accommodation is provided in War Child’s guest house/office, requiring adaptability to basic living conditions and high levels of self-reliance.

ASSUMPTION: This role may be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring a high degree of resilience and adaptability.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth interview with hiring manager and relevant team members
• Reference checks and background screening
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical expertise in proposal writing and donor engagement
• Understanding of War Child Alliance’s mission, values, and programs
• Cultural fit and adaptability to working in diverse, challenging environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of War Child Alliance’s mission and programs
• Showcase your ability to work effectively in challenging environments
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your technical skills and adaptability

ATS Keywords: Technical Proposal Writing, Donor Engagement, Funding Opportunity Research, Capacity Strengthening, MHPSS, Education, Child Protection, Compliance, Collaboration, Proposal Development, Donor Intelligence, Program Design, English Writing, Arabic, Mentoring, Coaching

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific location and hiring manager.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Donor databases and tracking systems (e.g., Fluxx, Foundant, ProposalSpace)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the location and team-specific needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Accountability
• Ambition
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Integrity
• Respect

Work Style:

• Results-driven and proactive
• Adaptable and resilient
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive
• Committed to War Child’s mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your work aligns with War Child’s values and mission?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a challenging work environment, and how did you approach it?
• How do you balance the need for creativity and innovation with the requirement to follow donor guidelines and compliance standards?

ASSUMPTION: War Child Alliance is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace that prioritizes safety and fairness for all individuals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in conflict-affected regions may present physical and emotional challenges
• Donor requirements and funding cycles can be complex and demanding
• Working with diverse teams across multiple time zones may present communication and collaboration challenges
• Adapting to basic living conditions and high levels of self-reliance may be required

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and have strategies in place to manage them effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Proposal Writer or Grants Specialist within the humanitarian and development sectors
• However, this role is unique in its focus on the Middle East and the requirement to travel between countries in the region
• Career paths for this role may include progression to senior management or specialized roles within the organization

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and organizations to gain a better understanding of the market and potential career paths.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a proposal for a EU-funded education project in Syria
• Conducting a donor intelligence analysis for a private foundation interested in supporting MHPSS programs in Lebanon
• Coordinating a capability statement for War Child Alliance’s education programs in the Middle East

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the level of technical expertise required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics of the country teams I would be working with?
• How does War Child Alliance support and engage with local partners and communities in the Middle East?
• What are the most significant challenges facing War Child Alliance’s programs in the Middle East, and how are they being addressed?
• How does War Child Alliance ensure the safety and well-being of its staff working in conflict-affected regions?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the organization?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a proactive and engaged approach to understanding the role and organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your technical skills and adaptability
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application
• If selected for an interview, research War Child Alliance’s mission, values, and programs to demonstrate your understanding and commitment

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