Junior Regional Business Development and Communications Officer (100%) for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

Helvetas is aiming to increase support in Acquisition and Fundraising for the country programs in Sri Lanka as well as Bangladesh, with the position based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
 

As per July 1st, 2024, we are thus looking for a Junior Regional Business Development and Communications Officer (100%) for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

About the Role

To strengthen the country teams, Helvetas is looking for a Junior Business Development and Communications Officer as part of a traineeship to support the teams with business development and communication efforts. The officer will explore potential funding opportunities and support the country teams in the region in developing and writing proposals based on donor requirements.
 

Thematic working areas include all Helvetas topics in development contexts and humanitarian response:

Water, Food & Climate – Access to safe water, stable supply of nutritious food, and sustainable natural resources is crucial for enhancing the resilience of people’s lives.

Skills, Jobs & Income – Access to basic education, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities is essential to lift communities out of poverty.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion – Amplifying all citizens’ voices, fostering good governance, preventing conflicts & the radicalization of youth, and promoting the transformative effects of migration on development are key focus areas of Helvetas’ global programs.

 

Additional duties of the Junior Business Development and Communication Officer may include providing own ideas and topic/thematic advice as well as developing communication material based on field experiences to be used for international communications. S/he will work closely with the two different country teams. Furthermore, it is planned that the Junior Business Development and Communication officers together with other business development or expert staff in the region will meet virtually and if possible F2F to foster joint acquisitions. Thus, the Junior Regional Business Development and Communications Officers will contribute to forming an Asian acquisition & communications network.  
 

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• In coordination with the country teams identify relevant opportunities and gather timely information on new funding opportunities and respective donors.
• Plan and organize the funding proposal process through all phases and support submission of quality funding proposals.
• Conduct research on possible partners, teaming strategies, client priorities, current programming and other topics related to specific funding proposals.
• Establish or support the establishment of funding proposal work plans with priorities and target dates for all proposal inputs.
• Organize funding proposal development meetings, coordinate with consultants, technical and finance teams to establish budget drafts and technical inputs for a funding proposal.
• Provide support to other country programs in the field of acquisition, funding proposal writing and fundraising activities upon request.
• Setting up and fostering a network with other Junior Business Development and Communication officers within the Asian region.
• Support communication activities of the country programs.
• Support internal capacity development of Helvetas’ colleagues in English skills and proposal/reporting writing abilities.
• Support national & international communication and marketing teams of Helvetas by collecting and writing stories, taking pictures, videos, etc.
• Advisory support depending on the expertise, i.e. on topics of your studies, or past professional/personal experiences or interests.
• Support field trips for visitors and donors upon request.

 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social sciences, international development or acquisition/fundraising or a related field.
• Excellent writing & editing skills and with a great attention to details.
• Understanding of different development sectors and development projects as well as humanitarian aid.
• High motivation and commitment to work in a challenging environment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to be proactive, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Fluency in German is an asset.
• Experience in funding proposal writing is an asset.
• Experience in working with non-governmental organizations is preferable.
• Experience in international development is an asset.

Due to Swiss work permit restrictions, only applications from Swiss nationals, EU citizens as well as current work-permit holders for Switzerland can be considered.
 

OUR OFFER
 

We offer you an interesting challenge within a traineeship and an opportunity to gain robust field experience in international development, particularly in acquisition, fundraising & communications. 
 

• The position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The start date will be July 1st, 2024 (or upon agreement) for an assignment duration of 12 months with possible extension.
• Travel expenses are fully covered by Helvetas.
• International junior renumeration package including a monthly gross salary & monthly allowance to cover accommodation & transport expenses.

We look forward to receiving your complete application including motivation letter, work certificates and diplomas until April 30, 2024 via our online recruiting portal.
 

For further information please contact Esther Marthaler, Regional Coordinator, Sri Lanka at esther.marthaler@helvetas.org and visit our website www.helvetas.org.

 

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