Institutional Funding Coordinator – Nanyuki, Kenya – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Institutional Funding Coordinator – Nanyuki, Kenya – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

---

• Position: Institutional Funding Coordinator
• Company: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Location: Nanyuki, Kenya
• Type of Job: Non-Unionisable
• Reporting to: Programme Funding Director
• Application Deadline: Friday, 8th November 2024

---

Introduction

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s premier conservation areas, offers a unique opportunity to work in an environment dedicated to wildlife preservation and community enhancement. Home to critically endangered species, including the eastern black rhino and the last two northern white rhinos in the world, Ol Pejeta operates with a dual mission: wildlife conservation and community support. The Conservancy also manages one of Kenya’s leading livestock programs and the country’s only sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. As Institutional Funding Coordinator, you will join a dedicated team in Nanyuki, Kenya, focusing on securing substantial funding from institutions, large trusts, foundations, and selected corporate partners. This role will directly contribute to Ol Pejeta’s ongoing conservation efforts, enabling projects that foster both wildlife protection and community development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culture and Behavioral Responsibilities

• Build Strong Relationships: Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders across departments to accurately translate programming priorities into fundable projects and programs.
• Support Team Administration: Manage database systems, including Salesforce, and maintain organized records of essential documents.
• Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Participate in processes that streamline cross-departmental efforts, improving standard operating protocols and ensuring smooth operations throughout the project cycle.
• Departmental Planning and Meetings: Actively engage in team meetings, contributing to departmental strategy and planning processes.

2. Fundraising Responsibilities – Pipeline Development

• Ongoing Donor Mapping and Analysis: Conduct continuous analysis and mapping of potential donors, aligning the Conservancy’s priorities with donor interests (trusts, foundations, institutions, and corporate partners).
• Opportunity Tracking and Analysis: Track funding opportunities within the pipeline, analyze potential prospects, and provide data to facilitate go/no-go decisions, enabling proactive engagement with potential donors.
• Annual Contact Mapping: Lead annual contact mapping exercises to identify connections with Ol Pejeta leadership and core partners that may be leveraged to approach prospective donors effectively.

3. Fundraising Responsibilities – Proposal Development

• Proposal Development Coordination: Lead the coordination of proposal development, creating comprehensive plans, managing administrative aspects, and facilitating project design discussions with colleagues.
• Collaborative Proposal Writing: Work with the Program Funding team to draft high-quality proposals aimed at securing multi-year funding, supporting long-term organizational objectives.
• Project Brief Development: Develop concise, impactful project briefs on diverse aspects of Ol Pejeta’s work, to be shared with prospective donors.

4. Partnerships and Representation

• Cultivate New Partnerships: Identify and support potential partnerships, positioning Ol Pejeta for new funding opportunities, whether as a lead entity or a collaborative partner within consortium bids.
• Existing Partnership Management: Actively manage existing partnerships in Kenya, exploring opportunities for expanded collaboration that align with Ol Pejeta’s mission.
• Network Engagement: Participate in networks frequented by large trusts, foundations, and institutional donors, enhancing visibility and promoting Ol Pejeta among potential funding partners.

5. Reporting and Compliance

• Technical and Financial Reporting: Collaborate with program teams to ensure that grant reporting meets high standards, keeping donors informed of project progress in a timely and accurate manner.
• Compliance Management: Support compliance monitoring alongside Ol Pejeta’s Legal Coordinator, providing technical assistance as necessary to ensure adherence to donor requirements.

---

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree: Preferably in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Communication Skills: Proficiency in verbal and written English is essential for effective donor communication and proposal development.

Experience

• Fundraising Experience: Demonstrated success in securing funds from a variety of sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate, and government donors (e.g., USAID, UK Government, EU).
• Project Design Facilitation: Proven experience in facilitating collaborative project design.
• Proposal Writing: Skilled in writing persuasive, high-quality proposals and coordinating multi-step proposal development processes.
• CRM Proficiency: Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms, along with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Google productivity apps.

Skills

• Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and respond swiftly to changing needs.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong collaboration and communication skills, essential for relationship-building and partnership management.
• Positive Attitude: A motivated, proactive individual with a positive outlook, embodying a “can-do” attitude.

---

Company Culture and Values

At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, our mission transcends wildlife conservation to include a profound commitment to community well-being. Through our community programs, we work to improve access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure in surrounding regions, fostering a lasting impact for future generations. We cultivate a collaborative work culture where innovation and teamwork are encouraged, and every team member contributes to our shared mission.

---

Apply Now for Institutional Funding Coordinator

Interested candidates who meet the outlined qualifications and share our vision for conservation and community empowerment are encouraged to apply. To submit your application, please email your CV and application letter to jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org with “Institutional Funding Coordinator” as the subject line by Friday, 8th November 2024.

---

Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Institutional Funding Coordinator Position

1. Demonstrate Your Understanding of Institutional Funding and Donor Relations
   • Tip: Show a deep knowledge of institutional funding by illustrating your experience with various funding sources, such as large trusts, government bodies (e.g., USAID, EU), or foundations. Emphasize your ability to build and maintain relationships with donors.
   • Example Answer: “In my previous role, I managed relationships with multiple institutional donors, including the UK government and a network of corporate foundations. I successfully aligned our program objectives with their priorities, resulting in sustained partnerships and increased funding. My strategy was to engage donors regularly through reports, progress updates, and personalized emails that kept them connected to our mission.”
2. Highlight Your Experience in Proposal Development and Project Design
   • Tip: Proposal development is crucial for this role, so it’s essential to convey your expertise in creating high-quality, persuasive proposals. Outline specific examples of proposals you’ve worked on, focusing on your ability to translate project needs into compelling narratives.
   • Example Answer: “I have coordinated over 25 successful proposals, securing multi-year grants totaling $3 million. My approach involves first aligning with team members to understand program objectives and then crafting proposals that not only meet but exceed donor expectations. This method has proven effective in securing repeat funding and building a pipeline of prospective donors.”
3. Showcase Your CRM and Database Management Skills
   • Tip: Ol Pejeta uses Salesforce, so demonstrate your experience with CRM databases. Explain how you have used these tools to manage donor information, track relationships, and streamline processes for better results.
   • Example Answer: “I am proficient in Salesforce and have developed a donor segmentation strategy that allowed us to personalize our outreach efforts. By tracking donor engagement metrics, I was able to identify high-potential donors and allocate resources more efficiently, improving our donor retention rate by 15%.”
4. Illustrate Your Ability to Analyze and Map Donor Networks
   • Tip: Donor mapping and analysis are key functions of this role. Demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to identify potential donors that align with the organization’s objectives.
   • Example Answer: “At my previous organization, I conducted an annual donor mapping exercise that helped identify 10 new potential institutional funders aligned with our conservation goals. This process allowed us to build a strong network that facilitated cross-functional collaborations and new funding opportunities.”
5. Emphasize Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
   • Tip: Communication is vital for engaging with donors and collaborating with internal teams. Describe how you effectively communicate, especially when handling sensitive donor relations or coordinating across departments.
   • Example Answer: “I have honed my communication skills by regularly briefing senior management on funding strategies and presenting to large donors. I maintain a professional tone, actively listen to donor concerns, and use data-driven insights to provide clarity and build trust.”
6. Describe Your Adaptability in High-Paced Environments
   • Tip: Conservation funding can be competitive and dynamic, so emphasize your ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
   • Example Answer: “I thrive in fast-paced environments, often juggling several high-stakes funding proposals simultaneously. By prioritizing tasks and maintaining open communication with stakeholders, I ensure that project timelines are met without compromising on quality.”
7. Show Your Passion for Conservation and Community Empowerment
   • Tip: Passion for conservation aligns with Ol Pejeta’s mission, so convey your dedication to preserving wildlife and supporting local communities. Relate this passion to your role in fundraising.
   • Example Answer: “My career has been driven by a passion for wildlife conservation, and I believe that effective fundraising can create sustainable change. I am particularly inspired by Ol Pejeta’s work with endangered species and its efforts to empower local communities through education and healthcare initiatives.”
8. Detail Your Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail
   • Tip: Organizational skills are essential for managing multiple donor relations, coordinating proposals, and maintaining records. Highlight specific strategies or tools you use to stay organized.
   • Example Answer: “I utilize project management tools, such as Asana and Trello, to keep track of donor communications, proposal deadlines, and progress. This approach helps me maintain accuracy and ensures that every project aspect is well-documented, a key factor in maintaining donor trust and fulfilling reporting requirements.”
9. Discuss Your Knowledge of Compliance and Reporting Standards
   • Tip: Since Ol Pejeta requires compliance with donor requirements and accurate reporting, describe your experience in monitoring compliance and compiling reports that meet institutional standards.
   • Example Answer: “In my previous role, I worked closely with the compliance team to ensure that all project activities adhered to donor guidelines. I am experienced in preparing technical and financial reports and use compliance monitoring tools to manage risks effectively, providing assurance to donors that funds are used responsibly.”
10. Provide Insight on Building and Sustaining Partnerships
    • Tip: This role involves not only acquiring but also nurturing partnerships. Outline your experience in partnership cultivation and explain how you ensure that both parties’ objectives are met.
    • Example Answer: “I have cultivated long-term partnerships with several conservation-focused foundations by developing a clear mutual understanding of each other’s goals. I prioritize transparent communication and set regular check-ins, which has led to a 20% increase in partnership longevity and collaborative projects.”

• TELEGRAM CHANNEL

---

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is committed to equal opportunity employment and attracting a diverse range of candidates. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive environment. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.