Development and Grants Manager

We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities

Blue Ventures develops locally led approaches to marine management that benefit people and nature alike. By listening and responding to basic needs, we work with communities to catalyse and sustain marine conservation, unlocking the potential of coastal communities to manage their resources. We work in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies, and are committed to advancing the rights of small-scale fishers throughout the coastal tropics.

Summary job description

We are seeking another Development and Grants Manager to support our funding applications and reporting - previous applicants need not apply. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and growing team in a central function, with opportunities for travel, professional development and learning from across our global programmes.

We are looking for an experienced individual to manage grant applications and produce high quality financial and narrative reports. The role will work closely with our field-based conservation teams.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience of developing and maintaining systems to keep track of funding applications and reports, as well as ensuring accountability to and compliance with donor and audit requirements. 

Experience in the environmental conservation and international development sectors would be beneficial. Fluency in English is required, and French language skills are highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be motivated, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to assimilate and interpret large volumes of information into clear and compelling concept notes, applications and reports. 

We are looking for an individual who embraces innovation, and thrives in environments that are dynamic, fast-paced and collegiate.  Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of working independently to tight deadlines. 

Blue Ventures is a fast-growing and mission-driven organisation, offering excellent opportunities for further professional development.

Assessment of applications will include candidates’ alignment with Blue Ventures’ core values and mission to support human rights-based approaches to marine conservation and fisheries management.

Responsibilities

Proposal development 

• Write and edit high quality narrative content to describe Blue Ventures’ projects, priorities and impact powerfully and succinctly

• Maintain close interaction with colleagues and partners to translate programme priorities and learning into clear funding proposals and reports that communicate Blue Ventures’ work in a compelling way to new and existing funders

• Lead the preparation, development, internal review and submission of project proposals, logframes, timelines and detailed budgets as required

Donor engagement and relationship management  

• Manage and maintain excellent donor communications for new and existing grants through effective grant management and donor stewardship, including coordinating responses on contracts and ensuring contractual compliance

• Attend meetings or calls with donors as and when required

Grant management

• Manage the reporting process for funding agreements −  including report writing and working with the project and finance teams to produce timely and accurate narrative and financial reports

• Ensure all grant documentation is stored and updated in relevant systems

• Support coordination of grant set-up and closure, working with teams in the UK and globally to ensure clear assignment and understanding of responsibilities in relation to compliance, management and deadlines

• Work with the finance team on regular progress and expenditure reviews

• Work with country and finance teams to ensure effective procedures are in place for grant management and compliance, such as for cost recovery, procurement and grant financial oversight

• Share ideas, information and learning to contribute to grant management processes and protocols, and to support broader learning from Blue Ventures’ work with partners and donors

Skills and experience 

Required 

• Proven experience of applying for and managing funding from trusts, foundations and institutional donors 

• Proven experience of project and budget management such as project planning, grant management, compiling and monitoring budgets, narrative and financial reporting, preferably in an INGO setting

• Experience of effective and values-based partnership work between international and local organisations and communities

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

• Excellent writing skills, including application and report writing

• High level interpersonal and communication skills, including experience of communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing

Desired 

• Experience developing logical frameworks and theories of change

• Experience in environmental conservation 

• French language skills (spoken and written)

Blue Ventures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young and vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.  We take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who contravenes our policy. All candidates will be asked questions on safeguarding and child protection.  

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application process

Applicants should apply online via Blue Ventures website,  by the 13th June 2021. Please submit your CV and a covering letter that includes your salary expectation.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and first-round interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.

The assessment process for shortlisted candidates will include timed written tests and exercises.