Fundraising and Financial Sustainability Consultant for the Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS)
Duration: 2 years
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Application Deadline: March 23, 2018
Background
The Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) is a regional, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening social science research and knowledge production in the Arab world. By supporting researchers and academic/research institutions, the ACSS aims to contribute to the creation, dissemination, validation and utilization of social science research and to enrich public debate about the challenges facing Arab societies.
The Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) is seeking a Fundraising and Financial Sustainability Consultant.
Rationale for Fundraising and Financial Sustainability Position
In order for ACSS to achieve the goals set out in its strategic plans, it will require multi-year predictable funding. This role, therefore, will prepare the organization to mobilize the financial resources required to implement its strategic plan through supporting the development of a fundraising strategy and practical fundraising skills.
The ACSS is seeking a fundraising and financial sustainability specialist to support the development of a practical and effective fundraising strategy that reflects the goals of the organization and context and supports the implementation of its strategic plan. The strategy will contain practical steps that ACSS can follow to pursue and secure funds including an endowment fund. The specialist will also prepare the organization with practical skills to implement the strategy by strengthening its skills in resource mobilization, donor identification, and donor relationship-building.
Develop and Implement a Fundraising Strategy
The Consultant will work in close coordination with senior management (Director General and Administration & Finance Manager) to assist the ACSS in the development of a fundraising strategy; provide guidance and coaching on fundraising (including skills in identifying a vast range of income sources, mapping relevant donors, approaching donors for funds, strategic relationship-building), strategic budget development, maintenance of overhead costs; and development of reserves; and planning and establishing for a capital campaign and/or endowment fund.
Training
The Consultant will facilitate a training workshop for related ACSS staff on the effective implementation of the fundraising strategy in their work with the expectation that improved capacity and skills in this area will help institutionalize the process throughout the ACSS.
Key Deliverables
- Support and work closely with the senior management and finance staff to review the 5-year budget plan based on the 5-year strategic plan.
- Develop a Fundraising Strategy that is based on the ACSS Strategic Plan, and that identifies funding needs, gaps, and potential sources offunds.
- Develop a plan for donor engagement and donor diversification.
- Work with the Administration & Finance Committee and present plans and strategies to the full Board of Trustees.
- Be actively involved in fundraising by identifying, approaching and connecting with potential donors specially in the Arab region.
- Plan and conduct a training workshop for ACSS staff in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to successfully follow the fundraising strategy, and secure funds to implement their strategic plan.
Requirements
The ideal consultant will have:
- Experience in raising significant amounts of funds for NGOs, such as think thanks and research institutions or other charitable endeavors;
- Experience working with NGOs in an international/regional context working with limited budgets and resources;
- Experience supporting NGOs to develop and implement practical fundraising and financial sustainability plans;
- Experience reviewing resources and processes for fundraising and developing new strategies, skills, and internal practices based on the needs oforganisations;
- Preferably experience with organisations working on social science research agendas;
- Experience developing strategic plans for fundraising with practical implementation plans;
- Experience building the capacity of staff to implement fundraising strategies effectively and confidently;
- Experience mentoring/coaching small/medium non-profit organisations;
- Diverse background developing different revenue sources including international donors, foundations, private sector sponsors, membership fees, and developing independent income sources;
- The ability to travel internationally and regionally.
Duration
2 years with a possibility of renewal based on the success rate of the consultant.
Compensation
Will be based on a flat fee plus percentage
Timeframe
February 23, 2018: Launch of call
March 23, 2018: Application deadline
April 20, 2018: Review of applications and shortlisting of potential candidates
April 30, 2018: Contact successful applicants to submit a detailed proposal
May 14, 2018: Deadline for submission of final workplan
May 15-21, 2018: Review of detailed proposals and decision taken
May 24-31, 2018: Communicate decision and conclude agreement
Application
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and CV to the ACSS Secretariat at admin@theacss.org.