Resource Mobilisation & Grants Manager - Syria (Damascus)

The Resource Mobilisation & Grants Manager (RMG) plays a proactive lead role in the mobilisation of resources, primarily from institutional donor funding, for the Syria/Jordan Response Office. The role supports the Head of Program Quality and Development (HoPQD) in establishing strategic relationships with donors and partners, while overseeing grant management processes to ensure they are effective, efficient, and compliant.

The RMG Manager is part of the Programme Quality & Development Department and reports to the Head of Program Quality & Development. The position manages the Grants Coordinator and possibly 1–2 additional staff or contractors dedicated to proposal development.

Mapping and Identification of Funding Opportunities

• Together with the HoPQD, identify and pursue new funding opportunities and partnerships aligned with the organisation's strategic goals
• Conduct research and analysis to identify potential donors, grant opportunities, and funding trends
• Serve as the link between CO fundraising, donors engagement strategy, Regional, and overall HO fundraising strategy — collaborating closely with the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Advisor in Middle East and the global HO team
• Conduct portfolio analysis and update the fundraising strategy as required
• Maintain an updated donor mapping and database including contacts
• Support HoPQD to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand the organisation's funding base

Proposal Development and Related Processes

• Establish a strong, collaborative, and efficient proposal process — including for multi-hub projects — and proactively address challenges
• Coordinate and facilitate proposal development processes, including timelines, task assignments, and compliance with donor requirements
• Lead the preparation of high-quality grant proposals including budgets, narratives, and supporting documents in collaboration with the proposal development committee
• Monitor and track the progress of fundraising activities, ensuring timely submission of proposals and reports

Grants Management

• Support the Grants Coordinator in developing and rolling out grants management processes to facilitate effective project cycle management, especially for multi-hub projects
• Support and quality-control requests for contractual amendments such as (no) cost extensions and/or budget revisions

Relationships and Engagement

• Line-manage, support, and mentor the Grants Coordinator based in Syria, providing guidance and performance management
• Ensure effective internal and external collaboration with the Programme Quality team (Damascus and Amman), hub-based colleagues, and relevant regional and global staff
• On an ad-hoc basis, contribute to training or capacity development initiatives for partner organisations in the area of resource mobilisation and proposal writing
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with current donors through regular communication, reporting, and donor stewardship activities
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with counterparts in peer NGOs, exploring scope for partnerships such as consortia

Knowledge and Experience

• Relevant university degree with 5+ years of proven experience securing funds from major institutional and private donors and UN agencies (UNICEF, ECHO, GIZ, MFA, etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise in coordinating and developing funding proposals for institutional donors
• Understanding of child-centred programming and experience designing CP/Education/MHPSS integrated programmes
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Skills and Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on critical thinking and defining clear pathways for success
• Result-oriented with high attention to detail and ability to lead key tasks under pressure, ensuring on-time completion
• Highly developed networking skills and ability to form productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong planning and coordination ability
• Ability to provide creative and interactive trainings
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to give and receive feedback
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse backgrounds
• Ability to travel and work within challenging environments including all hub areas (Jordan, Syria North, Damascus)
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs including short notice travel