Vacancies

Title: Funding and Development Officer  

Salary: £27,500
Location: London 
Contract : Full Time , Permanent 

Deadline 1^st of November 2024

Unique opportunity to get involved in a conflict resolution and peace building organisation based in central London with responsibility for working to ensure that income meets the organisation’s needs, and in support of achieving the strategic objectives through the development and management of fundraising and donor relations.

DPI aims to foster an environment of sharing information, ideas, knowledge and concerns for furthering of democratic solutions and outcomes. Our work supports the development of a pluralistic political arena capable of generating consensus and ownership over work on key issues at political and local levels.

We provide expertise and practical frameworks to encourage stronger public debate and involvement in promoting peace and democracy building internationally with a special focus on Turkey. DPI aims to contribute to the establishment of a structured public dialogue on peace and democratic advancement, as well as to create and expand platforms for discussions on peace and democracy building. We seek to encourage an environment of inclusive, frank, structured discussions where different parties are able to openly share knowledge, concerns and suggestions for democracy building on many levels. DPI’s objective is to identify common priorities and develop innovative approaches to the process of finding democratic solutions. DPI’s work also supports stronger collaboration between academics, civil society and policy-makers. Comparative studies of relevant situations are seen as an effective tool for ensuring that mistakes are not repeated or perpetuated; and comparative analysis of models of peace and democracy building is central to our work.

Job Description Summary

The Development and Funding Officer plays a key role at DPI, working to ensure that income meets the organisation’s needs, and in support of achieving the strategic objectives through the development and management of fundraising and donor relations.

The Development and Funding Officer is responsible for identifying and pursuing diverse funding streams; writing applications, reporting back and progress letters to meet existing and future funders’ guidelines; monitoring the implementation of projects to ensure funders’ guidelines are met; and liaising with funders and other stakeholders. The Development and Funding Officer works closely with the Finance Officer to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to donors.

The Development and Funding Officer collaborates with Programmes  Officers with regards to expenditure across budget lines to ensure compliance with grant contracts and grants periods. The Development and Funding Officer assists the Finance Manager with audit preparations of accounts at the end of the financial year and ensures the timely drafting of the Trustee report.

The Development and Funding Officer works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Finance Manager in the preparation and presentation of the annual organisational budget.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Grants Administration

• Leads the development and delivery of short, medium and long-term fundraising strategies for DPI
  • Identifies and nurtures the successful implementation of appropriate grant funding and contracting
  • Researches and assesses DPI’s eligibility in line with DPI strategy and donor criteria
  • Produces and submits grants proposals, expressions of interest and donor reports
  • Oversees compliance with funding requirement to ensure that deadlines and criteria for donor reporting are met, including financial reporting in close collaboration with the Finance Manager

Donor Relations

• Manages and develops external relationships as a representative of DPI, attending meetings and public events where necessary
  • Follows up with potential donors to open up new funding opportunities
  • Conducts regular updates with current donors to maintain and strengthen relationships
  • Prepares and oversees the dissemination of external materials such as the Quarterly Update and Trustee Report to all relevant contacts
  • Prepares background information ahead of DPI meetings with donors and prospective donors
  • Oversees donor communication history, ensuring that notes and information are logged and shared accordingly

Project Development and Monitoring and Evaluation

• Leads process and system improvements/developments to ensure that all DPI material shared externally is of good quality, in line with the strategy and structure of the organisation
  • Reviews all programme activities in line with the external environment and donor requirements to ensure sustainability and identify growth opportunities
  • Assists the CEO and Programmes team to develop organisational work plan to ensure that all activities and research comply with grant applications and donor obligation
  • Develops M&E and risk assessment frameworks to carry out monitoring and evaluation of activities to measure outcomes and the impact in relation to our strategic aims, and acting to make improvements if required
  • Establishes close working relationships and develop efficient systems with key individuals in the programmes, research and finance functions, to access knowledge and information needed for funding propositions and reporting
  • Maintains close collaboration with DPI staff to ensure sound project management, including by ensuring regular M&E meetings with programmes team are conducted to ensure that donor requirements and output standards are met

Financial Management

• Helps to develop and implement the organisation’s financial planning, budgeting and reporting processes along with the Finance Manager and Deputy Director
  • Collaborates with Programmes Officers with regards to the allocation of expenditure across budget lines and donors, to ensure compliance with grant contracts.
  • Assists the Finance Manager in their work on audit preparations of accounts at the end of the financial year, and ensures the timely drafting of the Trustee report
  • Works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Finance Manager in the preparation and presentation of the annual organisational budget.
  • Ensures that the Chief Executive Officer, and all members of staff, are kept aware of their obligations and opportunities in relation to donors

Administrative Tasks

• Maintains an accurate record of donor information
  • Ensures an effective and clean S-drive structure for files relating to grants and fundraising, including financial reports

                                                                                   Person Specification
Essential
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience in grant administration, ideally with a focus on governmental and intergovernmental funding

Strong numerical skills and some budgeting experience
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including evidence of structured thinking and the ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others
• Self-starter with the ability to initiate projects and see them through to successful completion
• Ability to work independently, but also as part of a small team, on different projects
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Strong time management and organisational skills, ability to prioritise, pay attention to detail and attend to multiple assignments
• The flexibility, creativity, judgment and humour needed to work effectively in cross cultural settings
• Good interpersonal abilities for networking and interaction with high level stakeholders at DPI events
• Fluency in English
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), plus Outlook
• Ability to manage working relationships remotely

                                                                               Desirable

• Experience or interest in trust and government fundraising in relation to human rights, peace building and conflict resolution or similar fields
  • Knowledge of the political situation in the areas of DPI’s current programmes
  • An interest in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and transitional justice
  • A sound and current knowledge of funding streams via the UK, EU and UN or similar

                                                                   Application Procedure:

Please send in a cv accompanied by a cover letter  commenting on experience in each of the following areas: Fundraising and Grants Administration, Donor Relations, Project Development and M&E, Financial Management, Administrative Tasks. 

Please send a CV outlining your relevant experience and the completed form to Akinola Williams: operations.support@democraticprogress.org

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the final deadline set as the 1^st of  November 2024

                                                             Equal Opportunities  

DPI maintains employment policies which ensure that no one is unfairly discriminated against, whether directly or indirectly, on any grounds including race, ethnic origin, culture, gender, sexuality, disability, age or religion. These policies will apply in relation to all those involved in the work of the organisation including paid staff, trainees, consultants, interns, volunteers, those offering services on a pro bono basis and trustees.
DPI is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity. Unfortunately, we believe that we will be unsuccessful in obtaining a work permit for these posts. For this reason you should only apply if you already have the right to work within the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of the European Union. Please refer to http://www.workpermits.gov.uk/ for more information about work permit eligibility.

Next available position: November  2024. Deadline:  30 October  2024

The Democratic Progress Institute is currently seeking to recruit a Funding and Development Intern for 3-5 days per week for a minimum of 3 months.

The position will focus on assisting the Finance and Fundraising team and tasks may include but are not limited to: research (development and grant-related, legal, political, policy, organisational), data entry, writing for publication, drafting, summarising, proof reading and editing.

Excellent written English skills and the ability to carry out administrative duties are requirements for this role. Moreover, the successful candidate will have an interest in fundraising as well as monitoring and evaluation and possibly already show some familiarity with the principles of fundraising within the NGO/charity sector. Candidates with an academic background in peace and conflict studies in the MENA region and/or human rights are especially encouraged to apply.

Also desirable is experience with Canva or other related software. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and successful candidates will be contacted for an informal interview.

How to apply:

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter outlining experience, qualifications and motivations to operations.support@democraticprogress.org with ‘Funding and Development Intern’ in the subject line of the email.

In your covering letter, please clearly indicate how many days per week you would be able to intern as well as any other matters relating to availability.

Please note that this position is voluntary but we do offer a small daily stipend for lunch.

For virtual internships no visa requirements are necessary. However if the intern intends to be in the UK, unfortunately, we can only offer volunteer positions to UK citizens and those who have the right to the work in the UK.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.

Next Volunteering Opportunity : Deadline 2 August 2024

A unique opportunity to get involved in a conflict resolution and peace building organisation based in central London. DPI aims to foster an environment of sharing information, ideas, knowledge, and concerns for furthering of democratic solutions and outcomes. Our work supports the development of a pluralistic political arena capable of generating consensus and ownership over work on key issues at political and local levels.

The role includes the provision of administrative assistance to the CEO. Responsibilities will include arranging meetings, travel, and accommodation and maintaining the schedule of the CEO. The successful candidate should be able to come to the office five days a week , this can be full time or part time.  to the office

Specific Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Maintain CEO’s diary,
• Prioritise all incoming events inquiries for CEO and manage travel schedule,
• Respond to and coordinate responses to inquiries for CEO by mail, e-mail, and phone
• Carry out ad hoc small-scale research and analysis
• Prepare briefing papers and speeches as necessary
• Organise and maintain the department and files of the CEO’s office including registering and archiving materials
• Ensure smooth organisational communication and at times makes changes in procedures to deal with variations in workload
• Prepare for and take minutes at meetings, including Board meetings
• Other tasks and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications and Person Specification:

The successful candidate should need to meet the following criteria:

• Preferably holds a university degree in  Law , however a degree in international relations, political sciences, or related fields are also acceptable.
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on written and spoken English plus analytical skills
• Strong administrative skills
• A keen attention to detail and ability to prioritise as well as multitask
• Flexible and resourceful approach to work and a “can do” attitude
• Professional demeanour when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and over the phone
• Capacity to work in a highly pressured environment, while remaining calm
• Ability to take initiative and prioritise tasks, excellent time-management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Willingness to travel as necessary
• Ability to work on their own initiative as well as work as a team player.

In addition to daily voucher , there will be a stipend for travel expenses.

For applications send an email with the subject line ‘Administrative Intern’ along with your CV, and a cover letter stating your interests, experience and availability to Akinola Williams email: operations.support@democraticprogress.org

Next available volunteering role: November 2023

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to welcome volunteers to work within the Institute’s Programmes Team. Key areas of focus include conflict resolution and democratic transition processes in Turkey and Syria. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to work closely with – and learn from – the Programme Team in planning and implementing DPI project activities, which include roundtable meetings in the region and international comparative study visits, as well as conducting project related research in the Institute’s main areas of interest, which include governance and constitutional reform; DDR and SSR; gender and conflict; the role of the media in conflict resolution and democratic reform process; and transitional justice among others.

DPI seeks candidates with a strong interest in international relations, conflict resolution and democracy building.

 These volunteer placements begin on a rolling basis and typically last three to six months, are unpaid. A daily stipend is provided for lunch expenses. The successful candidates are likely to be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Candidate Profile Project Skills:
The successful candidates may be invited to attend external conferences and DPI activities both in Turkey and elsewhere, and to write briefs and take detailed notes on behalf of the Institute, with a view to help in  post eye catching visuals on social media.

Experience in Social Media strategy development and the use of various social media platforms will be essential. Skills in graphic design, photoshop and video editing as also required.

Projects involve a high level of external communication with the diverse stakeholders engaged with DPI’s work, therefore excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

IT skills are essential (Word, Adobe, PowerPoint) and project management experience is welcome.

DPI’s Programmes Team operates within a fast paced environment, often planning and implementing ambitious projects to tight deadlines and within high pressured contexts on the ground. It is important that the successful candidate is self-motivated and able to work successfully independently and with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven interest in and knowledge of DPI’s areas of focus; namely conflict resolution and democratic advancement (including but not limited to the MENA region).

Please send an email with the subject line ‘Programmes Volunteer’ along with your CV, a covering letter stating your interests, experience and availability, and a sample of your work to:

operations.support@democraticprogress.org

Telephone: (0) 207 405 3835

Please take note that this is an unpaid position though a stipend is given for lunch.

For virtual internships no visa requirements are necessary. However if the intern intends to be in the UK we can can only offer positions to interns who already have a right to work in the UK.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.

Next available volunteering role: March 2024

Voluntary position, based at our office in Clerkenwell, London
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Suitable for: Legal researchers or Lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction (there is no minimum PQE requirement) with expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Turkish and/or French would be highly desirable

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several legal volunteers with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist with all areas of its work, in particular, current projects relating to the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey and legal analysis on matters related to international humanitarian law. Other work could include legal research, monitoring and analysis of human rights issues, documentation/organisation of legal materials, analysis of ECtHR judgments, preparing and drafting communications to United Nations bodies, contributing to casework, preparing papers for submission to the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, editing reports, and providing general support to the legal team. In return, we will provide experience of and insight into the world of international human rights litigation and exposure to legal research at the forefront of conflict-resolution and peace-building.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal case-work and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

Those interested should send a CV and Cover Letter stating your interests and experience. Submission of a 2 to 3 page writing sample on any area of interest to the applicant is highly recommended. The candidates will be selected on the basis of their experience and suitability for the role. Please also state your availability and how many days you are available per week (minimum requirement of 3 days).

Please send your application to  skarakas@democraticprogress.org 

For virtual internships no visa requirements are necessary. However if the intern intends to be in the UK we can can only offer positions to interns who already have a right to work in the UK. 

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.

Next available volunteering role: November 2023
The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to welcome volunteers to work within the Institute’s Programmes Team. Key areas of focus include conflict resolution and democratic transition processes in Turkey and Syria. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to work closely with – and learn from – the Programme Manager and other team members in planning and implementing DPI project activities, which include roundtable meetings in the region and international comparative study visits, as well as conducting project related research in the Institute’s main areas of interest, which include governance and constitutional reform; DDR and SSR; gender and conflict; the role of the media in conflict resolution and democratic reform process; and transitional justice among others.

DPI seeks candidates with a strong interest in international relations, conflict resolution and democracy building. These volunteer placements begin on a rolling basis and typically last three to six months, are unpaid, and preferably full time. A daily stipend is provided for lunch expenses. The successful candidates are likely to be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Candidate Profile Project Skills:
The successful candidates may be invited to attend external conferences and DPI activities both in Turkey and elsewhere, and to write briefs and take detailed notes on behalf of the Institute, therefore touch-typing/transcribing experience is valued. Projects involve a high level of external communication with the diverse stakeholders engaged with DPI’s work, therefore excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Much of this role will involve administrative assistance to the Programme Manager, including drafting correspondence and filing documentation. Administrative and organisational skills are key, and an enthusiasm for carrying out practical tasks in addition to research or activity related work is necessary in this role. These may include budget preparation, completion of expense reports, logistical planning and assistance.

The successful candidate will be invited to carry out in-depth desk research on behalf of DPI, which will feed into the Institute’s activities. This may include detailed research projects relating to the Institute’s main areas of work, high level briefs, and shorter, ad-hoc research tasks. Excellent research, writing and proofreading skills are highly valued. Many research papers worked on by interns are published on the Institute’s website and used as a resource for programme activities and meetings.

DPI’s Programmes Team operates within a fast paced environment, often planning and implementing ambitious projects to tight deadlines and within high pressured contexts on the ground. It is important that the successful candidate is self-motivated and able to work successfully independently and with minimal supervision.

IT skills are essential (Word, Adobe, PowerPoint) and project management experience is welcome.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven interest in and knowledge of DPI’s areas of focus; namely conflict resolution and democratic advancement (including but not limited to the MENA region).

Please send an email with the subject line ‘Programmes Volunteer’ along with your CV, a covering letter stating your interests, experience and availability, and a writing sample of no longer than 1,000 words to:

operations.support@democraticprogress.org

Telephone: (0) 207 405 3835

Unfortunately, we can only offer volunteer positions to UK citizens and those who have the right to the work in the UK.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.

Next available volunteering role: December  2023
The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to welcome Turkish speaking  volunteers to work within the Institute’s Programmes Team. Key areas of focus include conflict resolution and democratic transition processes in Turkey and Syria. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to work closely with – and learn from – the Programme Manager and other team members in planning and implementing DPI project activities, which include roundtable meetings in the region and international comparative study visits, as well as conducting project related research in the Institute’s main areas of interest, which include governance and constitutional reform; DDR and SSR; gender and conflict; the role of the media in conflict resolution and democratic reform process; and transitional justice among others.

DPI seeks candidates with a strong interest in international relations, conflict resolution and democracy building. These volunteer placements begin on a rolling basis and typically last three to six months, are unpaid, and preferably full time. A daily stipend is provided for lunch expenses. The successful candidates are likely to be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Candidate Profile Project Skills:
The successful candidates may be invited to attend external conferences and DPI activities both in Turkey and elsewhere, and to write briefs and take detailed notes on behalf of the Institute, therefore touch-typing/transcribing experience is valued. Projects involve a high level of external communication with the diverse stakeholders engaged with DPI’s work, therefore excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Much of this role will involve administrative assistance to the Programme Manager, including drafting correspondence and filing documentation. Administrative and organisational skills are key, and an enthusiasm for carrying out practical tasks in addition to research or activity related work is necessary in this role. These may include budget preparation, completion of expense reports, logistical planning and assistance.

The successful candidate will be invited to carry out in-depth desk research on behalf of DPI, which will feed into the Institute’s activities. This may include detailed research projects relating to the Institute’s main areas of work, high level briefs, and shorter, ad-hoc research tasks. Excellent research, writing and proofreading skills are highly valued. Many research papers worked on by interns are published on the Institute’s website and used as a resource for programme activities and meetings.

DPI’s Programmes Team operates within a fast paced environment, often planning and implementing ambitious projects to tight deadlines and within high pressured contexts on the ground. It is important that the successful candidate is self-motivated and able to work successfully independently and with minimal supervision.

IT skills are essential (Word, Adobe, PowerPoint) and project management experience is welcome.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven interest in and knowledge of DPI’s areas of focus; namely conflict resolution and democratic advancement (including but not limited to the MENA region).

The successful candidate will have an excellent command of written and spoken English and Turkish

Please send an email in English  with the subject line ‘Programmes Volunteer’ along with your CV, a covering letter stating your interests, experience and availability, and a writing sample of no longer than 1,000 words to:

operations.support@democraticprogress.org

Telephone: (0) 207 405 3835

For virtual internships no visa requirements are necessary. However if the intern intends to be in the UK we can can only offer positions to interns who already have a right to work in the UK 

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.