Desk Coordinator

The Desk Coordinator is a key position within the Program Implementation Department (part of the Global Support Team) dedicated to providing program development and grants‑management support across several countries (Sudan, Chad, Syria, Turkiye, Lebanon), while focusing on direct support to the Sudan Country Office. The Desk Coordinator works closely with key functions within the Team and other Support functions (e.g., Resource Development, Awards Management) to ensure adequate support is provided to assigned country(ies) on proposals and grant/program management. The Desk Coordinator will step in as Lead Writer on funding opportunities in support of the Country Office(s) depending on identified needs and priorities. Field travel is expected to provide direct support, gap filling, capacity building, monitoring, and surge response in humanitarian crises. This position requires a highly dynamic, proactive, autonomous, and flexible individual with solid experience in program development and overall project‑cycle management. Strong writing and proposal‑design skills are a must. Key Responsibilities Work closely with the RI Support team and country teams (especially Sudan) to ensure the highest quality of program development, implementation and reporting. Coordinate with key internal and external stakeholders. Identify and raise risks on program design and implementation. Proposal Development Foster a culture for evidence‑based design and support COs with design workshops for standard proposals. Contribute to program design for solicited and unsolicited programs, pilot and full‑scale programs, cost and program modifications/extensions. Manage/coordinate the preparation of funding proposals across a broad range of donors and award amounts, and submit them via the appropriate donor portals after approvals are secured. Lead proposal writing and costing efforts across a broad range of donors and award amounts as assigned, including supporting and/or leading on other internal processes related to program development (partnership identification, donor due diligence, etc.). Ensure package is compliant with donor regulations and requirements and that all internal processes/policies have been adhered to (partnership, due diligence, etc.). Work with country teams to develop a work plan for priority proposals, ensuring time is built in for robust and participatory program design workshops. Ensure cost‑share/contribution identification for proposals is clear and reasonable and follows RI’s processes. Coordinate with relevant Support Team members for proposal development and/or review. Support the Desk Manager in monitoring and identification of funding opportunities and facilitate Go‑No‑Go review and decisions in line with organisational processes and strategy. Track country and proposal efforts and report to Desk Manager on status. In collaboration with country and Support Team, keep the Desk’s proposal development pipeline accurate and up‑to‑date. Program and Grants Management Support Work with the Desk Manager and coordinate with the Desk Officer to ensure quality and timeliness of all donor reports, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and guidelines. Provide final copy‑edit and/or support in writing sections upon request, and ensure submission under certain donors’ dedicated platforms in coordination with country offices. Deploy to country programs to assist in writing reports, when needed. Support the Desk Manager in ensuring grants and reporting trackers as well as online grant folders are regularly updated in coordination with the Global Awards Team as necessary. Lead overall coordination of grant modifications between CO(s) and Support team offices, facilitating reviews/input from Support Team departments as needed. Provide other grant‑management and compliance tasks as needed and in coordination with the Awards Team. Actively support the continuous improvement of program quality and management efficiency through contributions to country and global initiatives, such as SOP/tool/template development/refinement. Communication and Representation Support Collaborate with the Desk Manager to coordinate appropriate RI colleagues for accurate and timely communication to donors. Produce and update regular programmatic updates/briefing materials/capacity statements/country profiles for business development purposes. Behavior and Conduct Ensure that behavior inside and outside of work promotes RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies. Act with integrity and hold oneself accountable for being respectful, inclusive and professional. Report any concerns. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required for the Role Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Management, or a related field. 3–5 years of progressive experience in program/proposal development and grants management. Proven experience with major donors such as USG, ECHO, AICS, UN agencies; experience with EC and development donors is a plus. Strong skills in the full program cycle, from design to evaluation. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication; skilled in building consensus; ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and handle high‑pressure environments. Logical thinking, comfort with complex budgets and high attention to detail. Work well independently and within teams; open to feedback and collaboration. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint). Willing and able to travel internationally to support field operations. Desirable Arabic and/or French. Experience in one or more of the countries supported by the Desk, especially Sudan. RI Values Integrity Adaptability Collaboration Inclusivity Sustainability #J-18808-Ljbffr