Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)
Reporting To: Solutions Director
Duration: 18 months
Starting Date: As soon as possible
ABOUT NEAR
NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships. NEAR is a membership based organization with members coming from four regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
ABOUT ADESO
NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions led by local and national actors.
POSITION PURPOSE
NEAR is developing immersive platform and toolkit designed to support local actors in building their own localized financing mechanism. With a focus on user-driven and user-centred processes the toolkit will provide practical guidance, customizable templates, best practices, and other resources to help local actors effectively design, implement, and sustain their own financing mechanisms. The position of LIFT Program Manager requires a highly dynamic individual with extensive multi-cultural experience and a deep understanding of the local context.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Objectives:
• To create a practical and user-friendly toolkit that supports local actors in establishing and
managing localized financing mechanisms.
• To incorporate innovative financing approaches (i.e. social impact bonds, microfinance,
crowdfunding. blended finance) and best practices into the toolkit. To ensure the toolkit is
adaptable to various contexts and needs of local actors in the humanitarian and development
sectors.
• To test the toolkit in real-world settings and iterate based on feedback to enhance its practical
application.
Toolkit Development:
• Develop a comprehensive toolkit of resources for localized financing mechanisms, including
customizable templates, governance frameworks, risk management protocols, compliance
processes, and operational guidelines. These resources will be structured as a set of adaptable
building blocks, designed to provide the flexibility needed for users to customize and adjust them
to meet the unique needs and specific contexts of their organizations.
• Develop step-by-step guides and manuals for building and managing financing mechanisms. The
toolkit will incorporate a range of innovative financing approaches along with industry best
practices.
• Ensure that the toolkit is user-friendly, practical, and adaptable to different contexts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather input and feedback on toolkit resources to ensure they
meet the needs of local actors.
• Continuously update and improve the toolkit based on user feedback and evolving best practices.
• Pilot the toolkit with selected NEAR members and other local actors to test its effectiveness and
usability.
• Gather feedback from pilot users and make necessary revisions to the toolkit.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions to introduce the toolkit to stakeholders.
• Develop best practice case studies and examples of successful localized financing initiatives to
incorporate in the toolkit.
• Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to users of the toolkit.
• Digitize the toolkit resources transform traditional content into engaging, interactive learning
experiences.
Program Management:
• Oversee the implementation and daily operations of the toolkit development and program.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestones.
• Ensure the tools are user-friendly and effective.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with NEAR members, the NEAR Solutions team, and other relevant stakeholders to
gather input and feedback on the toolkit.
• Incorporate feedback and suggestions from stakeholders to ensure the toolkit meets the needs
of local actors.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national organizations, donors, and other
stakeholders.
• Promote the toolkit to potential users and donors.
• Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings and workshops.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effectiveness of the
toolkit.
• Set up key performance indicators (KPIs) for both the use of the toolkit and the outcomes of the
financing mechanisms it helps to create.
• Collect and analyze data to inform improvement of the toolkit.
Deliverables:
• A comprehensive toolkit for localized financing mechanisms, including all necessary templates,
guides, case studies, scenarios, and training modules.
• A report detailing the research and analysis conducted, methodological approach and key findings
from research phase with recommendations to guide development of the toolkit
• Training materials and documentation of training sessions conducted.
• A monitoring and evaluation framework for the toolkit.
• A final report summarizing the development process, pilot testing results, stakeholder feedback,
and any revisions implemented.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
•Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, or a related field
(Master’s preferred).
• At least 10 years of experience in the development or humanitarian sectors, with a focus on
financing mechanisms and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and digitization of toolkits or resource materials
with a proven track record of effectively utilizing digital platforms to enhance learning and user
engagement.
• Proficient in applying digital tools and technologies to transform traditional resources into
interactive, engaging digital learning materials.
• Strong understanding of innovative financing mechanisms such as impact investing, social impact
bonds, blended finance, and crowdfunding.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with
diverse stakeholders.
How to apply
All applications should be sent to [email protected] by July 24, 2024 with “LIFT Project Manager” on the
subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive.
Each application package should include the following:
• Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information (limited to one page)
• CV
• Three Professional References, with complete contact information
All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above. Only short-listed candidates will
be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.