JOB DETAILS:
Defend Defenders was established in 2005 as the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project and registered as a foreign Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Uganda. DefendDefenders exists to strengthen the work of Human Rights Defenders in the sub-region by reducing their vulnerability to the risk of persecution and by enhancing their capacity to effectively defend human rights. The core mandate of DefendDefenders is to promote the safety, security, and wellbeing of HRDs.

DefendDefenders also serves as host of AfricanDefenders (the PanAfrican Human Rights Defenders Network) secretariat. AfricanDefenders is a network of five subregional organizations, dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights Defenders (HRDs) across the African continent.

DefendDefenders also hosts the Consortium for Human Rights and Media in Sub-Saharan Africa (CHARM), which aims to promote and protect human rights and media freedoms in Sub-Saharan Africa. CHARM is a partnership of CIVICUS, Civil Rights Defenders, DefendDefenders, Fojo Media Institute, The Wits Centre for Journalism, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement, and Magamba Network. The partnership acknowledges the role that a free and active media and civil society have in the protection of robust democracies and the promotion of national development. The consortium has been operating since October 2019.

JOB DESCRIPTION
DefendDefenders is seeking a self-driven, dedicated, creative, highly motivated, and detail- oriented Communications Assistant to support and promote the work of CHARM. The Communication Assistant will support the consortium in its communication efforts, including media relations, content creation, and digital outreach. The assistant will work closely with the Communication Officer and other team members to ensure effective communication with stakeholders and the public. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively under pressure, be a good team player, and be willing to travel occasionally, as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Fundraising Strategy Development
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the consortium’s mission and goals.
• Identify and research potential funding opportunities, including grants, donations, partnerships, and other revenue streams.
2. Donor Engagement and Relationship Management
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and potential donors, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and reports to donors and stakeholders.
3. Grant Writing and Proposal Development
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Ensure all proposals are well-researched, accurately budgeted, and align with donor requirements and priorities.
4. Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships
• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance resource mobilisation efforts.
• Represent the consortium at relevant events, meetings, and conferences to network and promote fundraising initiatives.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities to measure success and impact.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, including financial reports and donor impact reports.
6. Capacity Building
• Provide training and support to consortium partners on fundraising best practices and strategies.
• Foster a culture of fundraising within the consortium, encouraging active participation from all members.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Non-profit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, resource mobilisation, or a similar role, preferably within the human rights or media sectors.

• Proven track record of successful grant writing and securing funding from diverse sources.
• Strong knowledge of the donor landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising software/tools.

COMPETENCES
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising strategies.
• Relationship Building: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and partners.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and trends to inform fundraising strategies and decisions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and donor priorities.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Fulltime position based in Kampala, Uganda.
• Approximate starting date: 1st September, 2024.
• 12-month contract period, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.
• Health insurance (in Uganda) provided.
• The selected applicant must be based in Uganda, or able to relocate to Kampala immediately, or within a short timeframe.

Apply with the following documents in a single submission:
• Motivation letter.
• CV, including two references.
Email your application to jobs@defenddefenders.org . Please do not attach copies of qualifications/diploma at this stage. Only complete applications will be reviewed. All materials should be submitted via  email. We regret that, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DefendDefenders is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, equal employment opportunities and have a diverse staff are fundamental principles at DefendDefenders where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or any other protected characteristic as established under international human rights principles.