POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS seeks a highly motivated and experienced Business Development Specialist, LAC to join the LAC regional team for a leading international non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of migrants and refugees worldwide. The Business Development Specialist, LAC will play a critical role in securing funding for our vital programs and the expertise in developing compelling and well-researched proposals will drive our mission forward.
During the opportunity identification, this position will lead and support countries in identifying relevant funding opportunities, analyze calls for proposals, and ensure all opportunities are adequately assessed. During proposal development, this position will serve as lead (regional proposals) or contributing writer (country proposals). In collaboration with technical and finance teams at the country office and headquarters level, the Business Development Specialist, LAC participates in design workshops, gathers technical inputs from staff and partners, writes proposal sections, revises drafts based on reviewer feedback, and produces final products that are compliant, responsive and compelling.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Supports countries and regional teams in researching and identifying potential funding opportunities from various donors, such as foundations, development agencies and other donors that align with HIAS’ mission and vision.
- Researches and analyzes funding opportunities and constantly monitors donors, government, UN agencies, changing priorities, etc.
- Maximizes the use of the different opportunities search engines used by HIAS and provides a summary brief of each opportunity to countries or regional teams.
- Ensures all opportunities identified are appropriately tracked and, if appropriate, conducts a go/no go process.
- Writes clear, concise and persuasive proposals, grant applications and concept notes tailored to donors' specific requirements and priorities.
- Supports the development of budgets and financial projections in collaboration with the finance team.
- Reviews and edits proposal content for clarity, coherence, grammar and adherence to HIAS and donor guidelines.
- Manages regional proposal coordination processes and deadlines, coordinating efforts to meet submission requirements.
- When requested, serves as a reviewer to ensure robust and transparent approaches and compliance with donor requirements.
- Stays updated on trends, policies and context related to migration and refugee assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Collaborates with the communications team to create impactful visual and written materials to support proposals.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Undergraduate degree in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences or a related field is required; graduate degree is strongly preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in proposal development
- English and Spanish fluency are both required.
- Track record of writing winning proposals and producing succinct technical documents for specific donors, such as ECHO, DG-INTPA, GAC, BHA, BPRM, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multicultural, international, cross-functional team environment.
- Strong time management and organization skills, with the ability to independently schedule and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Excellent computer skills using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
- Strong understanding of the regional fundraising landscape and context.
- Experience in refugee and migration issues is an asset.
- Commitment to HIAS’ mission and values, and refugee protection.
- Willingness to travel to support capture and proposal development efforts up to 20% time.
- Travel, to include travel to insecure operating environments, may be required.
HIRING PROCESS:
We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:
Step 1: Submit your application!
Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.
Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.
Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.
Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.
Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or ESR.
Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!
Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.
ABOUT US:
Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.
HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.
VISION:
HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.
MISSION:
Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
VALUES:
Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim
We Welcome the Stranger
Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek
We Pursue Justice
Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed
We Approach our Clients with Empathy
Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta
We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership
Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz
We Act with Courage to Build a Better World
Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach
We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience
DIVERSITY:
HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.
SAFEGUARDING:
HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS.We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel**.** Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies.All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
How to apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter and application to our website: https://hias.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=2912936&job