Our vision is for everyone living in West Asia-North Africa and the diaspora to be able to access and engage with the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion.
Our mission SMEX advances freedom of expression and the right to privacy in WANA through research and reporting, monitoring state and tech companies’ policies, protecting the safety and security of online users, and collaborating with regional advocates to sustain a safer digital space.
Job Overview
The Development Officer for Grants & Funding is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing grant funding to support SMEX’s mission and programs. This role involves researching funding opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, and maintaining strong relationships with foundations, corporations, individual funders and government agencies. The ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record in securing grants.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure grants, donations, and partnerships that support SMEX’s mission in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Operations Team.
- Conduct ongoing research to identify and pursue new funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, individual funders and corporate sponsors.
- Develop high-quality, persuasive grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), Concept Notes and supporting documents in collaboration with the operations and programs teams.
- Collaborate with program staff to gather data, outcomes, and financial information for proposals in collaboration with MEAL Unit.
- Maintain a grants calendar to track deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal cycles in collaboration with Program Units.
- Monitor funding trends and adapt strategies to ensure financial sustainability for SMEX’s programs.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring long-term engagement and support through meetings, updates, and site visits.
- Create engaging donor communication materials across all media channels, including digital messaging and printed marketing such as email outreach, website texts, booklets, leaflets, event posters, newsletter
- Represent the organization at networking events and funding conferences actively networking with stakeholders in the digital rights sphere.
- Assist in developing case statements, impact reports, and other materials to support fundraising efforts.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and the Operations Manager to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
- Assist with planning and executing individual donor engagement events such as SMEX’s flagship event Bread&Net.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Studies, Business Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Political Science, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field (Masters’ Degree preferred).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising experience, with a demonstrated success in securing grants and leading fundraising campaigns.
- Familiarity with SMEX’s core work and a shared commitment to human rights values, including privacy, users’ rights, digital surveillance, data protection, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
- Exceptional ability to craft clear, compelling, and well-structured proposals.
- Proficiency in identifying and evaluating funding opportunities.
- Strong attention to detail, deadline management, and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for engaging with various stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, partners, and team members.
- Ability to set visionary project goals, develop resource mobilization strategies—including building and curating a diversified network of private donors, institutional funders, and philanthropic partners—and translate them into operational plans that advance SMEX’s mission.
- Proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and positive change.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to ensure deadlines are met.
Personal characteristics
- Advocate for upholding human rights values, including privacy, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
- Passionate about SMEX’s mission and able to communicate its impact persuasively.
- Storyteller who drafts compelling narratives that resonate with funders.
- Relationship builder who establishes trust with funders through professionalism and follow-through
- Proactive, innovative, and initiative-taking attributes.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Open to continuous learning and improvement, consistently seeking out opportunities for growth and development.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain agile in a dynamic work environment.
- Inclusive collaborator who values diversity and inclusivity, and has an open-minded approach to work.
- Culture-builder committed to maintaining positive, empowering work environments
- Resilient professional who navigates challenges calmly when faced with challenging situations, providing a positive example to the team.
Behavioral Competencies
- Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Effective Communication
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/remote
Employment status: Full-time
Reporting Line: Executive Director
Supervision Line: Program Staff
Salary: depends on experience starting $2,000
Application
The applicant should fill in this form.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Subscribe to our newsletter #thebyte where we share updates on job vacancies and regional digital rights news and events.