Partnerships Associate

Only applications submitted via Bamboo will be reviewed. Please send your CV and cover letter via the Bamboo HR applicant portal: https://ifpim.bamboohr.com/careers/40

Position: Partnerships Associate

Location: Paris, France (initially remote)

Language: The International Fund’s working language is English. Fluency in other languages (particularly French) would be an advantage.

Timeline: Target start date of August 2024; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the posting will remain open until filled.

Overview

The International Fund for Public Interest Media (the “International Fund”) is seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to support its growing Partnerships team. The ideal candidate will have a background in managing relationships with key external stakeholders, including donors, including through organizing events and coordinating external reporting. Experience in working at or with multilateral / bilateral organizations is a plus.

About the International Fund for Public Interest Media

The International Fund, currently fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, provides a fresh, ambitious, coordinated, and well-resourced strategic international response to the crisis facing independent media around the world. In 2023, the International Fund launched its First Phase of Operations and, in 2024, it will complete the formal establishment of its headquarters in Paris with the status of an international organization.

The International Fund is the world’s only multilateral mechanism responding to the existential threats facing public interest media in low- and middle-income countries. The Fund, first announced at the inaugural Summit for Democracy in 2021, is designed to pool resources and expertise to boost the economic resilience of media markets. The Fund’s grants provide direct core funding to media outlets in need, and help develop long-term sustainable media markets, including through experimentation with national funds and new regulatory approaches. The Fund complements existing efforts in the media development sector, catalyzing new money as a globally coordinated but fully independent vehicle.

The Fund is co-chaired by Maria Ressa, journalist, CEO of Rappler, and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Sir Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN and former CEO of the New York Times Company and Director General of the BBC. More details can be found at www.ifpim.org. 

The Role

In advance of the International Fund’s next operational phase, the Partnerships team is expanding its capacity to develop and manage external relationships, particularly with donors. In late 2024, the International Fund plans to launch its Investment Case, which will form a cornerstone of a replenishment campaign designed to scale up funding to support its mission. We are seeking a dedicated Partnerships Associate who is comfortable operating in a rapidly evolving organization to help manage external partnerships in preparation for this replenishment campaign and beyond.

The International Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), an equal opportunity employer. The International Fund is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and where there is equality of opportunity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and therefore welcome applications from qualified candidates of all regions, countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis, and we do not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, color or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age or ability. 

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting directly to the Director of Partnerships, and working very closely with the Communications Manager, the Partnerships Associate will provide support in the following areas:

Reporting

• Coordinate the regular production of reports for donors and other external partners;
• Collaborate closely with colleagues (including the Director of Portfolio and the Director of the ‘What Works’ Unit) to develop case studies and other learnings drawn from the International Fund’s grant portfolio;
• Contribute extensively to the production and publication of the International Fund’s unified Annual Report.

Events

• Coordinate the planning and execution of key events for external stakeholders;
• Liaise with organizers of key events in which the International Fund is participating;
• Coordinate across the organization to ensure that individuals participating in events (both internal and external) are supplied with briefings and other relevant materials;
• Liaise with the Operations and Finance teams to ensure that all operational and financial needs are anticipated and addressed in advance of all events.

Donor Engagement

• Manage internal data, contacts, and processes;
• Draft high-quality and compelling proposals;
• Liaise with the Operations and Finance teams to ensure that donor agreements are effectively integrated into Fund-wide budgets;
• Coordinate the planning and execution of communications and updates to donors, including a series of regular virtual donor briefings;

Other related duties may be assigned as well.

Candidate Profile

• Highly organized and exceptional attention to detail;
• Excellent writing and editing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously and effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities;
• Ability to work effectively and successfully in a small and rapidly growing organization, including through building strong relationships with colleagues and working independently;
• Creative approach to solving complex problems;
• Openness to ongoing learning, feedback, and growth;
• Commitment to flexibility and accountability;
• Track record of effective event management, including with government representatives and other dignitaries;
• General knowledge of multilateral and international organizations and institutions;
• Experience managing external relationships (particularly with donors) in a global and/or multilateral setting;
• Experience working across cultures and geographies;
• Experience working with global partners, including those located in the International Fund’s focus regions (Africa and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Eastern Europe);
• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and written) with diverse stakeholders;
• Commitment to the International Fund’s mission of supporting independent, public interest media;
• Eagerness to develop external communications, reports, and events that effectively and persuasively communicate the International Fund’s mission.

The following qualities would be a bonus:

• Familiarity with public discourse and debates around media sustainability;
• Experience working in or with media and/or media development organizations.

Travel Requirements

May be required to travel (approximately 10%) for up to one week at a time.

Contact Information

• Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining (with examples) why you are a suitable candidate via the Bamboo HR applicant portal.