Philanthropy Research Intern - JHB at Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa

Job Overview:

• Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, the Prospect Researcher supports the growth of MSF SA’s Major donor, corporate, trust and foundation (called One-to-One) revenue program and the relationship management activities of front line fundraisers:
• By identifying individuals and organisations who will have the propensity, affinity and capacity to give to MSF SA
• By researching and providing contact and other relevant information on the current portfolio (of major donors, trusts & foundations and corporate donors)
• By collecting necessary data and preparing reports
• By maintaining an updated planning to deliver grant proposals and reports in due time
• We are looking for a proactive and analytical individual with a commitment to confidentiality and high ethical standards. The Prospect Researcher will have the ability to synthesize and translate his/her research into practical suggestions/actions to the One-to-One team fundraising goals.
• The Prospect Researcher will have to be an individual with an interest in prospect identification and research. He or she should be highly computer literate with high level oral, written communication and data presentation.

Key Task and Responsibilities:

Prospect Research and management;

• Identify and qualify new prospects by researching and analysing individuals, foundations, and corporations for their potential interest in MSF, giving potential, and propensity to donate.
• Conduct prospective donor research, including identifying active mid-level donors for potential upgrade through active data mining, rating and ranking.
• Rate donors (lapsed or mid-level) and prospects in terms of inclination and capacity, and consult with fundraising team on cultivation and solicitation strategies, including participation in prospect review and pipeline management sessions.
• Maintain a robust qualitative report tracking system for major donors and prospects including the recording of meetings, outcomes, next steps and follow up strategy.
• Write confidential research profiles on individual, corporate and foundation donors/prospects for meetings and strategic planning, and prepare background briefing notes for staff in preparation for donor/prospect meetings.

Administrative support to the Philanthropy unit:

• Participate in donor meeting debriefings with the One-to-One team and other staff/volunteers as needed/requested to ensure outcomes and next steps are recorded and donor profiles and research notes are updated appropriately.
• Provide administrative support to the One-to-One team in recording donor/prospect contacts and moves as requested.
• Collect data to fulfil the reporting needs
• Update the tracking system for trusts & foundations/corporate donors and prospects, based on research into grant eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
• Keep current of all recent trends in the Southern Africa NGO sector, the culture of philanthropy (especially in Africa), prospect research and incorporate any relevant information into briefing materials and regularly report on opportunities to appropriate staff.
• Monitor policies and procedures for the prospect research program and update protocols relating to prospect management and donor confidentiality (POPIA ACT and GDPR).
• Other duties as required to ensure the continued success in MSF SA’s Fundraising activities.

Requirements:

Education;

• Relevant tertiary qualification in marketing, business administration, data sciences.

Knowledge and skills;

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to locate and interpret financial and biographical information from a variety of sources.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail and database management.
• Demonstrate deep understanding of prospect research methodology and donor cycle.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the methods of acquiring relevant donor information.
• A keen interest in philanthropy and the development of African philanthropy space.
• Skilful in drafting and editing research and briefing materials.

Personal attributes:

• Detail-orientated, deadline-driven and self-directed.
• Team-player.
• A natural curiosity about people is key, as in an interest in research
• Confidence to show initiative (especially in identifying new sources of information and analysis of that information).
• Tact, diplomacy, sound judgment and demonstrated commitment to professional ethics and safeguarding donor confidentiality at all times.
• A positive mental attitude, persistence and desire to learn.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Cross-cultural awareness.
• Analytical thinking.
• Results and quality orientation.
• Strong organisation and multi-tasking skills and ability to work under deadline pressures at specific times.
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, and Empowerment.
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.