ABOUT MSF
Doctors without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to two objectives: providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, natural and man-made disasters; and speaking out about the plight of the populations assisted. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Today, MSF is present in more than 60 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Prospect Research Intern at MSF Southern Africa as part of the High Value Team and will be instrumental in helping the team identify and build a portfolio of specific individuals, trusts and foundations by providing key information on current and potential new supporters. Additionally, the intern will help produce research briefs for the High Value Team. In turn the prospect research intern will have an opportunity to learn first-hand the Principles of Fundraising from a highly innovative and experienced team.
Reporting to the Donor Development Coordinator the prospect research intern supports the growth and retention of MSF’s South Africa’s mid-level and major donor revenue programme. In addition to assuming responsibility for meeting the prospect identification and research needs of the fundraising department the Prospect Research intern proactively reviews the mid-level and major gifts pipeline and actively researches new prospects.
The Prospect Research Intern will ideally be an individual with an interest in prospect identification, research and strategy formulation. He or she should be highly computer literate with high level oral, written communication and statistical presentation skills.
KEY TASKS RESPONSIBILITIES:
Carry out prospect research on a predetermined list of individuals, trusts and foundations, in order to provide the team with information across a number of different areas (Such as wealth, personal information, philanthropic interests, networks and business interests using online sources and print media.
Reactive and proactive research on donor leads/grant-makers for the high value team portfolio;
Support cultivation plans, providing intelligence on prospects.
Identify opportunities for joined up fundraising across high value and retention team.
Use internal and external sources to identify suspects and prospects.
Produce in-depth profiles on high value prospects and donors.
Update the database with the relevant information, in line with data protection legislation.
Assist in other ad-hoc projects with the High Value and Retention team.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education
Relevant tertiary qualification / studying towards a qualification in marketing, advertising; or 1-2 years’ experience in a marketing environment.
No prior knowledge (e.g. of prospect research or trusts and foundations) is necessary
A natural curiosity about people is key, as in an interest in research
Knowledge and skills
Proficiency in Excel, Word and Outlook
Demonstrate proficiency in the methods of information acquisition, including use of online sources, and print directories/media. Show initiative in identifying new sources of information, as they become necessary and/or available.
Ability to organise and manage a diverse range of assignments and projects with high efficiency, yet thorough attention to detail and follow through.
Demonstrate strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to adjust to changing priorities and meet deadlines.
Demonstrate competence in a variety of computer applications, including database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
Resourceful and independent, but comfortable working within the framework of an integrated fundraising program and team-oriented environment.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to locate and interpret financial and biographical information from a variety of sources.
Personal attributes
Detail-orientated
Deadline-driven
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to work independently, as part of a team and inter-departmentally
Strong organisational skills with the ability to carry out different tasks simultaneously and to prioritise time and resources accordingly whilst maintaining an overview of all activity
Good interpersonal, team-working and negotiation skills
A positive mental attitude, persistence and the desire to learn
The ideal candidate for this role will be hard working and fast learning
Ability to work independently and to take initiative.
TO APPLY:
Please submit your CV and Cover Letter by 15 January 2017 . Applications without cover letter will not be considered.
This is an initial 6 month internship with the possibility of extension. All interns get paid an hourly stipend.