Melese Duressa Institute

Empowering Communities. Ending Poverty. Unlocking Potential.

Email Us info@duressa.org

Resource Mobilization Officer

About Us

Melese Duressa Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through education and training, entrepreneurship, health advancement, youth leadership and development, and women’s empowerment. We work to unlock opportunities for underserved populations by strengthening skills, expanding access to information, and mobilizing local and diaspora resources for sustainable community development. Through our integrated programs, we support individuals and communities to build resilience, achieve economic independence, and realize their full potential.

Job Title: Resource Mobilization Officer
Location: Finfinnee (onsite)
Employment Type: Full-time, renewable every year based on performance
Role Summary

The Resource Mobilization Officer is responsible for securing financial and in-kind resources to sustain and grow MDI’s programs and operations. The role includes identifying funding opportunities, cultivating donor and partner relationships, coordinating fundraising events and campaigns, and supporting project and grant acquisitions. This position plays a critical role in strengthening MDI’s sustainability through innovative resource mobilization strategies, effective stewardship practices, and transparent reporting.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1️⃣ Fundraising & Resource Development

  • Research, identify, and pursue grants, sponsorships, donations, and financing opportunities.
  • Develop and execute diverse fundraising strategies (monthly giving, annual drives, digital fundraising, diaspora campaigns).
  • Mobilize in-kind resources, including educational materials, supplies, and services from partners and sponsors.
  • Support the preparation of grant proposals, concept notes, and letters of interest.
  • Maintain a fundraising calendar to ensure timely submissions and follow-up.

2️⃣ Partnerships & Donor Engagement

  • Build and strengthen relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, institutions, and diaspora networks.
  • Develop donor communication materials including proposals, reports, thank-you messages, and engagement updates.
  • Maintain an up-to-date database of donors and partners with records of contributions and interactions.
  • Support donor stewardship processes to improve retention and satisfaction.
  • Conduct research and analysis on funding priorities and emerging trends for assigned development partners.
  • Prepare factsheets and briefing notes to support senior leadership in engagement strategies and new funding opportunities.

3️⃣ Fundraising Events & Campaign Coordination

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events and donor engagement forums.
  • Lead outreach, logistics, and stakeholder coordination for campaigns.
  • Collaborate with communications and media teams on promotional content and digital campaign visibility.

4️⃣ Data Management & Reporting

  • Track progress against resource mobilization targets and report results to leadership.
  • Ensure proper documentation of donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions.
  • Maintain compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and national fundraising regulations.

5️⃣ Team Collaboration & Organizational Support

  • Work closely with program, finance, and communication units to align fundraising initiatives with operational needs.
  • Contribute to strengthening MDI’s brand, visibility, and reputation through strategic engagement.

6️⃣ Project Acquisition & Grant Management Support

  • Identify and assess funding opportunities aligned with MDI’s strategic priorities.
  • Participate in proposal development, including budgets, logical frameworks, and implementation plans.
  • Coordinate with program teams to gather necessary technical and narrative inputs.
  • Support project compliance by tracking deliverables, expenditures, and reporting deadlines.
  • Assist in preparing progress and final reports for donors and funding agencies.
  • Ensure donor visibility and recognition requirements are fulfilled.

7️⃣ Volunteer Development & Community Mobilization

  • Recruit, train, and mobilize volunteers to support fundraising, outreach, and partner events.
  • Maintain a volunteer database and communication channels for engagement and retention.
  • Recognize and motivate volunteers to strengthen long-term participation and organizational loyalty.

8️⃣ Other Responsibilities

  • Develop sponsorship packages and CSR partnership proposals tailored for private sector collaboration.
  • Support storytelling and communication efforts for fundraising campaigns, including impact stories, donor recognition, and success highlights.
  • Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of donor and volunteer management systems.
  • Promote ethical fundraising practices and ensure compliance with national regulations and MDI policies.
  • Support the development of innovative fundraising approaches such as membership programs, giving circles, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
  • Perform any other related duties assigned by the supervisor to support MDI’s mission and strategic priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in either Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Media Studies, Development Studies, Creative Arts / Design, Economics, Language Studies, Social Sciences/ Sociology / Community Development, International relation/Studies, Project Management, Event Management / Hospitality Management, Digital Marketing, Multimedia & Graphic Design, Journalism or a related field.
  • At least one year of experience or demonstrable skills in fundraising, resource mobilization, donor engagement, community mobilization, or related work.
  • Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Proven ability to manage events, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
  • Basic proficiency in digital tools for outreach and donor management (e.g., email, social media, spreadsheets).
  • Passionate about engaging high-net-worth individuals, influential leaders, diplomats, senior executives, elite philanthropists, and diverse stakeholders to advance shared goals and impact.
  • Experience in nonprofit organizations, civil society, or international development.
  • Knowledge of corporate sponsorship strategies and diaspora fundraising.
  • Experience in grant writing and partnership development.
  • Fluency in Afaan Oromo and Amharic is required; strong proficiency in English is an added asset.

How to Apply

Applicants may submit through one of the following:

📧 Email your resume/CV to: jobs@duressa.org
📲 For any questions contact us via telegram: @mdi2026
🌐 Online Application: https://forms.gle/SuJfY9iu2bmWK3rs8

📌 Application Deadline: April 03, 2026

⚠️ Note

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the application deadline once the right candidate is selected.