- Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:31 am#9187
PREPARING FOR THE POSITION OF OFFICER – FUNDRAISING AND PARTNERSHIPS (HFHI‑B)
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE AND ITS CONTEXT
• Read the job description line‑by‑line and note the core responsibilities: donor mapping, proposal development, donor engagement, marketing & communications, research, grant management, event management and adherence to Habitat values and safeguarding.
• Identify the four funding streams mentioned (FOI, corporate, tithe, government) and think of concrete ways you have worked with each or could add value.
• Recognise that the role reports to the Associate Director – Resource Development & Strategic Partnerships and will support the achievement of annual fundraising targets until June 2028 (extendable).
2. RESEARCH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL (HFHI)
• Study HFHI’s global mission, its Values (Humility, Courage, Accountability) and the Safeguarding Commitment. Be ready to give examples of how you have demonstrated these principles in previous work.
• Review HFHI‑Bangladesh’s recent annual reports, strategic business plan, resource‑development strategy and major projects (e.g., housing builds, community development).
• Identify key donors and partners in Bangladesh – local foundations, corporate CSR programs, USAID, EU, UN agencies – and understand their funding priorities.
• Familiarise yourself with HFHI’s communication style (website, social media, newsletters) so you can speak the same language in your application and interview.
3. MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE SPECIFICATIONS
• Education – confirm you hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (social science, development studies, communication, etc.). Have your diploma ready for verification.
• Experience – map at least four to five of your most relevant roles (fundraising, proposal writing, donor coordination, corporate partnership, digital fundraising). For each, note:
– duration (4–5 years total)
– type of organization (NGO/INGO, donor‑funded program)
– measurable outcomes (e.g., amount raised, number of proposals accepted, donor retention rate)
• Competencies – prepare concrete examples for each required skill: internet research, grant writing, budget development, oral and written communication, negotiation, solution‑orientated teamwork, deadline management, attention to detail, Microsoft Office 365 proficiency, stakeholder respect and conflict resolution.
4. PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
a. JOB APPLICATION FORM
– Download the form from the HFHI‑Bangladesh website or the email notice.
– Fill out every field completely; do not leave blanks.
– Use the same font and format throughout (Arial or Times New Roman, 11‑12 pt).
– Double‑check spelling of names, dates and addresses.
b. CURRICULUM VITAE
– Structure it in the order: personal details, professional summary, education, relevant work experience (most recent first), key achievements, technical skills, languages, certifications, references.
– Keep it to two pages maximum.
– Highlight experience that directly aligns with the four funding streams and the listed responsibilities.
c. COVER LETTER
– Address it to the HR Department, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh.
– First paragraph: state the position you are applying for and the date you saw the vacancy.
– Second paragraph: summarise why your background (education + 4‑5 years experience) makes you the ideal candidate.
– Third paragraph: provide two or three specific examples of successes in donor mapping, proposal development or corporate partnership that demonstrate impact (e.g., “secured a US$200 k grant from XYZ Foundation by drafting a concept note that aligned with their climate‑resilient housing focus”).
– Fourth paragraph: express your commitment to HFHI’s values and safeguarding standards, and your enthusiasm for contributing to affordable housing in Bangladesh.
– Closing: thank the reader, indicate you have attached the completed form, CV and any supporting documents, and provide your contact details.
d. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (optional but recommended)
– Samples of winning proposals or concept notes (redacted for confidentiality).
– Certificates of training in grant writing, fundraising, or project management.
– Letters of recommendation from supervisors who can attest to your fundraising achievements.
5. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ON TIME
• Send an email to hr_bd@habitatbangladesh.org with the subject line: “Application – Officer Fundraising and Partnerships – [Your Full Name]”.
• Attach the completed application form (PDF), CV (PDF) and cover letter (PDF). If you include additional documents, attach them as separate PDFs and reference them in the email body.
• Send the email before 4:30 pm on 22 November 2025. After sending, save a copy of the sent email and a receipt of transmission.
6. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
a. KNOW THE ORGANIZATION
– Be ready to discuss HFHI’s global impact, recent Bangladesh initiatives, and how the role fits into the Resource Development strategy.
b. STAR STORIES (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
– Prepare at least six concise stories covering:
1. Mapping new donors and building a pipeline.
2. Writing a high‑value proposal that was funded.
3. Managing a donor stewardship event.
4. Leading a digital fundraising campaign (email, SEO, social media).
5. Coordinating a cross‑functional team (program, MEAL, finance) for a grant submission.
6. Resolving a conflict with a partner or internal stakeholder.
c. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
– Review grant guidelines of major Bangladesh donors (e.g., BRAC, BBRF, United Nations agencies, corporate CSR).
– Refresh your Excel skills: pivot tables, budgeting formulas, data validation.
– Familiarise yourself with SharePoint/Teams navigation and project‑management tools you have used.
d. VALUES AND SAFEGUARDING
– Reflect on how you have acted with humility, courage and accountability in past roles.
– Prepare to discuss any experience with safeguarding policies, child protection, or handling misconduct allegations.
e. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE PANEL
1. How does HFHI‑Bangladesh prioritize funding streams in its five‑year plan?
2. What are the current challenges in donor retention and how is the team addressing them?
3. How does the organization measure the impact of fundraising activities beyond revenue (e.g., donor engagement metrics)?
4. What opportunities exist for professional development in fundraising and partnership building?
7. FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
– Application form fully completed, all required fields filled.
– CV tailored to the role, no more than two pages.
– Cover letter customized for HFHI‑Bangladesh, referencing specific responsibilities.
– PDFs are correctly named (e.g., “HFHI_Application_JohnDoe.pdf”).
– Email subject line exact as instructed.
– Email sent before the deadline with all attachments.
8. POST‑SUBMISSION
• Mark the date of submission on your calendar.
• If you receive acknowledgement of receipt, keep it for reference.
• Prepare for a possible written test or case study by reviewing a sample concept note and budgeting exercise.
By following these steps methodically you will present a compelling, well‑aligned application and be ready to demonstrate the expertise, values and professionalism that Habitat for Humanity International Bangladesh seeks in its Officer – Fundraising and Partnerships. Good luck!
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE AND ITS CONTEXT
• Read the job description line‑by‑line and note the core responsibilities: donor mapping, proposal development, donor engagement, marketing & communications, research, grant management, event management and adherence to Habitat values and safeguarding.
• Identify the four funding streams mentioned (FOI, corporate, tithe, government) and think of concrete ways you have worked with each or could add value.
• Recognise that the role reports to the Associate Director – Resource Development & Strategic Partnerships and will support the achievement of annual fundraising targets until June 2028 (extendable).
2. RESEARCH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL (HFHI)
• Study HFHI’s global mission, its Values (Humility, Courage, Accountability) and the Safeguarding Commitment. Be ready to give examples of how you have demonstrated these principles in previous work.
• Review HFHI‑Bangladesh’s recent annual reports, strategic business plan, resource‑development strategy and major projects (e.g., housing builds, community development).
• Identify key donors and partners in Bangladesh – local foundations, corporate CSR programs, USAID, EU, UN agencies – and understand their funding priorities.
• Familiarise yourself with HFHI’s communication style (website, social media, newsletters) so you can speak the same language in your application and interview.
3. MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE SPECIFICATIONS
• Education – confirm you hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (social science, development studies, communication, etc.). Have your diploma ready for verification.
• Experience – map at least four to five of your most relevant roles (fundraising, proposal writing, donor coordination, corporate partnership, digital fundraising). For each, note:
– duration (4–5 years total)
– type of organization (NGO/INGO, donor‑funded program)
– measurable outcomes (e.g., amount raised, number of proposals accepted, donor retention rate)
• Competencies – prepare concrete examples for each required skill: internet research, grant writing, budget development, oral and written communication, negotiation, solution‑orientated teamwork, deadline management, attention to detail, Microsoft Office 365 proficiency, stakeholder respect and conflict resolution.
4. PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
a. JOB APPLICATION FORM
– Download the form from the HFHI‑Bangladesh website or the email notice.
– Fill out every field completely; do not leave blanks.
– Use the same font and format throughout (Arial or Times New Roman, 11‑12 pt).
– Double‑check spelling of names, dates and addresses.
b. CURRICULUM VITAE
– Structure it in the order: personal details, professional summary, education, relevant work experience (most recent first), key achievements, technical skills, languages, certifications, references.
– Keep it to two pages maximum.
– Highlight experience that directly aligns with the four funding streams and the listed responsibilities.
c. COVER LETTER
– Address it to the HR Department, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh.
– First paragraph: state the position you are applying for and the date you saw the vacancy.
– Second paragraph: summarise why your background (education + 4‑5 years experience) makes you the ideal candidate.
– Third paragraph: provide two or three specific examples of successes in donor mapping, proposal development or corporate partnership that demonstrate impact (e.g., “secured a US$200 k grant from XYZ Foundation by drafting a concept note that aligned with their climate‑resilient housing focus”).
– Fourth paragraph: express your commitment to HFHI’s values and safeguarding standards, and your enthusiasm for contributing to affordable housing in Bangladesh.
– Closing: thank the reader, indicate you have attached the completed form, CV and any supporting documents, and provide your contact details.
d. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (optional but recommended)
– Samples of winning proposals or concept notes (redacted for confidentiality).
– Certificates of training in grant writing, fundraising, or project management.
– Letters of recommendation from supervisors who can attest to your fundraising achievements.
5. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ON TIME
• Send an email to hr_bd@habitatbangladesh.org with the subject line: “Application – Officer Fundraising and Partnerships – [Your Full Name]”.
• Attach the completed application form (PDF), CV (PDF) and cover letter (PDF). If you include additional documents, attach them as separate PDFs and reference them in the email body.
• Send the email before 4:30 pm on 22 November 2025. After sending, save a copy of the sent email and a receipt of transmission.
6. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
a. KNOW THE ORGANIZATION
– Be ready to discuss HFHI’s global impact, recent Bangladesh initiatives, and how the role fits into the Resource Development strategy.
b. STAR STORIES (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
– Prepare at least six concise stories covering:
1. Mapping new donors and building a pipeline.
2. Writing a high‑value proposal that was funded.
3. Managing a donor stewardship event.
4. Leading a digital fundraising campaign (email, SEO, social media).
5. Coordinating a cross‑functional team (program, MEAL, finance) for a grant submission.
6. Resolving a conflict with a partner or internal stakeholder.
c. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
– Review grant guidelines of major Bangladesh donors (e.g., BRAC, BBRF, United Nations agencies, corporate CSR).
– Refresh your Excel skills: pivot tables, budgeting formulas, data validation.
– Familiarise yourself with SharePoint/Teams navigation and project‑management tools you have used.
d. VALUES AND SAFEGUARDING
– Reflect on how you have acted with humility, courage and accountability in past roles.
– Prepare to discuss any experience with safeguarding policies, child protection, or handling misconduct allegations.
e. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE PANEL
1. How does HFHI‑Bangladesh prioritize funding streams in its five‑year plan?
2. What are the current challenges in donor retention and how is the team addressing them?
3. How does the organization measure the impact of fundraising activities beyond revenue (e.g., donor engagement metrics)?
4. What opportunities exist for professional development in fundraising and partnership building?
7. FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
– Application form fully completed, all required fields filled.
– CV tailored to the role, no more than two pages.
– Cover letter customized for HFHI‑Bangladesh, referencing specific responsibilities.
– PDFs are correctly named (e.g., “HFHI_Application_JohnDoe.pdf”).
– Email subject line exact as instructed.
– Email sent before the deadline with all attachments.
8. POST‑SUBMISSION
• Mark the date of submission on your calendar.
• If you receive acknowledgement of receipt, keep it for reference.
• Prepare for a possible written test or case study by reviewing a sample concept note and budgeting exercise.
By following these steps methodically you will present a compelling, well‑aligned application and be ready to demonstrate the expertise, values and professionalism that Habitat for Humanity International Bangladesh seeks in its Officer – Fundraising and Partnerships. Good luck!
- By bdchakriDesk