1. 1.      Background

As a Start Network Hub, the READY Pakistan Hub is a collaborative, locally led platform dedicated to transforming humanitarian response in Pakistan. As the READY Pakistan Hub enters the interdependence phase, it aims to engage donors and mobilise funding for hub-led programming and hub sustainability in line with key actions laid out in their 2026-2028 Resource Mobilisation Strategy. This ToR outlines the role of the Resource Mobilisation Specialist, who will work closely with the READY Pakistan Hub and the Start Network Funding Manager (Hubs) (based in the UK), and relevant stakeholders to identify, engage, and secure funding from multiple sources including philanthropic and corporate donors. This role will also emphasize cross-collaborative efforts with READY Pakistan members and within the wider Start Network Hubs, fostering a participatory approach to resource mobilization.

1. 1.      Objective

The Resource Mobilisation Specialist will support the READY Pakistan Hub in acquiring funding from diversified sources by developing funding proposals, cultivating strong donor relationships and strategic partnerships, landscape mapping, hub-led programme monitoring/reporting and developing/refining resource mobilisation processes and functions for the Hub.

1. 2.     Key Responsibilities/Deliverables

• Overall Objectives
  • Key Goals: mobilise funds for the READY Pakistan Hub through designing and pitching Hub-led programmes to donors as the Hub enters the interdependence phase in 2026.   Aiming for mobilising a total of USD $300,000-$500,000 in 6 months in line with the targets in the READY Pakistan Resource Mobilisation Strategy and submitting a minimum of 3-4 concept notes/proposals to donors. There will be a strong focus on engaging philanthropic and corporate donors in Pakistan in addition to more traditional institutional donors. The Resource Mobilisation Specialist will work closely with the Start Network Funding Manager (Hubs) who will support with connecting and engaging global philanthropic donors on the Hub’s behalf.  
  • Hold a minimum of 5 meetings with priority donors pitching the hub’s vision while tracking and providing updates on donor engagement.
  • Move ahead on key actions identified in the READY Pakistan Hub’s resource mobilization strategy, including developing a Donor Ethical Assessment policy for the Hub.

• Proposal Development
  • Draft, co-create, and submit high-quality proposals, budgets, and concept notes that align with donor requirements. Aiming for at least 3-4 submissions within the 6-month period.
  • Leverage existing proactive concept notes/programme ideas and work with the READY Pakistan and Start Network team to finalise them.
  • Summarise concept notes into slide decks and high-level summaries (1-2 pages) to help with donor engagement.
  • Support in updating key marketing materials/communication materials including hub brochures.
  • Work with READY Pakistan members (including the programme working group) and the Funding Manager (Hubs) to compile necessary documents and ensure timely submission of grant applications.

• Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Maintaining and updating donor mapping database of national and global donors
• Moving forward on priority actions for donor engagement identified in the READY Pakistan Resource Mobilisation Strategy 2026-2028 including arranging donor meetings.
• Stakeholder Analysis: Identification of key local, regional, donors, including government agencies, international NGOs, private sector, and philanthropic foundations
• Support in arranging meetings with top 10 donors from the Resource Mobilisation Strategy and any additional donors that are identified by READY Pakistan and Start Network.
• Research prospective new donors including local foundations and private donors, institutional donors and global donors working with the Funding Manager (Hubs). Develop donor profiles of new donors with brief descriptions of potential donors, including funding priorities
• Hold a minimum of 5 meetings with donors during the six months.  
• Collaborate with READY Pakistan leadership and the Start Network Funding Manager (Hubs) to build and maintain relationships with key donors, customising pitches and proposals to meet specific donor priorities.
• Actively engage in donor meetings, providing strategic insights and aligning funding opportunities with the READY Pakistan Hub’s mission and goals.
• Develop an ethical donor assessment (EDA) policy including clear criteria for screening institutional, private sector and philanthropic donors, drawing on Start Network’s DEA framework.

• Hub Marketing Materials & Value Proposition
  • Support in periodically refining/updating the core Hub slide deck providing an overview of READY Pakistan’s value proposition and impact. This includes adapting/amending the slide deck for pitches with prospective donors.
  • Support with designing/updating and providing input into strategic marketing materials like the Hub brochure.
  • Develop a high-level summary of the programmatic plans for the next 2 years of the hubs (2-page summary)
  • Impact Stories: Develop one or two impact case studies or stories to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the Hub's work.

• Monitoring and Reporting
  • Track and monitor progress on funding applications and ongoing donor commitments including Hub-led programmes; keeping Funding Manager (Hubs) informed on progress and working together on programme reports and donor relationship management (dividing between national and international donors).
  • Maintain a centralized donor database, staying informed of donor trends to refine future strategies.

• Capacity Building and Support
  • Provide training, support, and co-create tools with Hub members to enhance skills in fundraising, proposal development, and donor engagement.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-collaborative learning across Start Network Hubs, fostering a stronger collective approach to resource mobilization.

4. Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in resource mobilisation and fundraising, ideally within the humanitarian or development sectors.
• Strong experience working with Trusts and Foundations or Corporate Fundraising highly desirable.  
• Knowledge of the Pakistan humanitarian and development landscape, with an understanding of key funding agencies.
• Strong networking and relationship management skills, with experience collaborating across teams and co-creating solutions.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with expertise in proposal development and budget creation.
• Familiarity with international donor requirements, including FCDO, USAID, and SIDA.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, supporting cross-functional and remote teams.
• Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, data analysis, presentations, and communication.

5. Reporting and Deliverables

The Specialist will report to the Funding Manager (Hubs) and READY Pakistan Hub Coordinator.  Key deliverables include:

• Submission of at least three to four high-quality proposals within the first six months. Aiming to mobilise a total of USD $300,000-$500,000 in 6 months in line with the targets in the READY Pakistan Resource Mobilisation Strategy
• Organising and actively contributing in at least five donor meetings within the six months with priority donors identified in the Resource Mobilisation Strategy in addition to other meetings with identified potential donors and partners.
• Regular donor engagement updates and tracking reports; support in managing and reporting on hub-led programmes.

• Developing an ethical donor assessment (EDA) policy including clear criteria for screening institutional, private sector and philanthropic donors, drawing on Start Network’s donor ethical assessment framework.
• Summaries existing and new concept notes/programme ideas into slide decks and high-level summaries (1-2 pages) to help with donor engagement. Develop a high-level summary of the programmatic plans for the next 2 years of the hubs (2-page summary)

• Support in updating/developing key marketing materials/communication materials for donor engagement including the hub brochure.

Note: Payments will be subject to Deliverables achieved.