Project Coordinator Intern At Blossom Trust

About Blossom

Founded in 1993, Blossom Trust is a grassroots NGO based in the district of Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India. With the initial focus on the social and economic empowerment of underprivileged women and a safe and nurturing space for vulnerable children, over time, we have committed to creating a strong foundation for sustainable community ownership. We believe that women have the capabilities to build resilient communities as the pillars of development; therefore, we strongly invest in the empowerment of these women through three main activities. Firstly, by establishing community-based organisations and networks which are primarily women-led. This allows collective action and collaboration to be at the forefront of our interventions, with higher success. Secondly, through advocacy and awareness-raising, we strongly believe that everyone has the right to access information. Knowledge empowerment plays a profound role in community development and allows women in the community to make well-informed decisions for themselves and their households. Thirdly, we train and invest in women to develop their skills allowing them to thrive further. Finally, towards the protection and nurturing of young minds, Blossom also operates Dayspring Children’s Home which houses and educates children struggling with TB and HIV/AIDS and/or come from vulnerable households. With our vision, mission and Theory of Change in mind, we have a strong commitment towards women empowerment and community development.

Find out more about our projects on our website: https://www.blossomtrust.org

What We’re Looking For

Blossom Trust is seeking a highly motivated Project Coordinator to help us develop prospective projects and to strengthen existing ones, to target regional growth opportunities, and to develop and implement strategies in line with our goals in Tamil Nadu. We are looking for someone with knowledge of the project cycle and monitoring and evaluation to support the development of project proposals focusing on women empowerment, socio-economic development, and public health in India. Though any specific experience in these areas is not required, general knowledge on these topics is preferred. We also expect knowledge of public health. The Project Coordinator will focus on a particular project, EduClowns, which is financed by JSI-TIFA, a sub organisation of USAID. EduClowns are non-professional actors, coming directly from our communities, selected from within our network of self-help groups affected by TB and HIV/AIDS. For about 20 years now, Blossom’s EduClowns have offered an alternative method to raise awareness and educate communities about topics such as TB, child health, sexual education and promoting the use of condoms. In clown costumes, the performers break free from societal boundaries that typically discourage discussions on taboo topics and deliver entertaining yet thought-provoking displays, sparking conversations and encouraging tangible actions.

You will work closely with two other Project Coordinators and the Director of Blossom Trust, Mercy Annapoorani. As we are a local NGO with resource limitations, candidates must be flexible and ready to take on other responsibilities as needed. Candidates will work collaboratively in a small team, but will need to be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision.

Duration

The successful candidate will be primarily based in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Our team works on a full-time basis from 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday, both days included. Your work schedule is flexible depending on you and your time management skills. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months. Longer stays are welcome – please state your preference in the cover letter.

Responsibilities

As Project Coordinator you will be part of the team that is in charge of developing new or existing projects, documenting the current running projects and report writing. As said before you will focus on a particular project, but if time permits, you will be required to help your team on other projects. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring: support in the M&E process, develop reports for donors. TIFA expects monthly reports.
• Contextual research: Identify gaps and possible opportunities in the region. To develop a proposal, you must familiarise yourself with the foundation’s goals and with our project’s financial needs. You will need to stay up to date on current best practices in the development field.
• Grant Writing: Prepare concept papers, letters of inquiry, donor reports, proposals and project outlines.
• Planning: Develop and track internal calendar of proposal deadlines for applying, monitor and evaluation of community impact and report findings to stakeholders.
• Donor relations: Support Fundraising and Office Communications Coordinator in creating and maintaining crowdfunding projects and communication strategies.
• Communications: managing Blossom Trust social media platforms, developing communication materials (brochures, flyers,…).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

· In possession of or in the last phase of a relevant Master’s degree in Public Health

· Demonstrated knowledge of the project life cycle with a focus on M&E

· Demonstrated knowledge of public health

· Highly developed time management, organisational and communication skills

· Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Drive

· Strong writing and research skills

· Effective team player with the ability to work and think independently while being resourceful and proactive.

· Adaptable, patient, respectful of diversity and cultural differences

· Proficiency in English

Desired

· Masters degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Health, or any other related field.

· A proven track record of project and financial management of grant-funded programs

· Proven interest in working on issues of healthcare, children’s and women’s rights and development in the global south.

· Proficiency in Tamil would be a certain plus as the operational staff don’t always speak fluent english

Due to the responsibilities of this position, please only apply if you fit the qualifications profile. As per our particular accommodations (the interns share a room), we ask that only women apply for this position.

Compensation

· 5,000 Rupees per month

· 1 meal a day 6 days a week & basic accommodation