Application Guide
How to Apply for Program Support & Development Officer
at CESVI
🏢 About CESVI
CESVI is a secular and independent humanitarian organization with over 35 years of experience, operating in more than 20 countries to support vulnerable populations. They focus on sustainable development, human rights, and climate resilience, with a strong emphasis on protection and income generation. Working here means contributing to impactful projects that address root causes of poverty and inequality.
About This Role
This role is central to CESVI's program development, involving the design and drafting of project proposals for major donors like ECHO, INTPA, and AICS. You will manage the entire project design process, from concept to final documentation, and may conduct field missions for needs assessments. This position is impactful because it directly shapes CESVI's ability to secure funding and implement life-saving and development programs.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking emails from field offices and coordinating with partners on ongoing project needs. You might spend hours drafting a concept note for a new ECHO proposal, developing a logical framework, and calculating a budget. Later, you could join a call with AICS to clarify guidelines or review a draft report for an ongoing project, balancing multiple deadlines and priorities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who CESVI Is Looking For
- A seasoned professional with at least 3 years of experience in designing multisectoral international cooperation projects, both in emergency and development contexts.
- An expert in proposal writing methodologies (PCM, Logical Framework, Theory of Change) with a deep understanding of all project cycle phases.
- Proven track record with major institutional donors (ECHO, INTPA, AICS, US/European agencies), including knowledge of their specific guidelines and requirements.
- A bachelor's degree holder with specialized training in Project Cycle Management (PCM), and strong analytical, writing, and budgeting skills.
- Willingness to travel to field locations for needs assessments and project design, with adaptability to challenging environments.
📝 Tips for Applying to CESVI
Tailor your CV and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience with the mentioned donors (ECHO, INTPA, AICS) and provide concrete examples of successful proposals you've written.
Demonstrate your knowledge of CESVI's thematic areas (protection, production chains, income generation, climate impact) by linking your past project designs to these topics.
In your application, showcase your ability to manage the entire project design process, from concept to final documentation, with specific examples of logical frameworks and budgets you've developed.
Mention any field experience in emergency or development contexts, especially if you have conducted needs assessments or set up projects abroad.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across time zones, with examples of remote collaboration in your previous roles.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Highlight your hands-on experience with major institutional donors, especially ECHO, INTPA, and AICS, and your success in securing funding.', "Emphasize your proficiency in PCM, Logical Framework, and Theory of Change, and how you've applied these in multisectoral projects.", "Demonstrate your commitment to humanitarian principles and sustainable development, aligning with CESVI's mission.", 'Show your flexibility and readiness for field missions, and your ability to design projects that respond to both emergency and development needs.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review CESVI's recent projects and publications on their website to understand their current focus areas and geographical presence.
- → Look into CESVI's approach to protection, climate change, and income generation to align your examples with their strategic priorities.
- → Read CESVI's annual reports or donor-specific project summaries to see how they report outcomes and impact, which can inform your proposal writing.
- → Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the donors mentioned in the job description, especially ECHO's and INTPA's current funding priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application; ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to this role, highlighting your donor experience and PCM skills.
- Avoid neglecting the remote aspect; if you lack remote work experience, emphasize your self-management and communication skills instead of ignoring it.
- Don't overlook the need for field missions; if you are not willing or able to travel, this role may not be suitable, so address this openly in your application.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 23, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!