The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative: Fundraising Consultancy

Introduction

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) is an international, multi-faith alliance harnessing the moral authority of religious leaders to end tropical deforestation and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. IRI operates as a global partnership between major interfaith organizations, UNEP, and donors, and is well established on the ground in five of the world’s most crucial rainforest countries—Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Peru—which collectively hold some 76% of Earth’s remaining intact rainforests.

In each country, IRI convenes Advisory Councils that bring together religious organizations, Indigenous Peoples, UN agencies, NGOs, climate scientists, and civil society groups to forge impactful, solutions-driven partnerships. The initiative is managed by an international secretariat housed within Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN).

Background and rationale

Since its inception in 2018, IRI has been fully funded by Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI), and the same is the case for 2025. However, for the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative to reach its full potential, delivering urgently needed, major contributions to ending the destruction of the tropical rainforest and securing the rights of the rainforest’s traditional stewards, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, substantial new funding is needed.

Rainforest Foundation Norway is thus looking for an experienced international fundraiser to help mobilize support to IRI. We’re seeking someone with a deep understanding of the potential role of the tropical rainforest in solving the world’s combined climate and biodiversity crises, as well as the role that faith-based organizations may play in garnering broad support for rainforest protection and influencing relevant decision-makers to improve policies and legal frameworks in these fields.

The tender

RFN is offering a seven-months’ consultancy contract based on a 50% position (average 4 hours per working day), ideally starting April 1st. The consultant will collaborate closely with IRI’s Program Director and report to RFN’s Institutional Fundraising Team Leader, yet is expected to demonstrate substantial own initiative, ability to map and assess potential donors, establish and cultivate contacts, make the case for support to IRI, and play a key role in the development of pitches, concept notes and full proposals when needed, in close coordination with RFN’s institutional fundraising priorities and processes.

Deliverables

By the 5th of each month, the consultant will deliver a work-plan with targets and expected results for that month to be discussed and approved by the dedicated RFN representative, and a brief summary of actions taken and results obtained – e.g. in terms of donors interest secured, invitations to submit a concept note or full proposal, approvals secured – will be delivered by the last working-day of each month, together with the invoice for that month. Payment will be monthly.

Timeline

The consultancy is based on a total of 7 months’ work in a 50% position and can be spaced out between the 1st of April and the 31st of December 2025.

Budget

The total budget for this consultancy is NOK 650 000. This includes any necessary travel costs.

How to apply

Candidates interested in submitting a proposal should email the documents listed below to Anders Haug Larsen, andershl@rainforest.no by the 27th of March, 2025.

Candidates must submit the following:

• A brief letter of motivation.

• Updated CV.

• A financial offer, including daily fees based on 4 working hours per day.

• At least two references (including contact details) for similar work.

Questions regarding the assignment can be submitted to Anders Haug Larsen – andershl@rainforest.no.