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- Tasks: Lead funding initiatives and develop impactful grant proposals for DFS Africa.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on innovative funding solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, potential for permanent role, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by securing vital funding for meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in bid writing and relationship building with donors.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and strategic partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
DFS Africa is looking to onboard a Strategic Grants and Programme Development Manager to lead business development through sourcing for different types of funding to grow our products and initiatives. Your role will cover the various sources of funding highlighted in the ‘Background and Objectives’. You will be an advocate for the organisation by leading the grant programme contributing to the implementation of organisational objectives to deliver impactful funding.
As a Grants and Funding Programme Development Manager, a key aspect of your role will be working with the management team to identify and develop strong relationships with multilateral agencies, DFIs, Trusts and Foundations internationally. You will have space to innovate and put donors and funders first and to use your extensive experience to lead the development of successful grant applications and successful technical assistance bids. You’ll be the kind of person who gets out from behind your desk to meet people, influence and achieve long lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. As with any expanding organisation there are challenges. You’ll need to be determined, tenacious and focused on solutions. You will also be expected to hire a direct report, a Business Development Officer who you will lead and inspire within 12 months of working with us. Finally, you will play a part in setting up the projects, working in collaboration with the management team and external stakeholders.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of current partners who could become strategic donors, building strong relationships and implementing creative solicitation plans to maximise engagement and income.
- Research, develop and secure income from new donors, with a strong focus on funders with a potential to give 6 and 7 figure grants.
- Draw on DFS Africa’s experience and key competencies to bid for technical assistance contracts from DFIs and Multilateral agencies.
- Write high quality funding proposals and reports.
- Develop an excellent knowledge of DFS Africa’s work, liaise with colleagues to prepare and present high-quality information such as tailored presentations and proposals for the donors and clients.
- Build excellent external working relationships at all levels with donors/clients, their staff and networks in order to directly influence their decisions.
- Build excellent internal working relationships to engage staff at all levels in supporting donor stewardship to manage prospective and existing donors effectively.
Person Specification
- Excellent bid writing skills/experience with a strong income track record.
- Proven track record of relationship building to secure grants at six-figure level.
- Ability to understand diverse donor motivations and deliver a bespoke relationship to meet these.
- Demonstrable skill in adapting written and verbal communications for a philanthropy audience.
- Excellent face to face, interpersonal, negotiating and persuasive skills.
- Excellent numeracy and attention to detail, ability to analyse and prepare budgets.
- Experience of managing the complexities of restricted income projects.
- Excellent project management, budgeting skills, and sound interpersonal skills to lead a team and build on external relationships.
- Organised and methodical approach to plan and deliver against a varied workload, managing competing priorities under their own initiative and to strict deadlines.
Conditions
This is an initial 6 months contract role based at DFS Africa’s offices / remotely reporting to DFS Africa’s CEO & COO. A full-time permanent role will be considered if suited to both parties after 6 months.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Project Management and Information Technology
Strategic Grants & Funding Program Development Manager employer: DFSAfrica
Contact Detail:
DFSAfrica Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Grants & Funding Program Development Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and meet people! Attend industry events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships with potential donors and partners can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the organisation, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you care about their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. People love working with those who are genuinely excited!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Do your homework on the organisation and its funding priorities. When you reach out, make sure to highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs. A personalised touch goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Follow Up Strategically
After meeting someone or sending a proposal, don’t just sit back and wait. Follow up with a friendly message to keep the conversation going. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in building a relationship.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Grants & Funding Program Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of DFS Africa’s mission and the role itself. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our goals and the specific requirements of the Strategic Grants & Funding Program Development Manager position.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your bid writing skills and relationship-building experience in your application. We want to see examples of how you've successfully secured funding in the past, especially at the six-figure level. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to shine!
Be Personable: Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships. Use your application to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders. A friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team at DFS Africa!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFSAfrica
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into DFS Africa’s mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their funding sources and the types of grants they typically pursue. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships with donors or partners in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences, as this is crucial for a role that involves engaging with diverse stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Bid Writing Expertise
Bring along samples of successful grant proposals or reports you've written. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you ensure high-quality submissions. This will showcase your bid writing skills and give the interviewers confidence in your ability to secure funding.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially related to securing funding or managing projects. Prepare to discuss how you overcame these obstacles and what solutions you implemented. This will demonstrate your tenacity and problem-solving skills, which are key for this position.
