Partnerships Manager Full-Time

The position

Lead the development of concept notes and proposals competitive and unsolicited). Lead grants management, donor cultivation and ensure proper implementation of projects based on agreed work plans and proposals.  Provide advice to the Country Manager and Senior Management Team on issues relating to grants acquisition, donor relations and program implementation.

Mobilizing Resources (30%)

• Gather donor intelligence (e.g. through desk-based research, networking and soliciting intelligence) to identify funding development of concept notes and proposals (competitive and unsolicited) with a diverse range of institutional, corporate and philanthropic donors and foundations through close collaboration with management and technical teams;
• Lead application of project opportunity vetting and verify theme-specific;
• Lead proposal development, including Through regular field visits and interaction with program staff identify pressing funding needs/programmatic intervention opportunities and update resource mobilization priorities accordingly;
• Build the capacity of relevant program staff to participate in proposal development.

Grants Management and Compliance (25%)

• Oversee and coordinate the technical review of donor reports (quarterly, annual) and technical papers to ensure the highest quality possible in conformity to organizational and donor requirements;
• Identify gaps in operational procedures as well as bottlenecks that hinder field implementation and achievement of program outcomes, and recommend solutions to these issues;
• Support the global AKF initiative to roll out the;
• AIMS system (and any other systems), which will allow for the centralized, online management of grants, as well as the generation of a live dashboard for reporting and senior management oversight;
• Put in place structures to support the effective dissemination of grant information so that all key contributing staff have a clear understanding of requirements and expectations throughout the life cycle of a grant (opportunity to close out);
• Lead new grant kick-off meetings on donor compliance to ensure requirements such as reporting deadlines, implementation period, amendment timing/ procedures, procurement, audit and other policies are well understood and a plan is in place to ensure they are met.

Relationship Management (20%)

• Deepen and broaden relations with donors through the articulation of program objectives and achievements;
• Build new and manage existing relationships to leverage a stronger donor support base for AKF Mozambique.

Communications (15%)

• Work with AKF Portugal and TKN assignments to support and develop the Communications function;
• Liaise with AKF’s Global Lead for Communications to build compelling communications materials for the unit.

Strategic Leadership (10%)

• Actively participate as a member of the senior management team and play a coordinating role when required;
• Where relevant, support the Country Manager in monitoring progress against AKF (Moz)’s strategic plan.

The requirements

• 5-10 years’ experience;
• Fluency in Portuguese (or willingness to learn) is critical;
• Demonstration of knowledge of program design; grant acquisition and management; and cross-functional coordination;
• Strong experience preparing budgets and project proposals for both competitive and unsolicited funding opportunities;
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social and political issues;
• Conflict management and ability to pragmatically solve problems; plan a course of action using analytical, conceptual, strategic and forward thinking abilities to achieve an effective resolution;
• Highly developed analytical skills and the ability to assimilate and process information on a wide range of issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Self-motivated, Pro-active, efficient, reliable and creative;
• Promote and apply team work;
• Computer proficiency in general office software (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

The Aga Khan  Foundation (AKF), alongside its sister AKDN agencies, has implemented innovative, community-driven solutions to development challenges for over 50 years. It brings together human, financial and technical resources to address some of the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world.   Special emphasis is placed on investing in human potential, expanding opportunity and improving the overall quality of life, especially for women and girls. It works primarily in six areas:  Agriculture and Food Security; Economic Inclusion; Education; Early Childhood Development; Health and Nutrition; and Civil Society.