Partnerships Associate at AfriLabs

Job Summary

• As the Partnerships Associate, you will play a vital role in fostering strategic relationships and partnerships to support AfriLabs' mission and objectives. Y
• our responsibilities will include identifying and cultivating partnerships with various stakeholders, contributing to business development efforts, and effectively communicating our value proposition to diverse audiences.
• The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, organisational abilities, and a passion for driving collaborative initiatives within the technology, innovation, or development sectors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in Identifying new partnership opportunities with foundations, corporate entities, family offices,  governments, and other relevant stakeholders to support our organisation's goals.
• Conduct market research to identify potential partners aligned with our mission and objectives. 
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to expand our network of partners, sponsors, and collaborators.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns and initiatives to secure funding for our programmes and projects.
• Assist in writing compelling grant proposals, concept notes, and fundraising materials to attract funding from various sources.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of donor trends and preferences to tailor fundraising strategies effectively
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing partners, ensuring regular communication, updates, and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align partner engagement with project needs and organisational objectives.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance visibility, build relationships, and explore collaboration opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, especially programmes, and communications to ensure seamless partnership execution.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with partners, stakeholders, and donors, providing updates, progress reports, and acknowledgements.
• To stay updated on industry best practices and trends related to partnerships.
• Assist in reviewing Request for proposals (RFPs) and Expression of Interest (EOIs) and support the programmes team in proposal writing
• Register AfriLabs on third-party platforms as part of the requirements for accessing funds.
• Attend and take notes during partnership meetings.
• Follow up with partners as at when due
• Create a strategy for tracking AfriLabs' commitment to partners with the relevant departments and devise a means to hold implementing departments accountable.
• Provide regular updates on all assigned tasks.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, International Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience (5-7 years) in grant proposal writing, fundraising, or grant management, preferably in the nonprofit sector with a focus on technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge of various grant-making organizations, their requirements, and application processes.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and concepts in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and techniques for prospect identification and donor cultivation.
• Familiarity with grant management software, databases, and tools for proposal development and reporting.
• Knowledge of donor relations best practices, fundraising strategies, and compliance standards for nonprofit organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different departments and geographic locations
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other languages commonly spoken in Africa is a plus.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Strong communication skills