Resource Mobilisation & Development Lead at WootLab

• We are looking for someone who understands how funding relationships are built—from identifying and researching prospective funders, to opening conversations, understanding their priorities, positioning Wootlab appropriately, developing opportunities, building partnerships and consortia, preparing compelling submissions, and stewarding relationships after funding is secured.
• The successful candidate will lead Wootlab Foundation's approach to institutional funding, philanthropy, corporate giving, donor relations and strategic resource development, while building a strong and diversified pipeline for long-term organisational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Mobilisation & Funding Strategy

• Develop and execute Wootlab Foundation's annual and multi-year resource mobilisation strategy.
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with the Foundation's priorities.
• Identify opportunities from bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, development finance institutions, corporates, philanthropic organisations and other institutional funders.
• Reduce dependence on individual funding sources by developing a diversified funding portfolio.
• Research emerging donor priorities and position Wootlab early for relevant opportunities rather than relying solely on publicly advertised calls.
• Develop funding forecasts, targets and pipeline reports for management.

Donor Relations & Philanthropy

• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective institutional donors, foundations, corporate foundations, philanthropists and other funding partners.
• Develop tailored engagement strategies for priority funders and maintain an active donor/prospect portfolio.
• Coordinate introductory meetings, donor briefings, site visits and other relationship-building engagements.
• Develop compelling cases for support for Wootlab's priority programmes and areas of work.
• Support the development of corporate giving, philanthropy and other appropriate non-grant funding channels.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing funders and identify opportunities for renewal, expansion and repeat funding.
• Ensure funders receive appropriate engagement and stewardship beyond formal reporting requirements.

Opportunity Development & Proposal Leadership

• Lead the development of high-quality concept notes, EOIs, funding proposals and other competitive submissions.
• Translate Wootlab's programme experience, evidence and ideas into compelling funding propositions.
• Coordinate technical, programme, finance, MEL and management inputs into submissions.
• Ensure proposals respond directly to funder priorities and requirements rather than using generic organisational content.
• Work with Finance and Programme teams to ensure budgets, activities, outcomes and implementation approaches are coherent.
• Maintain a funding calendar and ensure opportunities are identified and developed early enough for strong submissions.

Strategic Partnerships & Consortium Development

• Identify organisations with which Wootlab can pursue larger or more strategic funding opportunities.
• Initiate and support consortium development with NGOs, universities, technology organisations, private-sector partners and other relevant institutions.
• Position Wootlab as a strong lead applicant, consortium member, technical partner or implementing partner depending on the opportunity.
• Work with the Programmes & Partnerships Officer to ensure prospective funding relationships transition effectively into active partnerships and programmes.

Institutional Positioning & Development

• Work closely with the Strategic Communications & Influence function to strengthen Wootlab's positioning with funders and development-sector stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to use Wootlab's programme results, research, evidence and thought leadership to support donor engagement.
• Develop institutional materials including donor briefs, cases for support, capability statements and funding presentations.
• Maintain current organisational information required for due diligence and funding applications in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Provide management with intelligence on donor trends, emerging funding priorities and changes within the development financing landscape.

Who We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in someone who has personally contributed to securing significant funding, rather than someone whose experience is limited to programme implementation or administrative support.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree in International Development, Economics, Business, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Communications or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in resource mobilisation, institutional fundraising, donor relations, philanthropy, partnerships or international development.
• Demonstrable experience developing successful proposals for institutional funders.
• Experience cultivating relationships with donors before and beyond proposal submission.
• Strong understanding of the funding landscape across bilateral/multilateral donors, foundations, corporate philanthropy and development institutions.
• Experience developing partnerships or consortia for competitive opportunities.
• Strong proposal, concept-note and business-writing skills.
• Ability to develop compelling funding propositions from programme ideas and evidence.
• Experience working within Africa's development sector, preferably with knowledge of Nigeria and/or West Africa.
• Strong research, relationship-management, presentation and negotiation skills.