Senior Partnerships & Grant Officer at Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA)

Project’s Overview

• GRA is the implementing partner for a portfolio of survivor-centered projects across 19 local government areas in northeast Nigeria. These projects are strategically funded by a diverse group of international partners: the Mukwege Foundation, the Global Survivor Fund (GSF), the French Embassy, and We Are Not Weapons of War (WWOW).
• Through these strategic collaborations, we are working to strengthen the network ofConflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) survivors by providing integrated support. This includes offering tailored livelihood empowerment and essential trauma-informed psychosocial services to facilitate healing and economic stability.
• We are also building the capacity of survivor-led networks, enabling them to become powerful advocates for their own rights. A key component of our work involves utilizing innovative technology by combining direct survivor support with strategic capacity building and cutting-edge technology, we are helping to build a sustainable foundation for resilience and long-term empowerment in the region.

Job Summary

• As a Senior Partnerships & Grants Officer, you will be a results-oriented and passionate member of our team, playing a critical role in securing the resources needed to support our mission.
• You will be instrumental in building and nurturing strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the financial sustainability of our programs.
• This role requires a professional with strong experience in grant writing, proposal development, and donor relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive partnerships strategy to identify, cultivate, and secure partnerships with a diverse range of donors, government agencies, corporations, foundations, and NGOs.
• Lead the grant writing processfrom research and proposal development to submission, ensuring all applications are compelling and aligned with donor requirements.
• Conduct in-depth researchto identify potential funding opportunities and partners that align with GRA’s mission and strategic goals.
• Build and manage relationshipswith both existing and potential partners, fostering clear communication and collaboration.
• Represent GRA at meetings, conferences, and other networking events to promote our work and build our network.
• Negotiate partnership agreements and manage the full grant life cycle, ensuring compliance with all donor requirements.
• Monitor and report on the progress and impact of all partnerships and grants.
• Track all grant submissions, deadlines, and funding received.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, especially program teams, to ensure proposals accurately reflect program needs and activities.
• Stay up-to-dateon current funding trends, donor priorities, and best practices in the field.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive fundraising and communication strategy for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, International Relations, Business, or a related field. A Master’s Degree is a significant advantage.
• A minimum of five yearsof progressive experience in grant writing, partnerships, or fundraising, with a proven track record of securing and managing significant funding from diverse donors.
• In-depth knowledge of the entire grant lifecycle, from prospecting to reporting, with strong expertise in donor compliance.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with a particular strength in crafting compelling, high-quality proposals and technical reports.
• Proven experience leading and collaborating with multicultural teams in challenging environments.

Most Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience managing partnerships and grants for projects in complex, conflict-affected regions.
• A track record of writing and submitting successful, high-value proposals and reports for international funders.
• Highly proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Advanced planning, time management, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to mentor junior staff.
• Proficiency with donor databases and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
• A highly results-oriented, professional, and proactive approach to work.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Must be able to work independently, make strategic decisions, and solve complex problems with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and decision-making skills.