Strategic Partnerships & Grants Officer at Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Womens Health - BFFWH

Role Summary

• The Strategic Partnerships & Grants Officer is a dynamic and pivotal role within the organization, responsible for driving resource mobilization, fostering impactful collaborations, and ensuring the successful acquisition and management of grants. This position combines strategic thinking, relationship building, and excellent project management skills to enhance the organization’s sustainability and programmatic reach.
• The officer will identify funding opportunities, cultivate donor and partner relationships, and oversee grant applications and compliance processes. They will also serve as the organization’s representative in building alliances, promoting its mission, and working collaboratively with internal teams to align grants and partnerships with strategic objectives.
• By integrating grant management and partnership development, this role ensures that BFFWH has the resources, networks, and collaborative support needed to address critical women’s health challenges and achieve its mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Management

Grant Identification and Research:

• Continuously research and identify new grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Maintain a database of prospective funding opportunities and timelines.

Proposal Development:

• Write and submit high-quality grant proposals, tailored to meet specific donor requirements.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop compelling project descriptions, budgets, and measurable outcomes.

Grant Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors, including financial reports, project updates, and impact assessments.
• Develop and monitor grant agreements to ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational policies.

Relationship Management with Funders:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with grant-making organizations, including foundations, government agencies, and institutional donors.
• Act as the primary point of contact for existing funders, responding promptly to inquiries and providing regular updates.

Partnership Development

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including NGOs, governmental bodies, corporate organizations, and academic institutions.
• Represent the organization at networking events, conferences, and meetings to promote its mission and programs.

Collaboration Opportunities:

• Identify and pursue potential partnership opportunities to expand program reach, leverage resources, and enhance impact.
• Develop Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and other agreements to formalize collaborations.

Advocacy and Alliances:

• Coordinate with advocacy teams to engage partners in joint campaigns or initiatives.
• Build coalitions to address key women’s health challenges, particularly those impacting reproductive health and fistula patients.​​​​​​​

Resource Mobilization and Diversification

Diversified Funding Strategies:

• Develop strategies to diversify the organization’s funding sources, including corporate sponsorships, private donations, and institutional grants.
• Explore innovative fundraising approaches, such as cause marketing, crowdfunding, and social enterprise partnerships.

Donor Stewardship:

• Organize donor appreciation events, site visits, and recognition campaigns to enhance donor loyalty.
• Work closely with the communications team to showcase impact stories and engage donors through newsletters and social media.​​​​​​​

Strategic Planning and Data Management

Strategic Alignment:

• Work with leadership to align grant applications and partnership goals with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning by identifying trends in funding and partnership opportunities.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Collaborate with M&E teams to develop metrics and tools to measure the impact of grants and partnerships.
• Use data to demonstrate program effectiveness and communicate value to stakeholders.

Knowledge Management:

• Maintain a centralized repository of grant applications, partnership agreements, and donor communications for institutional memory.
• Document lessons learned from grant applications and partnerships to improve future initiatives.

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Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay updated on global and regional trends in philanthropy, donor priorities, and public health challenges affecting women.
• Ensure ethical practices in fundraising and partnership development, adhering to transparency and accountability standards.
• Conduct regular training for staff to enhance grant writing and partnership management skills.Requirements

Qualifications and Skills Competencies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree is an added advantage).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant writing, partnership development, fundraising, or a related role within the non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of securing and managing grants from institutional donors, foundations, and international agencies.
• Strong understanding of the non-profit landscape, especially in the areas of women’s health, public health, or community development.
• Experience in donor engagement and relationship management, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships.
• Familiarity with grant compliance regulations, reporting requirements, and financial management practices.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align partnership opportunities and grant proposals with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Grant Writing Expertise: Exceptional ability to develop compelling, data-driven proposals and applications tailored to donor requirements.
• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and sustain effective partnerships with donors, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Project Management: Proficiency in coordinating multiple projects, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and donor expectations are met.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Capacity to identify funding opportunities, analyze donor trends, and generate insights to enhance proposals and partnerships.
• Financial Acumen: Basic knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation for grant and partnership activities.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with program teams, finance, and leadership to align grant and partnership initiatives.
• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills to manage deadlines, documentation, and compliance with donor expectations.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate a fast-paced environment and respond to emerging opportunities or challenges.

Technology Proficiency:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and donor management software.
• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana) and CRM platforms.
• Familiarity with online grant application portals and reporting platforms.