Development Manager at RefugePoint

Position Overview:

RefugePoint is looking for an experienced Development Manager to help grow RefugePoint’s funding portfolio in Kenya/East Africa. The role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will be a part of our global team—working with staff in Kenya as well as the HQ-based Development Team to develop and implement a local fundraising strategy focused particularly on institutional donors (government, foundation, corporate).

Key responsibilities include conducting robust donor-mapping and funding research, being the lead writer for proposals and reports submitted to local/regional funders, supporting the HQ development team with grant writing and reports for Kenya program activities, and serving as a liaison with the HQ development team to plan and host donor and staff site visits.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, confident, and a strong written and verbal communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a local (Kenya/East Africa) fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Country Director (based in NBO) and the Manager of Philanthropic Partnerships (Based in US).
• Conduct local/regional prospect research and donor mapping—identifying and reporting on new funding opportunities, including researching and vetting prospective government and corporate/foundation donors in the region
• Identify and share relevant funding opportunities with local refugee-led organization partners
• Serve as lead grant writer for local and regional funders, including developing, writing and submitting proposals and reports
• Support the grant writing/reporting process as needed for U.S./European/Canadian donors who are funding RefugePoint’s programs in Kenya
• Build and steward key funder relationships in Kenya and East Africa, including establishing and maintaining relationships
• Coordinate with key programs; Finance and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) staff to prepare proposals and reports
• Support the Development Team in planning, organizing and hosting (or co-hosting) donor site visits to Nairobi (both institutional and individual donors)
• Identify and share funding opportunities with refugee led/serving Community Based.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years professional experience in development/fundraising in Kenya or East Africa, preferred experience in Nairobi
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent, persuasive communication skills (writing and verbal) that engage and inspire others
• At least two years of demonstrated grant writing experience
• Familiarity in managing funder relationships in all stages of the donor management life-cycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship)
• Familiarity with the philanthropic community in Kenya preferred
• Experience working with donor management and CRM software (such as Salesforce) preferred
• Demonstrated passion for RefugePoint’s mission and alignment with its values
• Knowledge and understanding of refugee issues
• Strong time management and prioritization skills; ability to work independently and meet hard deadlines