Fundraising Lead at Synnefa

The opportunity

• We are looking for a Fundraising Lead who can identify suitable funders, build relationships, write strong proposals and turn opportunities into funding. Your primary focus will be grants, foundations and corporate funding partnerships.
• You will work directly with the Founder & CEO, with support from Finance, technical colleagues and the grants compliance team. This is a hands-on role for someone who can take ownership, work independently and follow through.

What you will do

• Build and manage a qualified fundraising pipeline aligned with Synnefa’s growth priorities. Assess funding fit, eligibility, timing and delivery requirements before recommending opportunities.
• Initiate outreach, secure introductions and develop relationships with foundations, institutional funders and corporate funding partners, including opportunities outside open calls.
• Lead concept notes, grant applications, proposals and pitch materials. Work with Finance on budgets and use verified technical, commercial and impact evidence.
• Manage funder follow-ups, due diligence and negotiations through to a funding decision, with CEO support on major relationships and commitments.
• Develop renewals, follow-on awards and funding partnerships with existing funders and suitable consortium partners.
• Maintain accurate opportunity records and funding forecasts. Report progress clearly, identify risks early and recommend practical next steps.
• Hand signed awards to the grants compliance team with complete budgets, conditions and reporting requirements. Support the CEO with materials and due diligence for wider capital raising.

Who we are looking for

• At least three years of relevant fundraising, grant development or funding partnership experience, with verifiable examples of successful awards and your personal contribution.
• Experience identifying opportunities, approaching funders and developing relationships, alongside responding to open calls.
• Clear, persuasive writing and confident verbal communication. You can explain a business, its impact and its funding needs simply.
• Practical understanding of proposal budgets, restricted funding, co-financing, financial information and due diligence.
• Strong organisation, reliable follow-through and confidence using spreadsheets and a fundraising database or CRM.
• A relevant degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in agriculture, climate, energy access, technology or African social enterprises is an advantage.

How success will be measured

• New funding secured against agreed targets, with clear evidence of your contribution.
• A credible pipeline that progresses through funder engagement, proposals, due diligence and funding decisions.
• High-quality proposals delivered on time, accurate forecasts and consistent follow-up.
• Strong funder relationships and complete award handovers to the compliance team.