ActionAid is a leading international charity. We support women and children in extreme poverty. We fight for their rights and for lasting change.
Role Overview
The Fundraising and Institutional Partnership Lead is a senior role responsible for leading the design and execution of ActionAid Kenya’s institutional fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with both the country strategy and ActionAid International priorities. This role involves defining funding priorities, building a strategic funding pipeline, managing high-level donor relationships, and positioning ActionAid Kenya as a key strategic partner and political actor in the aid landscape.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the design and execution of ActionAid Kenya’s institutional fundraising strategy in alignment with the country strategy and ActionAid International priorities.
- Define and enforce clear funding priorities and criteria.
- Build and manage a strategic funding pipeline focused on multi-year, flexible, and influence-enhancing partnerships.
- Advise the Executive Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) on funding risks, political trade-offs, and emerging donor trends.
Institutional Partnerships and Relationship Management
- Develop and sustain high-trust relationships with bilateral donors, foundations, multilateral agencies, and strategic INGO partners.
- Engage donors upstream to shape priorities, narratives, and funding calls in ways that align with ActionAid’s mission.
- Position ActionAid Kenya as a thought partner and political actor, not just an implementing agency.
Person Specification
Education & Certifications
- A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, policy development, or its equivalent from a recognized University.
- A Master’s degree in social sciences or its equivalent from a recognized University is desirable.
Experience
Appointment to the position will be made from persons who have:
- 10 years of progressive experience in institutional fundraising and partnership development within INGOs, foundations, or bilateral agencies.
- Proven experience securing large-scale, multi-year institutional funding (bilateral donors, foundations, or pooled funds).
- Deep understanding of the political economy of aid, donor decision-making processes, and shifting global funding trends.
- Experience working within complex organisational structures or confederations.
