The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank which was established in 1988. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys international status. ACTS’ governing council depicts its international status. It has representation from Ghana (current chair), Ethiopia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Sweden, COMESA, NEPAD and the East African Science and Technology Commission. It is mandated to support African countries and institutions to harness science, technology and innovation for sustainable development through policy research, convening policy engagements, capacity building and knowledge brokerage. Currently ACTS is pursuing its seventh strategic plan (2022-2026) in which it si pursuing the following five programmes – agriculture food security and nutrition, climate change, STI policy, digital economy and gender, youth and inclusive development. In all the five programs, there increased emphasis on commercialization and scaling up of innovations.
Job Summary:
The Resource Mobilization and Grants Manager will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts by developing and implementing strategies to secure funding from donors, grants, and partnerships. The role involves identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, managing donor relationships, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. The ideal candidate should have experience leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fundraising tools to enhance donors and other development agencies engagement, proposal development, data-driven fundraising strategies, project monitoring and preparation of technical and financial reports.
Location: African Centre for Technology Studies, Konza City, Kenya
Reports to: Executive Director
Contract Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities:
1. Fundraising Strategy and Resource Mobilization
- Develop and execute a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy.
- Identify and engage potential donors, funding agencies, and partners.
- Research and track funding trends relevant to STI policy and technology transfer.
- Leverage AI-powered fundraising tools for prospect research, grant matching, and donor analytics.
- Develop innovative financing mechanisms to diversify income sources.
2. Grant Writing and Proposal Development
Working closely with researchers and the Directorate of Research and Innovation
- Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals and concept notes.
- Coordinate proposal writing processes, including budgeting and partner engagement.
- Ensure alignment of proposals with donor priorities and organizational goals.
- Utilize AI-assisted proposal writing tools to enhance efficiency and quality.
3. Donor Engagement and Relationship Management
Working closely with the Directorate of Communications, Outreach and Partnership
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, development partners, and grant-making institutions.
- Represent the organization at donor meetings, networking events, and funding forums.
- Provide timely updates and reports to donors on program impact and financial accountability.
- Use AI-driven Customer Relationship Management and donor management platforms for engagement tracking and impact reporting.
4. Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Working closely with the Directorate of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- Oversee the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of grant-funded projects.
- Utilize AI-powered M&E tools to track project outcomes, identify trends, and improve program performance.
- Ensure that AI-based dashboards and data visualization tools are used for real-time project monitoring.
- Support research team to prepare high-quality technical reports using AI-enhanced document analysis tools, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements.
5. Grant Management and Compliance
Working closely with Directorate of Finance and Administration
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements, reporting guidelines, and funding agreements.
- Monitor grant-funded programs and provide guidance on financial and programmatic accountability.
- Work closely with finance and program teams to track grant performance and reporting.
6. Capacity Building and Team Support
- Train and support staff in resource mobilization, donor engagement, and AI-driven grant management.
- Develop knowledge-sharing tools and best practices in fundraising and project reporting.
- Provide strategic advice to senior management on funding opportunities and digital transformation in fundraising.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, and STI related fields.
- At least 5 – 7 years of experience in resource mobilization, grant writing, and fundraising for NGOs.
- Proven track record of securing donor funding from foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies, and private sector partners.
- Strong understanding of grant compliance, donor reporting, and financial accountability.
- Experience using AI-driven fundraising tools (e.g., prospect research platforms, AI grant writing tools, donor analytics software, and CRM systems).
- Excellent writing, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Competencies:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- High level of professionalism and integrity.
- Adaptability to a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees by Tuesday 4th March 2025 to hr@acts-net.org
