FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP · DAR ES SALAAM
Action For Ocean (AFO)
Role purpose
Lead execution of AFO’s existing fundraising strategy and pipeline, converting qualified opportunities into signed commitments, cash received and high-value partnerships. The role supports a five-year resource mobilisation ambition of approximately US$16 million.
- Department: Business Development and Fundraising.
- Reports to: Executive Director and Senior Management Team.
- Full-time contract, renewable based on performance and project continuation.
- Deadline: 25 November 2026.
Core responsibilities
- Own annual fundraising targets and progress opportunities through cultivation, funding ask, negotiation, signed agreement and disbursement; personally close major opportunities.
- Cultivate foundations, individuals, family offices, companies and institutional funders; secure renewed, unrestricted and multi-year support, including US philanthropy through Myriad USA.
- Negotiate partnerships delivering finance, technical capacity, influence or access with tangible results.
- Direct and coach the Business Development and Fundraising Manager; prioritise proposals and coordinate strong, costed requests with programmes, Finance and Communications.
- Maintain a disciplined pipeline with owners, stages, dates and actions; provide monthly forecasts separating prospects, proposals, commitments and cash receipts.
- Negotiate appropriate cost recovery, delivery and reporting terms while protecting AFO’s reputation and community-led conservation model.
- Prepare the Executive Director and Board for high-level fundraising and ensure reliable follow-up.
Qualifications and track record
- At least eight years in fundraising, philanthropy, strategic partnerships or business development, including senior responsibility for resource mobilisation.
- Verifiable personal leadership or closure of significant grants, major gifts, sponsorships or partnership funding. State amounts secured, funder types, dates and your personal role. Proposal administration support alone does not meet this requirement.
- Excellent senior relationship-building, pitching, negotiation, financial judgement, persuasive writing and management skills.
- Experience in international philanthropy or conservation/development funding, with cross-functional management and global funder engagement.
Measures of success
Signed funding and cash against targets; conversion of priority opportunities; quality and value of flexible and multi-year funding; major donor growth, renewal and retention; partnership value; accurate forecasts and timely follow-through.
How to apply
Complete AFO’s online form by 25 November 2026. Upload your cover letter and CV and provide contact details for two professional referees.
Apply on the official form [link available with Premium]Full job description [link available with Premium]
