Company Profile

Grameen Foundation is a global nonprofit whose mission is to enable the poor, especially women, to end poverty and hunger. It uses digital technology and local partner networks to create breakthrough solutions – spanning financial, agricultural, and community agent service delivery – that bring people the tools and opportunities they need to help themselves. For more information, visit www.grameenfoundation.org. Learn more about our rich, innovative organizational culture here; learn about our Mission, Work, and Impact here.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY & KEY PRIORITIES: The Institutional Relations Manager is responsible for leading a pipeline of institutional funding opportunities and relationships, with a priority focus on Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America.

The Manager will manage a pipeline of institutional funding opportunities focused on Grameen’s signature programs: Community Agent Networks, Digital Innovations in Agriculture, Digital Financial Services and Women’s Economic Empowerment. S/he will coordinate the pursuit of these opportunities in partnership with a range of local private sector and civil society partners, while ensuring consistent follow through with Grameen’s country, regional and technical program teams. Following a standard Opportunity Lifecycle Process, s/he will shepherd opportunities from inception to handover, and ensure the successful submission of well-written, high-quality, competitive concept notes and proposals to institutional funders, including with the US Government, other bi-lateral / multilateral donors, and corporate and professional foundations. In addition to extensive writing, as well as budgeting, the role involves cultivating business intelligence, attending external events, and networking, coordinating and facilitating meetings, and managing database accounts. Philanthropy Officer

A full-time hire, the Manager, IR will be based either from a Grameen local office (if Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Philippines or Washington, DC) or virtually (if in another country). 

The position requires a candidate who is highly proactive, with a strong work ethic, professional demeanor and customer service mentality, who truly enjoys writing, meeting new people and facilitating teamwork.  S/he must be willing to accommodate their schedule to meet with colleagues in other time zones, which typically involves evening and morning meetings on a regular basis.

Candidates MUST HAVE at least 5-10 years of relevant experience and can demonstrate they have achieved significant results in similar roles. They must also demonstrate superior writing skills and strong verbal communication competencies, as well as a deep commitment to locally-led development.

Reporting and relationships: The Manager, Institutional Relations will report to the Senior Director, Institutional Relations who is based in Washington, DC. S/he will develop strong working relationships with the other IR team members, Regional and Country Directors, Technical Directors, project managers and budget/finance analysts.

Availability and Travel: This position is exempt and will be expected to work 100% of a standard workweek of 40 hours.  The Manager will follow Grameen Foundation’s safety and security protocol regarding the COVID-19 pandemic including location of work. TheManager may be required to travel domestically and/or internationally 1-2 trips/year.

KEY RESULTS:

• Conduct networking to develop relationships with institutional funders and partners, espeically those based in close proximity to where the Manager is also based. Expand list of contacts and enhance the organization’s knowledge of priorities, trends and opportunities regarding this donor base;
• Lead a robust pipeline of institutional funding opportunities ranging from early stage capture to full proposal development across Grameen’s signature program areas;
• Conduct networking to develop relationships with institutional funders and partners, espeically those based in close proximity to where the Manager is also based. Expand list of contacts and enhance the organization’s knowledge of priorities, trends and opportunities regarding this donor base;
• Lead a robust pipeline of institutional funding opportunities ranging from early stage capture to full proposal development across Grameen’s signature program areas;

Required Skills or Experience

• Solid understanding of the proposal development process and demonstrated success managing aspects of proposal development to institutional funders, including strategic partnership development;
• 5-10 years of experience in new business development within international development, preferably within agriculture, financial services, women’s empowerment or relevant field, with proven results in similar roles.
• Exceptional writing skills and fluent English language skills - A Must Have Requirement;
• Ambitious, self-directed with passion for winning combined with a willingness to learn and adjust;
• Experience developing at least 3-5 strategic partnerships;
• Experience developing at least 1 USG-funded proposal, with experience implementing USG projects a plus;
• Bachelors (or Masters) in international development, business, or a related field;
• Knowledge of and interest in digital agriculture, digital financial services, and/or women’s economic empowerment within international development contexts, especially in Southeast Asia;
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to independently lead complex processes;
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral) and facilitation skills;
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a team in a highly dynamic environment to gather and synthesize information;
• Demonstrated experience and interest in working in a global/multicultural organization across multiple time zones;
• Professional and willing to serve others to ensure work is completed;
• Strong computer and database skills and comfort (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Salesforce or other CRM);
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and advancement of gender equality in line with Grameen Foundation’s mission.
• Relocation assistance will not be provided.