Join us to help break the barriers to education that steal children’s choices one by one until they have none. Together, we can foster an environment where education unlocks a world of choices, nurturing creativity, resilience, and hope for a better tomorrow. At Children Believe, we won’t stop until every child can dream fearlessly and grow up to live the life they choose to live.

Children Believe is currently recruiting for the following position:  

Grants and Partnership Manager - Ethiopia Office 

The Grants and Partnership Manager (GPM) is responsible for driving the organization's grants acquisition, management, and business development efforts in Ethiopia and in the region. The role is pivotal in expanding Children Believe's funding base, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and fostering partnerships with donors, government agencies, NGOs, and other key stakeholders to advance the organization’s strategic goals and develop strategies for long-term sustainability of projects beyond initial grant-funding, ensuring continuous impact.

The incumbent will lead the process to identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including multi-country and consortium partnerships. Developing and managing strategic relationships with donors such as UNICEF, UNOCHA, UNHCR, GAC, EU, MCF, USAID, DFID, and private corporations will be crucial requirements. The GPM will be responsible for overseeing the development of high-quality project proposals and ensuring alignment with donor expectations. S/He will provide strategic leadership on resource mobilization, including risk management and diversification of the funding portfolio. S/he will be responsible for training and supporting country teams in proposal development using frameworks like Sustainable Livelihoods and Logical Framework. S/he will promote a learning culture within an organization, ensuring best practices in grants and partnership management are shared and adopted across teams.

 The GPM will report directly to the Country Director, offering strategic input on building partnerships and driving revenue generation through innovative resource mobilization strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

This role includes, but not limited to:

1. Grants Acquisition and Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grants acquisition strategy that aligns with the CB’s objectives.

• Identify, research, and pursue new funding opportunities from bilateral, multilateral, foundation, and corporate donors.

• Lead the proposal development process by working with program and finance teams to create high-quality concept notes, proposals, and budgets.

• Ensure that all grant proposals meet the donor’s requirements and align with the organization’s mission.

• Oversee the grants management process, ensuring timely reporting, compliance with donor guidelines, and achievement of project objectives.

• Manage the grant lifecycle from submission to close-out, including budget monitoring, donor communications, and performance reporting.

2. Partnership Development and Management

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, international organizations, and local NGOs.

• Cultivate relationships with new donors and partners, while maintaining strong relationships with existing funders.

• Act as the primary point of contact for donor and partner communications.

• Advocate for the organization’s priorities in external forums, ensuring the NGO is seen as a credible and effective partner.

• Negotiate partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other formal agreements.

3. Capacity Building and Support

• Provide training and support to program and finance teams on donor requirements, proposal development, and reporting standards.

• Build the capacity of local partners in grant acquisition and compliance.

• Mentor and train staff on effective grant management practices, ensuring a culture of accountability and compliance.

4. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all donor regulations, local laws, and organizational policies throughout the grant management process.

• Conduct regular grant audits and compliance checks, identifying and mitigating risks.

• Oversee the development of risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful grant implementation and avoid potential liabilities.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Work with the M&E team to ensure proper tracking of grant performance and results.

• Develop reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and donors, highlighting the impact of programs and partnerships.

• Coordinate with program teams to ensure the timely collection of data required for donor reporting and proposal submissions. 

6. Liasioning & Special Tasks

• In coordination with the CD & DGP, liaise with government authorities, donors, NGOs, and other operational partners, including attendance at scheduled and ad hoc meetings, and represent Children Believe and Children Believe’s interests by maintaining positive, constructive relations, and to raise the profile of the organization.

• Supervise and complete special projects, as assigned, by the supervisors. 

• Lead new grant opportunities that occur in the areas of Resource Procurement and/or Disaster Risk Reduction and/or Emergency Response in coordination with CD and Canada office counterpart. 

• Develops targeted messaging, e.g. corporate capabilities statement and fact sheets.

• Prepare Terms of Reference for consultants, and coordinate their work in project development-related assignments. 

• Ensure Safeguarding protocols are adhered at all levels and all times.

• Other related duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate possesses:

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field; an MBA or other relevant postgraduate degree is a plus.

• 8+ years of experience in development, with at least 3+ years in senior leadership, focusing on education and related priority areas.

• 5+ years in leadership roles, building relationships with development and funding agencies, and successfully writing grant proposals and donor reports.

• 7+ years in grants acquisition for international development organizations, with proven success in securing grants from governments, foundations, and corporations, and meeting grant targets.

• Track record of winning major grant awards exceeding $2M.

• Strong project planning, management, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation experience.

• Experience with Results Oriented and Participatory Development Approach (PDA) tools; familiarity with Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) is an asset.

• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and negotiation skills, with a focus on donor and agency engagement.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with proficiency in local languages being an asset.

• Experience engaging with bilateral and multilateral donors, with a proven ability to identify new business opportunities and partnerships.

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the internet.

• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible schedules in time-sensitive environments.

• Commitment to Children Believe’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

Attributes, Traits, and Behaviors

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Demonstrates ownership, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving.

• Champions organizational values, including respect for diversity, integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Results-oriented, proactive, self-motivated, and responsible.

• Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage changing priorities.

• Effective communicator and collaborative team player.

• Skilled at stakeholder engagement and influential leadership.

• Ability to manage personal health, stress, and well-being.

• Credible presence that commands attention, respect, and instills confidence.

How to Apply

If you believe you have that unique combination of a not-for-profit heart combined with the skills and interest for the “Grants and Partnership Manager - Ethiopia Office” position, please use THIS LINK

• Applications must be submitted in English.

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ethiopia.

Consistent with our Child Protection/Safe-Guarding Policy the successful candidate must receive clearance by a criminal record check.Children Believe is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

We thank all applicants for applying, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

People & Culture Team

Children Believe