Director of Strategic Partnerships – Africa

Based in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Are you a dynamic networker, partnership builder, and fundraiser with a drive to enable small-scale farmers in Africa to escape poverty? Join KickStart International, an award-winning nonprofit social enterprise with an ambitious mission to empower millions of smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa to climb out of poverty quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

KickStart promotes sustainable economic development, weather resilience, and food security by designing, manufacturing, and distributing small-scale irrigation technologies. Our bold vision of an income and food-secure future in Africa is built upon a commitment to providing and advocating for equitable access to the tools and knowledge that make smallholder farming a productive and resilient enterprise.

Position Overview

KickStart International is seeking an experienced professional to join our team in Nairobi. This senior-level position is responsible for building partner relationships in Africa with NGOs, governments, and other funders to secure the resources needed to fuel our growth and achieve our ambitious goals. Reporting directly to KickStart’s President & COO, the incumbent will collaborate closely with senior country staff across Africa, our CEO & co-founder, and our U.S.-based Partnerships & Fundraising team.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and qualify potential partners with synergies and opportunities for collaboration and funding/resource mobilization in alignment with KickStart’s strategic goals and programmatic objectives.
• Research and track relevant fundraising calls and opportunities from major multi and bi-lateral donors, African governments and institutions, NGOs, and private, corporate, and public foundations operating in and providing development funds in countries of interest across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Conduct extensive networking and cultivate relationships with NGOs, bi/multilaterals, governments, corporations, and other key stakeholders to build a pipeline of potential funders.
• Develop and write concept notes and proposals to secure multi-year funding.
• Collaborate with regional and country managers to develop cohesive fundraising strategies that leverage regional strengths and opportunities.
• In collaboration with executive staff, regional and country managers, and U.S. fundraising staff, lead and facilitate the negotiation and implementation of partnership agreements, as well as plans for mobilizing and allocating resources, securing the required legal and financial clearances.
• Write donor reporting documents, ensuring conditions and obligations of partnership agreements are met.
• Represent KickStart at conferences and events to amplify KickStart’s smallholder farmer agenda and advocacy work to irrigate Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in NGO, bilateral, multilateral organizations, and/or the private sector.
• Experience developing partnerships with NGOs, bilateral or multilateral organizations.
• Demonstrated experience writing concept notes, proposals, and reports.
• Track record of securing funding.
• Experience in working collaboratively and adaptively within dynamic and complex environments, adjusting strategies to meet evolving partnership needs.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and occasionally to the US and Europe.
• Ability to think entrepreneurially and “out of the box.”
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English; written and spoken French is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s, preferred) in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, political science, social sciences, business, or public administration).

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits package

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@kickstart.org.