Programme Funding Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 820,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24, Durban-based NGO recruiter, is seeking a Programme Funding Specialist to secure financial resources for conservation initiatives. You will identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and build relationships with donors and funding bodies, supporting projects across KwaZulu-Natal.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in fundraising, proven grant-writing success, and strong writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations, preferably within environmental or conservation sector.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding from diverse sources.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of grant proposal development and funder requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience with donor management software and CRM systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of the environmental landscape in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, CSR programs, and individual donors.
• Develop persuasive and high-quality grant proposals, applications, and reports tailored to donor requirements.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, ensuring clear communication and engagement.
• Collaborate with programme managers to understand project needs and develop aligned funding strategies.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, from identification and application to reporting and stewardship.
• Track grant deadlines and ensure timely submission of all required documentation.
• Monitor funding trends and adapt fundraising strategies accordingly.
• Prepare financial projections and budgets related to funding proposals.
• Represent the organization in funding-related meetings and networking events in Durban and beyond.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all fundraising activities and donor communications.

Skills

Grant writing

Donor relations

Proposal development

Writing/editing

Research techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Development Studies/Business Administration/Marketing or related field

Master's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and impactful non-profit organization committed to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a skilled Programme Funding Specialist. This role is critical for securing the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand our client's vital conservation initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, and cultivating relationships with donors and funding bodies. Based in the coastal city of Durban , this position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to environmental protection efforts in a region of immense biodiversity. We are looking for a highly organized, persuasive, and mission-driven individual with a proven track record in fundraising and grant writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, corporate social responsibility programs, and individual donors.
• Develop persuasive and high-quality grant proposals, applications, and reports tailored to specific donor requirements.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, ensuring clear communication and engagement.
• Collaborate with programme managers to understand project needs and develop aligned funding strategies.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, from identification and application to reporting and stewardship.
• Track grant deadlines and ensure timely submission of all required documentation.
• Monitor funding trends and adapt fundraising strategies accordingly.
• Prepare financial projections and budgets related to funding proposals.
• Represent the organization in funding-related meetings and networking events in Durban and beyond.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all fundraising activities and donor communications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations, preferably within the environmental or conservation sector.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding from diverse sources.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas persuasively.
• Strong understanding of grant proposal development and funder requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in research and prospect identification techniques.
• Experience with donor management software and CRM systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of the environmental landscape in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa is highly desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, based in Durban.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive remuneration package with a salary ranging up to R per annum.
• In addition to a competitive salary, our client provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid contributions, a retirement fund, and paid time off.
• You will have the opportunity to work on impactful environmental projects in KwaZulu-Natal and engage with a passionate team.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers a blend of office-based collaboration in Durban and remote flexibility, supporting a healthy work-life balance.