Group Director Fundraising
Summary
Leads fundraising strategy and partnerships for a pan-African financial institution, securing grants and investments to support SME growth and poverty reduction across the continent.
About AGF
The African Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (AGF) is a Pan-African non-bank financial institution. AGF contributes to the promotion of
economic development, vital for the prosperity, stability and poverty reduction in Africa through provision of a mix of financial guarantees and other
products which will reduce the risks supported by financial sector lending to SMEs that have insufficient collateral and support for capacity development of the client financial institutions.
About the role
The Group Director, Fundraising role is
responsible for developing an effective pipeline
of funders that supports the flow of funds
needed to deliver AGF’s mission. The role is
responsible for identifying and securing funding
from both new and traditional sources for AGF’s
priority initiatives.
Key responsibilities:
Strategy & Planning
• Develop and execute well-thought-out fundraising strategies to meet AGF’s goals by establishing
and nurturing funding partner relationships, planning and executing fundraising events to enable
the flow of funds to deliver AGF’s mission.
• Conduct regular market research to understand the funding landscape and proactively identify
new segments.
• Develop and implement the annual fundraising and partnership plan to ensure a healthy pipeline
of potential funders is maintained. • Analyse data to identify trends and develop targeted fundraising strategies.
Leadership
• Set and monitor the achievement of performance and personal development goals for all direct
reports.
• Show resilience, navigate challenges and resolve conflicts with internal and external stakeholders
with diplomacy, sensitivity and transparency.
• Lead grant writing and application processes, coordinating with relevant internal teams to create
compelling narratives and pitches.
• Manage the fundraising team, providing coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for professional
development.
Stakeholder & Partner Management
• Help build AGF’s reputation and profile as a professional, visionary and impactful organization in
the financial services sector on the continent.
• Track fundraising activities and provide regular reports to the executive team and board.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential investors, and donors, including individuals,
corporations, foundations, and government entities.
• Represent the organization at external events and meetings, acting as a champion of AGF’s
mission and vision.
Requirements
Skills & Experience
• Masters’ degree in a business-related field.
• At least 15 years’ progressive experience with a proven track record of success in fundraising,
preferably within a Development Finance Institution setting with sound knowledge of
requirements of the various funder organisations.
• Comprehensive working knowledge and understanding of the international development sector
and the structuring of transactions for impact investments.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage a wide range of
stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and data driven decision-making skills.
• Expertise in grant writing and development of concept notes.
• Good knowledge of the guarantee and technical assistance activities.
• Excellent communication skills with language proficiency in English and French.
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well with people from diverse
backgrounds and cultures.
• Proven success in building and maintaining strategic relationships and working partnerships; has
highly developed influencing and negotiation skills and effectively collaborates to deliver
maximum impact.
• Existing relevant networks in the venture capital, impact investing, grant and philanthropic fields. Key Working Relationships
• AGF Board Members
• Executive Management Team
• Global Partners – DFIs, Donors, Bilaterals, Multilaterals, Private Impact Investors, Charitable
Foundations, African Governments.
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits