Overview

Job Overview

Ripple Effect is an international development charity working with smallholder farming communities across several African countries. The organization focuses on sustainable agriculture, gender and social inclusion, and enterprise development, with the wider goal of supporting stronger and more sustainable rural communities.

The Programme and Institutional Funding Manager will join Ripple Effect's global fundraising team and focus on securing institutional funding from governments, multilateral organizations, development agencies, and major foundations.

Based in Kigali or Bujumbura under a hybrid working arrangement, the successful candidate will work closely with Country Directors, programme teams, partners, and fundraising colleagues to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, manage donor relationships, and deliver high-quality reports to funding partners.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Why This Opportunity Matters

This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the financial sustainability of development programmes supporting smallholder farmers and rural communities in Africa.

The role combines fundraising, donor relationship management, proposal development, programme knowledge, partnership building, and impact communication. It is particularly relevant to professionals who enjoy turning programme evidence and data into compelling funding proposals and building long-term relationships with institutional donors.

The successful candidate will work across countries and with a diverse group of development partners, providing valuable exposure to international development funding and large-scale programme development.

Application Tips

Application Tips

Applicants should tailor their application to demonstrate experience in institutional fundraising, donor engagement, proposal development, or international development.

Strong applications should highlight experience with:

Institutional donor fundraising

Government and development-agency funding

Foundation or multilateral funding

Large and complex funding proposals

Donor relationship management

Business development and partnership development

Proposal writing and report preparation

Programme design and development

Using programme data and evidence to communicate impact

Working with country teams and implementing partners

Applicants should provide practical examples of funding proposals they have helped develop, partnerships they have built, or donor relationships they have managed.

Strong written and spoken English is essential. French and other relevant local-language skills should be clearly stated in the application where applicable.

Because the role is part-time, applicants should also make sure their availability is compatible with the stated three-day, 24-hour-per-week arrangement.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Secure institutional funding from governments, multilateral banks, development agencies, and major foundations.

Identify and assess potential institutional donors and funding opportunities.

Develop and manage strong, mutually beneficial relationships with funding partners.

Lead and coordinate complex funding applications in collaboration with programme teams and partners.

Work with Country Directors to develop business development plans.

Identify and prioritize potential donors and strategic funding partners.

Develop compelling funding proposals that clearly communicate programme needs, expected results, and organizational impact.

Work closely with programme teams and partners across Africa to gather relevant information and evidence for proposals.

Transform programme data and evidence into persuasive narratives for prospective donors.

Prepare timely and insightful reports for institutional funding partners.

Maintain effective communication with donors throughout funding processes.

Build relationships with local philanthropists and private-sector leaders where relevant.

Present Ripple Effect's programmes and funding case confidently to prospective donors and other audiences.

Collaborate with fundraising colleagues in Africa and the UK.

Contribute to the development of longer-term funding and partnership strategies.

Maintain high standards of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail throughout funding and reporting processes.

Requirements

Requirements

Relevant professional experience in fundraising, institutional funding, business development, international development, or a related field.

Experience developing funding applications for institutional donors.

Ability to manage complex proposals and coordinate contributions from multiple teams and partners.

Strong written and spoken English.

Strong relationship-building and partnership-development skills.

Ability to communicate programme impact clearly and persuasively.

Strong proposal writing and report-writing abilities.

Ability to interpret programme information and data and turn it into compelling funding narratives.

Proactive approach to identifying funding opportunities.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with programme teams, country offices, partners, and international colleagues.

Confidence presenting funding proposals and organizational priorities to different audiences.

Ability to build relationships with institutional donors, philanthropists, private-sector representatives, and other stakeholders.

French language proficiency is desirable.

Commitment to sustainable development, rural livelihoods, gender and social inclusion, and the mission of Ripple Effect.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the required application documents and submit them electronically.

The application package should include:

Completed application form.

Completed PSEA self-assessment form.

Applications should be submitted in Word or PDF format to the appropriate email address:

Rwanda applicants:
Rwanda.Applications@rippleeffect.org

Burundi applicants:
Burundiapplications@rippleeffect.org

Applicants should clearly indicate the position being applied for and use the following job code in the email subject line:

PFE042 Programme and Institutional Funding Manager

The application deadline is 24 August 2026.

The position is expected to start as soon as possible.

The interview date will be communicated to shortlisted applicants.

For alternative formats of the job description or application form, contact:

Richard.Granville@rippleeffect.org