Aceli Africa ("Aceli") is a market catalyst mobilizing finance for small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector in East Africa. Informed by original data on the economics of agri-SME lending, Aceli Africa is designed to align capital supply and demand to mobilize $500M in lending to agri-SMEs while creating a more sustainable and competitive marketplace.
Role Overview
The Senior Associate, Business Development will focus on donor relationship management, impact reporting, and fundraising strategy. This role involves synthesizing complex program data into compelling narratives and maintaining a healthy pipeline of funding opportunities to support Aceli’s mission. The role requires flexibility to accommodate various time zones and periodic international travel.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Relationship & Pipeline Management (40%)
- Cultivate and steward donor relationships in collaboration with a team, including the CEO, Head of Strategic Initiatives, and Chief of Staff.
- Draft concept notes, proposals, results frameworks, and budgets for new or renewal funders, considering donor restrictions and Aceli’s funding needs.
- Maintain the donor pipeline by tracking renewal cycles, identifying risks, and providing weekly reports to the Chief of Staff and CEO on active conversations and progress.
- Develop briefing notes and background research for the CEO and other leadership team members ahead of donor meetings and events.
Impact Reporting & Narrative Development (40%)
- Lead the coordination of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual donor reports by proactively gathering data from program teams across the organization.
- Synthesize complex program data into compelling impact stories and proposals that align with donor interests and Aceli’s mission, alongside the communications lead.
- Prepare quarterly steering committee materials and ad hoc donor requests.
- Serve as a final internal reviewer for all donor-facing documents, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Aceli’s voice.
Special Projects & Fundraising Strategy (20%)
- Conduct market mapping to identify new funding opportunities, bilateral/multilateral leads, and strategic partners.
- Identify and implement improvements to the fundraising and reporting process, including how to incorporate artificial intelligence solutions.
- Assist the Chief of Staff in preparing board-level presentations and materials related to fundraising progress and organizational growth.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, business administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in business development, grant management, or executive-level project management.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills; able to take complex technical information and make it accessible and persuasive.
- Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- A self-starter who identifies needs before they are flagged by leadership and presents potential solutions.
- Proficiency in Salesforce, PowerBI, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
- Motivated and eager to contribute to a growing, mission-driven organization.
- Professional with a demonstrated record of the highest integrity and ethical conduct.
- Ability to have flexible hours to accommodate time zones (East Africa and US/Europe).
- Willingness to travel 2-3 times per year to Washington DC (if based in Nairobi) or Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Experience in agriculture, Africa, finance, and/or impact narration will be an added advantage.
- Commitment to and understanding of Aceli’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the SmartRecruiters portal by following this link: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1160502
