Procurement & Resource Acquisition Specialist

Procurement & Resource Acquisition Specialist

WWF ZAMBIA COUNTRY OFFICE

1.0. INTRODUCTION – WWF ZAMBIA

WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 38 million followers and a global network active through local leadership in over 100 countries. WWF Zambia was established in 1962. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. At its core, WWF Zambia envisions a future where both people and nature thrive. The organization works across key thematic areas: Biodiversity, Food Systems and Green Economy and Climate Action. WWF Zambia operates in three key landscapes: the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Kafue System, and the Upper Zambezi. These landscapes are critical for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience. Driven by science, advocacy, and multi-sector partnerships, WWF Zambia catalyzes impactful solutions that ensure communities benefit from healthy ecosystems while safeguarding vital habitats for future generations. WWF is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the positions outlined below.

RESOURCE ACQUISITION MANAGER

Location : Lusaka

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The Resource Acquisition Manager is responsible for resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and donor agreement management. The role oversees the organization’s resource acquisition efforts by leading the identification, pursuit, and development of funding opportunities for WWF Zambia, maintaining a strong donor pipeline, coordinating proposal development processes, and securing resources aligned with the Country Office’s conservation priorities. The Resource Acquisition Manager also works to build capacity and create an enabling environment for WWF-Zambia to develop strategic partnerships, which play a crucial role in advancing the delivery of conservation priorities. In addition, the role ensures the effective management of donor agreements, including quality assurance and timely compliance with donor requirements during implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Resource Acquisition and proposal development

Develop, execute, and continuously refine the WWF-Zambia fundraising strategy and annual work plans to advance conservation objectives and drive revenue growth, while providing regular progress updates. Conduct an environmental scan / Frequent donors are identified, and potential funding sources are mapped while delivering donor intelligence, including thematic orientations, engagement modalities, entry points, and forecasts. Experienced professionals are sought to spearhead the Zambia Country Office’s proposal development process, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence. In conjunction with the Revised: Director of Conservation and related personnel, we oversee the entire process from initial capture through to successful negotiation. The WWF-Zambia proposal development framework outlines structured procedures for submission. Ensure all concepts and proposals fully comply with donor requirements and are in strict alignment with the Zambia Country Office’s strategic objectives and guidelines. Strategy and conservation priorities to ensure effective and successful proposals, including a pipeline tracking system to ensure all proposals are recorded, tracked and escalated appropriately. Work closely with the Finance team to ensure a smooth and effective budgeting process for proposal development, seeking active collaboration between members of the Country Office (CO) team, Region of Africa (ROA) team, external consultants, as well as other experts on development of robust and quality proposals. Report proactively on the status of the pipeline and fundraising processes to WWF-Zambia CD, proactively sharing information on opportunities and fundraising challenges within the CO, but also with the ROA. To foster enhanced collaboration and ensure cohesive actions, the team will be restructured. Collaborate with WWF-International and WWF ROA, alongside leads from WWF-Practices and Initiatives, to drive and execute fundraising objectives effectively. Capture and apply insights gained from the project development process to enhance future proposals, foster knowledge sharing, and promote continuous learning. Responsible for identifying, researching, developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with Public sector, Private sector and individual donors in close consultation and coordination with the WWF-Zambia Conservation Head and WWF fundraising teams across the network, with a focus on opportunities from the Africa Region. Identify, scope and position WWF-Zambia as a partner of choice for new funding modalities such as direct awards, trust funds, tenders and complex consortia partnerships in line with WWF’s gatekeeping policies. Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of the fundraising database (C2G) to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and facilitate informed decision-making by senior leadership. Assess and lead the mitigation of significant reputational risks for WWF associated with the implementation of grant agreements. In collaboration with the Country Director and program technical teams, develop capacity statements, past performance references, management plans, and other essential proposal components. Ensure strict adherence of all project proposal processes to the established ESS guidelines and standards.

Partnerships development and relationship management

Lead the development and maintenance of effective relationships with current and prospective donors; support the Zambia Country Office with networking and liaising with key in-country and international donors. Identify key strategic partnerships for the country office and WWF as a whole, including civil society organizations, INGOs, UN and government entities, and develop and support strategies to cultivate partnerships. We focus on advancing critical programs and strategic initiatives. Actively engage in and support Zambia Country Office’s communication work; ensure business development collateral (a portfolio of quality program and project proposals, research and evidence of impacts of WWF-Zambia work) are up to date and ready for sharing with potential donors. Scope and develop partnerships with other organizations working in the international development, climate resilience and environment/ Natural resources sector and provide effective coordination for the establishment of proposal development working groups with representatives from key stakeholders within and outside the country office (consortium formation). Serve as the primary liaison for WWF-Zambia within network communities of practice dedicated to fundraising, public sector partnerships, and corporate engagement, as appropriate. Develop and spearhead the integration of a national-level fundraising strategy with the landscape conservation approach, creating customized fundraising action plans tailored to specific landscapes. Foster consistent engagement between WWF-Zambia senior staff and a diverse range of donors to solidify WWF-Zambia’s reputation as a premier implementation partner. Assist in advancing the advocacy efforts and bolstering WWF-Zambia’s capacity to shape and define key programmatic priorities at both the national and regional levels. Build trust and long-term partnerships with key donors and investors, ensuring that potential risks in project implementation are communicated to donors timely and adequately and that potential reputational issues are being addressed as quickly and effectively as possible. Monitor overall donor and strategic partners outreach activities to ensure that relationships, content development, follow-up and reporting are being managed appropriately. Work with program, communications, and fundraising staff from across the WWF network to develop a range of fundraising, communications and marketing materials to support WWF-Zambia’s conservation activities. Engage proactively in key donor meetings and industry networking events to strengthen and expand funding partnerships. Participate and contribute to relevant funding platforms to broaden perspective on industry trends, keep up to date on changes to funding and application processes and jointly influence donor funding architecture.

Donor Agreement Management

Prepare and execute agreements with donors and establish Memoranda of Understanding (Mouse) with local partners. Ensure strict compliance of grants and projects with specified terms and donor requirements, encompassing evaluations, branding mandates, project close-out procedures, and asset handover protocols. Oversee the preparation and submission of routine program and financial reports, ensuring adherence to all contractual obligations. Lead the quality assurance and effective management of donor agreements with WWF Zambia Country Office and overall quality assurance of project and programme development.

Capacity Building

Enhance the operational capabilities of the WWF Zambia Country Office to successfully secure essential grant funding. Offer comprehensive training to field personnel in the areas of proposal development and grant management, with a focus on enhancing their proficiency in proposal writing and report preparation. Develop the skills and competencies of staff and partner organizations to effectively secure and oversee grants. Lead the management of the knowledge database to ensure information is shared among technical team, field program and other concerned staff, to capture new opportunities and track the ongoing grants.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

A Master’s degree in Business Management, Law, Marketing, International Relations, Business Communication, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline is required. At least 10 years of proven experience in business development, sales, financial resource mobilization, key account management, of which at least five (05) years have been in designing, developing and fundraising for transformational projects with INGOs/NGOs/ Not-for-profits/ and/or in a leadership role preferably within an International Development organizations or complex matrix environment. Accomplished in crafting comprehensive project proposals tailored to diverse philanthropic stakeholders, such as government entities, grant-making foundations, and corporate funding bodies. Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English communication is essential. Professionals should possess a comprehensive understanding of conservation and development challenges, along with expertise in donor strategies, funding mechanisms, and contract management. Established a strong history of fostering collaborative funding initiatives spanning diverse industries and sectors. Skilled in managing communications and negotiations with governmental entities and donor organizations across various tiers. Demonstrates a strong grasp of development partnerships, fundraising methodologies, donor strategies, operational functions, and international relations. Proven financial analysis skills which include, but are not limited to, preparing and reading financial dashboards, scenario planning, financial investment decision-making, business case development; Proficient knowledge of conservation practices, developmental frameworks, and political dynamics within the countries encompassed by WWF-ROA. Excellent interpersonal skills, and proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships, negotiate/mediate on issues, chair, resolve conflicts, and develop capacity; Demonstrates self-motivation and the capacity to deliver high-quality work promptly, even under strict time constraints, both during and outside standard office hours. Exceptional ability to navigate and thrive in diverse cultural environments, coupled with adaptability in managing various types of collaborative relationships. Professional Rewriting: The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong personal integrity, unwavering credibility, and a deep commitment to the mission and objectives of WWF Zambia.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

External: He/she contributes to the overall decision making in the region. S/he works closely with staff in other departments on a daily basis, particularly with the Conservation and Finance teams at ROA and country level. S/he also coordinates and interacts with partner WWF National Offices, Global Programmes WWF International, especially staff who have relations with partners in the region (e.g., Public Sector Partnerships focal points in the National Organizations).

Internal: Interacts with government aid agency donors, embassies, national governmental institutions, non-governmental Organisations, academic institutions, business and industry leaders, the media, donors, specialists / consultants, and other stakeholders.

WWF Global Behavioral Competencies are embodied in this role. Individuals who are enthusiastic about this opportunity must demonstrate a strong alignment with the core values upheld by WWF, namely: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications, consisting of a cover letter, a detailed CV outlining relevant qualifications and experience, and at least three (03) referees (including a current or previous employer), together with copies of academic and professional qualifications. Submissions must be emailed and accompanied by documentation duly certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZARA) to [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] . Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Applicants for the Landscape Manager positions should also include the location they are applying for in the subject line. The application submission deadline is set for August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Applications submitted beyond the designated deadline, whether in date or time, will not be reviewed. Only candidates who have been selected for further consideration will receive communication.

Contact Email : [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]