Resource Acquisition Manager

Resource Acquisition Manager – 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 of Biodiversity, Food Systems and Green Economy, and Climate Action. WWF Zambia operates in three key landscapes: the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), 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.

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, implement, monitor, and update the WWF Zambia fundraising strategy and annual work plans to advance conservation objectives and increase income. Conduct environmental scans, donor mapping, and provide donor intelligence on funding opportunities. Lead WWF Zambia’s proposal development process from opportunity identification to negotiation. Ensure concepts and proposals meet donor requirements and align with WWF Zambia’s conservation priorities. Work closely with the Finance Team to develop accurate proposal budgets. Report proactively on fundraising opportunities, pipeline progress, and challenges. Coordinate fundraising efforts with WWF International, WWF Regional Office for Africa, and Global Practices. Capture lessons learned from proposal development to improve future submissions. Identify and develop strategic partnerships with public sector, private sector, and individual donors. Position WWF Zambia for new funding mechanisms, including direct awards, trust funds, tenders, and consortium partnerships. Supervise and maintain the fundraising database (C2G). Identify and manage reputational risks related to grant contracts. Draft capacity statements, past performance references, management plans, and other proposal documentation. Ensure all project proposal processes comply with WWF Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) guidelines and standards.

Partnerships Development and Relationship Management

Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with current and prospective donors. Build strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, INGOs, UN agencies, government institutions, and other partners. Support WWF Zambia’s communication and business development initiatives. Develop partnerships with organizations working in conservation, climate resilience, and international development. Coordinate proposal development working groups and consortium partnerships. Represent WWF Zambia in fundraising, corporate engagement, and partnership communities of practice. Integrate fundraising strategies with landscape conservation approaches. Create opportunities for WWF Zambia senior leadership to engage with donors. Support advocacy and programme development at national and regional levels. Build long-term relationships with donors while proactively managing implementation risks. Monitor donor engagement, reporting, and follow-up activities. Work with programme, communications, and fundraising teams across the WWF Network. Participate in donor meetings, networking events, and funding platforms.

Donor Agreement Management

Facilitate the signing of donor agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with local partners. Monitor compliance with donor requirements, including evaluations, branding, project close-outs, and asset handovers. Coordinate programme and financial reporting. Lead quality assurance and effective management of donor agreements and project development.

Capacity Building

Strengthen WWF Zambia’s institutional capacity to acquire grants. Provide proposal-writing and grants management training to staff. Build the capacity of staff and partner organizations for successful grant acquisition and management. Manage the organizational knowledge database to capture opportunities and track ongoing grants.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Applicants should possess: Master’s Degree in Business Management, Law, Marketing, International Relations, Business Communication, Development Studies, or a related field. At least 10 years of proven experience in business development, sales, financial resource mobilization, or key account management, including at least five (5) years leading fundraising for transformational projects within INGOs, NGOs, not-for-profit organizations, or similar environments. Experience developing proposals for public sector donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of conservation and development issues, donor strategies, funding instruments, and contract administration. Successful track record of building funding partnerships across sectors. Experience coordinating and negotiating with governments and donors. Strong understanding of development partnerships, fundraising, donor strategies, and international relations. Proven financial analysis skills, including budgeting, scenario planning, business case development, and financial reporting. Good understanding of conservation, development, and political interests within WWF-ROA countries. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Strong cross-cultural communication skills. High standards of integrity, credibility, and commitment to WWF Zambia’s mission.

Working Relationships

External: The Resource Acquisition Manager contributes to overall decision-making within the region and works closely with WWF Regional Office for Africa staff, Country Office teams, partner WWF National Offices, Global Programmes, and WWF International.

Internal: The role interacts with government aid agencies, embassies, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, business leaders, the media, donors, consultants, and other stakeholders.

Embodiment of WWF Global Behavioural Competencies

Interested persons should have an interest in and align themselves with WWF’s core organizational values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration.

Application Procedure

Applications should consist of: Cover Letter. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining relevant qualifications and experience. At least three (3) referees, including a current or previous employer. Copies of academic and professional qualifications certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA). Applications should be submitted via email to: [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]

Important Notes

Clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be

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