Programme Development and Partnerships Lead

About the role

The Programme Development and Partnerships Lead will drive resource mobilisation, donor engagement and partnership strategies to support vulnerable children worldwide. Reporting to senior leadership, the role ensures that new funding opportunities are identified early, proposals are evidence‑based, and programmes align with organisational priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct regular donor landscaping, analysis and prioritisation, and develop engagement plans.
• Lead pre‑positioning for new funding calls, gathering intelligence and shaping initial programme designs.
• Create and implement a practical resource mobilisation plan covering corporates, institutional donors, commercial contracts and individual givers.
• Oversee proposal development for medium and large opportunities, including concept notes, lower‑value proposals and grant renewals.
• Collaborate with operations and technical teams to ensure programmes are evidence‑based, strategically aligned and technically sound.
• Work with finance to ensure accurate budgeting, cost recovery and donor negotiations.
• Maintain a multi‑year funding pipeline, providing regular forecasts and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develop and execute external engagement plans, networking with key stakeholders, governments and local partners.

Required profile

• Proven experience in donor relations, resource mobilisation and partnership development within the humanitarian or non‑profit sector.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess donor landscapes and forecast funding pipelines.
• Demonstrated success in leading proposal development and managing complex budgeting processes.
• Excellent collaboration skills with operations, technical and finance teams.
• Ability to represent the organisation in strategic meetings, forums and stakeholder engagements.

Required skills