Grants & Donor Relations Officer

Role Overview

The Grants and Donor Relations Officer supports IBL's fundraising and partnership management functions, ensuring that grant portfolios are well-managed, donor communications are timely and professional, and the organization maintains its reputation for grant compliance and accountability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain IBL grants tracking system, monitoring active grants, reporting deadlines, compliance milestones, and budget status.
• Support the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest, including research, writing, and formatting.
• Prepare donor correspondence, acknowledgment letters, and relationship communication materials.
• Assist in the coordination of donor visits, partner meetings, and stakeholder events.
• Conduct desk research on funding opportunities, donor priorities, and call-for-proposal deadlines.
• Support narrative donor reporting by gathering program data, compiling results, and drafting report sections.
• Maintain organized grant files (physical and digital) containing agreements, correspondence, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Assist in the development of IBL fundraising database, prospect tracking, and CRM records.
• Support due diligence processes for prospective implementing partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Agriculture, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in grants administration, donor relations, or a fundraising support role.
• Good understanding of the development sector funding landscape in East Africa.
• Strong written communication skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, professional correspondence and report sections.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.

Competencies and Personal Qualities

• Highly organized and deadline-driven.
• Professional communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Collaborative team player who supports senior colleagues effectively.
• Curious and proactive; keeps up to date with funding opportunities.
• Committed to IBL's mission and values.