Job Title:  Strategic Partnerships and Funding Lead

Form Description

Please complete the form below and attach all required documents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

1. Company Overview

Green Scene Energy PLC is a renewable energy company based in Ethiopia, specializing in solar energy solutions and clean cooking technologies. We are committed to providing sustainable energy solutions that address climate challenges in Africa.

2. Position Summary

We are seeking a talented Grant Specialist with strong IT skills to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying grant opportunities, preparing high-quality applications, and managing the entire grant lifecycle from application to disbursement. This position requires excellent writing skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to implement and utilize IT systems to streamline grant management processes. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in securing funding that supports our mission of expanding renewable energy solutions across Ethiopia.

3. Key Responsibilities

Grant & Funding Development

• Research, analyse, and identify diverse grant opportunities across governmental, multilateral, NGO, and private/philanthropic sources.
• Build and maintain a centralized database of funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and award histories.
• Assess funder requirements and alignment with organizational priorities to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage calendar systems to track applications, reporting deadlines, and compliance milestones.
• Monitor policy shifts and emerging trends in renewable energy and climate financing.
• Write compelling, tailored grant proposals supported by project timelines, logic models, budgets, and evaluation frameworks.

Grant Application Development

• Collaborate with technical teams to accurately describe project specifications, outcomes, and impact.
• Prepare complete application packages, including budgets, financial projections, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate internal reviews to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with funder guidelines.
• Implement and refine IT tools to streamline proposal development and submission processes.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Design and maintain digital systems to monitor active grants, deliverables, and disbursement schedules.
• Develop automated reminders for reporting requirements and key milestones.
• Prepare comprehensive progress and financial reports tailored to funder specifications.
• Coordinate with finance and project teams to ensure transparent implementation and accountability.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all grant-related activities and communications for audit readiness.

IT Systems & Data Management

• Develop, implement, and manage digital systems to increase efficiency in grant and partnership management.
• Create automated workflows for application tracking, deadline management, and reporting.
• Build secure databases to organize proposals, contracts, and supporting materials.
• Design dashboards and analytics tools to monitor portfolio performance and identify success patterns.
• Train staff in system use and best practices to ensure adoption and consistency.

Business Partnership Development

• Identify and cultivate partnership opportunities through lead generation, outreach, and networking.
• Research potential collaborators, map key stakeholders, and build interest in joint initiatives.
• Lead negotiations, draft agreements, and oversee contractual processes.
• Track, forecast, and report partnership performance metrics.
• Maintain strong, long-term relationships with partners and explore opportunities for growth.

Relationship Management & External Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Organize and host site visits, meetings, and briefings for current and prospective supporters.
• Prepare briefing packages and talking points for leadership engagement.
• Represent the organization at relevant networking events, conferences, and sector convening.
• Foster relationships with media and journalists to enhance visibility and credibility.

Communications & Knowledge Management

• Develop and implement communications strategies tailored to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Write and edit high-quality content for proposals, reports, press releases, publications, and promotional materials.
• Manage the organization’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms.
• Coordinate the production of visibility, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing products.

Business Development Support

• Support the Business Development Manager in executing departmental strategies and growth initiatives.
• Conduct research, market analysis, and reporting to identify opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Contribute to client and partner proposals, presentations, and pitch materials.
• Assist in planning and coordinating business development events and networking opportunities.
• Participate in strategic planning processes to advance organizational growth.

Focus Grant Areas

• Renewable Energy: Solar power systems, mini-grids, hybrid energy solutions.
• Solar Energy: PV installations, solar home systems, solar-powered appliances.
• Energy Efficiency: Clean cooking technologies, energy-efficient building design.
• Solar Irrigation: Solar-powered pumps, drip irrigation systems, water management.
• Productive Use of Energy: Solar for small businesses, energy for income-generating activities.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Carbon reduction, sustainable energy transitions.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Climate-resilient energy systems, disaster preparedness.
• Gender and Climate Change: Women-led energy initiatives, gender-responsive climate solutions.
• Clean Cooking: Improved cook stoves, alternative cooking fuels, indoor air quality.
• Energy Access: Last-mile distribution, energy for underserved communities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Business Administration, Marketing Management, Engineering, Public Relations, or a related discipline.
• 2–3 years of professional experience in public relations, communications, business development, donor relations, grant writing, or partnership management.
• Strong background in strategic communications, proposal and bid development, consultancy, research, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in building and managing partnerships highly desirable.
• Familiarity with renewable energy, international development, or related sectors preferred.

Required Skills

• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and engaging narratives.
• Strong expertise in database design, management, and workflow automation to improve efficiency.
• Solid knowledge of grant application processes, donor requirements, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, and reporting to support decision-making.
• Excellent project management, organizational skills, and proven ability to meet tight deadlines with accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Amharic is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in managing communications and partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in relationship management, networking, and building long-term collaborations.
• Experience developing strategic communications tailored to varied audiences and platforms.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into accessible, audience-friendly content.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and digital collaboration tools, with practical experience in AI-assisted communication and productivity solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in renewable energy or the climate sector.
• Knowledge of Ethiopian business processes and requirements.
• Familiarity with international development agencies and funding mechanisms.
• Experience with CRM or grant management software.
• Ability to work effectively in environments with fluctuating power availability.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can use the link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScF6mIXJ72qaSUtqEhLSIac1lku7xvX7pe9KobC0uH89oPObQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108730550358168205041