Senior Strategic Fundraising Leader

About the role

ACAPS, an independent humanitarian organisation founded in early 2026, is looking for a Strategic Partnerships and Grants Manager (titled Senior Strategic Fundraising Leader). The role strengthens relationships with existing institutional donors, identifies and secures new funding partners such as foundations and the private sector, and ensures proposals, donor reporting and partnership offers clearly communicate ACAPS' value. It reports to the Chief Operating Officer and line-manages the Grants Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Fundraising strategy: join the CEO-led fundraising strategy group, track donor trends and opportunities, retain the existing donor base and pursue new revenue routes.
• Partnership development: be the first point of contact for new partnership enquiries, work with the COO to grow the partner base, represent ACAPS at networking and business development events.
• Programme development: coordinate new programmes from concept to contract, lead proposals and revisions, quality-assure log frames and budgets against donor policies and secure internal approvals.
• Due diligence and negotiations: oversee due diligence and applications for new donors (e.g. DG ECHO certification), negotiate with partner organisations and donors on joint proposals and project amendments.
• Support global teams and hubs: give strategic direction on funding and partnership opportunities, develop thematic donor priorities (climate change, anticipatory action, protection) and build teams' capacity to keep a sustainable donor base.
• People leadership: line-manage the Grants Coordinator, guide them on contracts, sub-grant agreements and donor communications, and manage underperformance if needed.
• Grant systems and compliance: put in place and use the right due diligence, contract and grant management processes and guidance.

Required profile

• University degree, ideally a Master's, and at least 9 years' experience in the international humanitarian sector.
• Senior-level experience of fundraising, partnerships, proposal development or grants management at global level in an international humanitarian or development organisation.
• Experience managing grants and service contracts with European donors is a must; hands-on experience with due diligence such as DG ECHO certification is a big plus.
• Experience with donors such as the Dutch MFA, Norad, Sida, ECHO, FCDO, DFAT, GAC, GFFO or large foundations is a big plus; previous ACAPS experience is a significant advantage.
• Excellent written English, good planning and attention to detail, and enjoyment of building relationships and helping build organisational structures.

Required skills

• Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Proposal writing and grant management

Candidates apply through the channel indicated in the original advert; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged. The organisation offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.