Partnerships Officer (Programme Officer)
18 hours ago
London
Partnerships Officer (Programme Officer) Aga Khan Foundation The position AKF(UK) Partnerships Officers are part of the Global Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Partnerships team tasked with identifying funding partnerships and strengthening existing ones to support our strategic goals. Partnerships Officers manage a set of grants across a variety of themes and geographies. They also support engagement with European and Asian bilaterals, multilaterals and foundations to secure funding for ten multi-sector not-for-profit and for-profit agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) operating across Asia and Africa. This is all done in close collaboration with field units, global teams, and our partners. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES Grants Management • Manage a portfolio of grants through regular interface and coordination with AKF(UK)’s partnerships team, AKF(UK)’s programme finance team and relevant AKF/AKDN field units/agencies acting as a central resource for field units in donor best practice., • Interface with donors about the implementation of ongoing grants to ensure strong, enduring relationships., • Coordinate, review, and assure the quality of donor deliverables (e.g. work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans, staffing plans, budgets, close-out plans, donor troubleshooting)., • Ensure adherence with donor requirements, rules, and regulations, and that grant deliverables are produced on time and to a high standard., • Coordinate contractual amendments, changes, and project adaptations, engage with donors in a pro-active and diplomatic way, and flag potential changes (e.g. budget revisions, extensions, risks) in advance to ‘trouble shoot’ and ensure smooth project implementation., • Facilitate grant monitoring efforts including routine coordination meetings and as needed, support with donor steering committees, donor project visits, and donor monitoring missions., • Undertake coordination and administrative tasks related to grants and support the maintenance and update of grant management tools and tracking systems (e.g. Award Information Management System (AIMS))., • Coordinate and facilitate the development, review and quality assurance of expressions of interest, concept notes, and full proposals for funding opportunities., • Conduct due diligence of new partners (donors, NGOs, universities, etc.) in coordination with AKF(UK)’s programme finance team and AKF’s global programmes team., • Develop and contribute to positioning pieces and communication materials (e.g., presentations, narrative overviews) to enable regular and effective engagement with donors., • Research, scan and source relevant information regarding new donors and funding opportunities to identify potential funding matches and gather intelligence around European and Asian donors., • Update donor profiles, researching and summarising latest donor strategies and using AIMS to update AKF/AKDN funding summaries. The requirements QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, BEHAVIOURS, ATTRIBUTES Qualifications • Undergraduate degree essential, • Strong level of fluency in French is highly desirable, • Creativity, critical thinking, and project management, • Entrepreneurial, pro-active self-starter with maturity and emotional intelligence, • Ability to problem-solve, work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with numerous and competing deadlines, • Ability to handle complex relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders in a professional manner, • Excellent writing, speaking and other communications skills, with thoroughness and attention to detail, • Ability to provide stable, consistent, reliable and courteous communication when dealing with external organisations, senior colleagues and community members, • Strong financial literacy, including the ability to read and produce detailed budgets and business plans, • Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce, • French language skills desirable, but not essential, • Understanding and knowledge of the UK/European and Asian donor landscape preferred, • A minimum of 3 years of professional experience, • Experience in developing and writing proposals, developing budgets, business plans/cases, concept papers, briefs, executive summaries, as well as coordinating multiple inputs from a variety of sources, • Experience of managing relationships in complex organisations with numerous stakeholders, • Committed to international development, improving the quality of life, and promoting pluralism through civil society., • Communicates clearly and concisely with a broad range of audiences at different levels; ability to expresses complex ideas and concepts in simple terms; listens to the views of others; changes communication styles to meet individual and audience needs; encourages dialogue and effective communication by others., • Builds, maintains, and deepens constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders with a specific focus on AKF’s mission; balances business situations and the art of dealing with people and communities; changes approach to achieve desired results if required., • Has a customer focused orientation to others, is flexible and always puts the good of others at the centre of decision making; optimises respect for others and is dedicated to AKF’s purpose and fulfilling the mission., • The role will involve travel to countries where we operate programmes, and where the candidate is supporting grants management., • As well as a rewarding role with a global international development organisation, you’ll get access to a wide range of enhanced benefits including but not limited to flexible hybrid working, enhanced leave entitlement and access to several health and wellbeing programmes and benefits., • Must include CV and a supporting statement that outlines why you want the role, why you want to work for AKF(UK) and how your experiences and skills to date make you the most suitable applicant for the role. Sector Social Development About the Agency The Aga Khan Foundation is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life. Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society and business as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together. Job Expires: 25-Mar-2026