IFF operates a hybrid working policy across all locations, which means employees work some of the time in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

The salary for this role is KES 15,880,000 per annum.

Main purpose of the role

The objective of this role is to support Africa’s self-determination by institutionalizing approaches that will build meaningful partnerships with key African institutions and stakeholders, elevate strategic engagement and communications in-country, and ensure African voices and perspectives are amplified in CIFF Africa decision making. Ultimately, leverage African giving and government funding for CIFF Africa priority investments and initiatives in our focus countries.

As a subject-matter expert, you will contribute to the development of cutting edge and evidence-based co-funding and partnership strategies and plans that ensure CIFF’s leadership in sustainably increasing and optimizing indigenous Africa funding and partnerships, across priority sectors to achieve transformational and lasting change.

The role will be responsible for the design and execution of CIFF’s strategic partnerships and co-funding plan with governments, regional bodies, bilateral and multilateral partners / financing institutions, and other funders in (and for) Africa. The role will also crowd-in domestic co-funding towards CIFF priority areas, increasing the social impact of individual and institutional philanthropic capital as well as elevate Africa’s self-determination to foster inclusive and sustainable development. A Centre piece of the plan is also to drive communications with Africa’s audiences over CIFF’s commitment to meaningful partner in the co-design, co-investment, and co-execution of shared priorities and influence Africa’s development agenda at a global level.

CIFF aims to play a catalytic role as a funder and influencer to deliver urgent and systemic change at scale. The Director, Co-funding and Partnerships Africa is a key member of the For Africa by Africa Pillar and shall actively support the Director & Head of Co-funding and Partnerships Africa & Head of Kenya Office and other Africa team members in maintaining good working relationships with host government officials, regional bodies, bilateral and multilateral partners / financing institutions, individual and institutional philanthropic partners, and other funders.

The role will lead a team of talented colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality portfolio of investment proposals and active programs that contribute to the delivery of the For-Africa-by-Africa sector team priorities, aligned to the Foundation Strategy, and meet the corporate objectives of the CIFF Board.

Role’s responsibilities

As a member of the CIFF Africa Senior Management Team (SMT) you will spend much of your time originating strategic and transformative partnerships and co-investment opportunities, leveraging the increase and optimization of indigenous Africa funding and partnerships, strengthening the enabling environment, and raising Africa’s voices to shape and influence Africa’s development agenda at continental and global level to transformative maximize impact, for Africa’s children.

Take full and collective accountability for the development of Africa’s co-funding and partnerships strategic priorities, systemic solutions with an integrated and holistic approach to program design and delivery – as well as portfolio development and program management of investments, ensuring they are aligned to the For Africa by Africa Pillar and the CIFF Africa Strategy, and meet the corporate objectives of the CIFF Board.

Lead co-funding and partnerships mechanisms including the design and development of ambitious, high-value or complex co-funding models and special purpose vehicles (e.g., impact funds, giving platforms etc) building on global, regional, and national expertise, and ensuring the highest quality product.

Build and strengthen strategic co-funding and partnership opportunities with governments, regional bodies, bilateral and multilateral partners / financing institutions, individual and institutional philanthropic partners, and other funders to maximize CIFF’s transformative social impact and align CIFF’s mission and strategies.

Raise Africa’s voice and self-determination maximizing collaborative creation, contribution, and innovation at the edge of technological possibilities to scale Africa’s development communication and engagement, partnerships and funding, with a localization and integration agenda at continental and global levels.

CIFF seeks “bold solutions”. Boldness brings with it risk, particularly in areas of political, economic, and social controversy, that could damage CIFF’s reputation, endanger its license to operate and pose a threat to programs and grantees as a regulated charity, safeguarding CIFF’s reputation helps secure the sustainability of the organization.

This role will take the lead on political, security, reputational and economic matters, and policy to the Africa leadership, the Africa Risk Working group and provide direction to other staff. Support the Global Team through the provision of reports and papers and conducting of research related to political, security, reputational and economic risk matters.

The role will also:

Provide up-to-date, professional advice to the Executive Team and CIFF Board on related issues, to support the development of the For Africa by Africa Pillar, the CIFF Africa Strategy, and the Foundation strategies, policies, and initiatives.

Take the lead on corporate, cross-cutting initiatives and projects, as required by the Executive Team.

Provide compelling, consistent, and united leadership which creates clarity for all staff in the team and builds a sense of shared accountability for its success and that of the organisation.

Develop and maintain excellent external relationships within the sector specialism, acting at all times as a corporate ambassador for CIFF, to help build the organization’s reputation and profile as a professional, visionary, and collaborative philanthropy.

Deputies for the Director & Head of Co-funding and Partnerships Africa & Head of Kenya Office, as required.

Strategy & planning

As a specialist in development finance and international development sectors, contribute to the development and review of the Medium-Term Sector Plan & Priorities, to ensure CIFF is making maximum impact in those areas with the resources available.

Lead the development and implementation of the team’s annual Executable Plan, to ensure the effective in-year prioritization of resources and activities.

Program development, delivery & performance

Oversee both the development of successful investment proposals and the implementation of high impact programs by a team of Managers and Analysts, ensuring the quality, timeliness and strategic alignment of their work to Foundation priorities and objectives.

Allocate and monitor achievement of individual targets for pipeline, new investments and grant draw-down for all relevant team members, to ensure the team meets its objectives for program development and delivery.

Conduct regular reviews of investment proposals under development and programs in delivery, to monitor compliance with agreed due diligence and risk management protocols, ensuring the interests and reputation of the Foundation are appropriately and proportionately protected. Intervene to take corrective action where necessary.

Ensure all investment proposals and programs are underpinned by appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes and procedures, in accordance with the frameworks and guidance of the Evidence, Measurement & Evaluation (EME) team; this enables the development of rigorous evidence and analysis that supports CIFF’s advocacy, scaling-up and mainstreaming agendas.

Provide casework advice, specialist guidance and mentoring support to colleagues (within and beyond the team) to deepen the skills, capability and professionalism of the organization.

Ensure that appropriate procedures and frameworks are in place to support the effective leveraging and scaling-up of successful programs and initiatives.

Review the processes and procedures in place across the team, to identify and implement improved ways of working that increase operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Lead the collection and analysis of team performance data and management information, in accordance with CIFF corporate frameworks and requirements, to enable timely and effective decision-making and planning.

Personally manage an end-to-end caseload of live programs with a value of c. US$50-100million and an active pipeline of potential investments of c. US$50million, in accordance with the sector priorities and plan.

Sector knowledge and profile-building

Proactively maintain extensive external networks with experts and opinion-formers within the area of personal subject-matter (and/or geographical) specialism, to ensure the Sector team’s work is shaped by the most up-to-date insights and research.

Undertake or commission sector-relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery and evaluation of programs and initiatives.

Working with the External Affairs team, contribute to the development and promotion of high-quality thought leadership, PR and marketing materials to raise awareness about CIFF’s work within the sector, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s communications and advocacy strategies.

Stakeholder and partner management

In accordance with agreed account management principles and plans, identify, cultivate and proactively manage relationships with nominated key partners/stakeholders, to support the achievement of Foundation and sector team objectives in a coordinated manner.

Advise and support more junior colleagues in identifying, negotiating with and managing appropriate program partners (as required), to enable CIFF to maximiser its philanthropic impact through effective collaboration.

Leadership of the team

Offer inspiring and motivational leadership that role models CIFF’s values and leadership behaviors and empowers and enables staff to deliver excellence.

Adopt a coaching approach with colleagues which instills a culture of openness and trust, embraces diverse thinking, and encourages continuous improvement and learning.

Provide ongoing support to all direct reports, ensuring high performance is enabled through objective setting, clear accountabilities, and regular review.