Job Summary

The Senior Program Development Officer (SPDO) will play a crucial role in leading and supporting resource mobilization efforts, development of strategic partnerships, and business development initiatives for the Kenya-Somalia Program of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). This position aims to strengthen the program’s ability to develop quality interventions and secure financial resources for their implementation, enhance its partnerships, and effectively contribute to sustainable program delivery that benefits vulnerable populations in Kenya and Somalia.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development, Resource Mobilization, and Fundraising

• Develop project proposals, including concept notes and full proposals to various funding agencies in alignment with the LWF Kenya-Somalia Program’s strategic goals.
• Develop and implement a resource mobilization strategy to secure funds from various types of donors.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities and maintain an up-to-date database of potential donors and partners.
• Monitor donor requirements and ensure that proposals align with these while meeting the needs and expectations of LWF’s programmatic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, reporting requirements, and deadlines.
• Coordinate resource mobilization initiatives across LWF Kenya-Somalia’s sectors of intervention.

Partnership Development

• Support the identification and facilitation of strategic partnerships with international and local organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, government institutions, and private sector entities.
• Negotiate and facilitate partnerships to ensure mutual benefit, shared objectives, and effective program delivery.
• Contribute to maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors and partners through regular communication and partnership management.
• Represent LWF World Service in relevant external forums and meetings with key stakeholders to promote visibility and build credibility.

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Collaborate with other staff to design and implement initiatives that align with the organization’s strategic goals, community needs, and donor priorities.
• Ensure the integration of sustainability and capacity-building principles in all partnerships and resource mobilization activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to foster innovation and new product development for resourcing.
• Conduct needs assessments and market analysis to identify new program opportunities and areas for growth.
• Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans, budgets, and strategic objectives for resource mobilization.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Track and report on the progress of resource mobilization efforts and fundraising targets.
• Develop donor reports in collaboration with program and finance teams, ensuring compliance with donor expectations.
• Assist in program evaluation to assess the impact and outcomes of partnerships and funding initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to senior management regarding resource mobilization achievements, challenges, and opportunities.
• Contribute to institutional learning by thoroughly documenting and sharing practices on resource mobilization and partnership development initiatives, including on learnings from successful and unsuccessful initiatives.
• Actively participate in new grants inception/launch and closeout workshops/meetings.

Capacity Building and Team Support

• Provide training and mentoring to staff on fundraising, donor relations, and partnership development.
• Collaborate with finance and program teams to ensure proper management and accountability of funds.
• Support the development of communication materials (brochures, donor reports, newsletters, etc.) to enhance visibility and promote LWF’s work.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated professional experience in program development, resource mobilization, partnership development, or business development in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Experience in writing successful funding proposals and securing grants from bilateral, multilateral, and private donors.
• Strong understanding of donor policies, regulations, and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating and managing partnerships with diverse stakeholders (NGOs, UN agencies, government bodies, private sector).

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and compelling proposals and reports.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with donors and partners.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of fundraising platforms and proposal management software is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think and act strategically to identify and pursue opportunities for growth and sustainability.
• Results-oriented: Demonstrated commitment to achieving measurable outcomes and meeting targets.
• Collaboration: A team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and new challenges.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with a positive, solutions-focused attitude.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a high level of initiative.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and accountability.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya, with occasional travel to Somalia and field offices in Kenya.