Partnerships & Resource Mobilization Manager

Role Overview

The Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Manager is IBL's engine for growth, responsible for identifying and securing the funding that enables IBL programs to reach more farmers, communities, and ecosystems. This is a strategic role for someone who can build long-term relationships with donors, write winning proposals, and position IBL as a credible and compelling partner in Tanzania's development landscape.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead IBL resource mobilization strategy, identifying, tracking, and pursuing funding opportunities aligned with IBL thematic areas.
• Research and map prospective donors (bilateral agencies, multilateral organizations, foundations, corporate CSR funds, and government grants) relevant to agriculture, climate, food systems, and rural development.
• Develop and manage IBL's funding pipeline tracker, ensuring a diversified and sustainable grant portfolio.
• Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest in response to calls for proposals.
• Coordinate proposal development processes, bringing together program, finance, and technical staff to produce competitive, compliant bids.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with current and prospective donors, as the primary relationship manager for IBL.
• Represent IBL at donor meetings, development sector forums, agricultural networks, and stakeholder events.
• Manage strategic partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, universities, agribusiness firms, and government bodies.
• Facilitate partnership agreements (MOUs, sub-grant agreements) ensuring compliance with IBL policies and donor requirements.
• Position IBL within Tanzania's development, agriculture, and climate resilience ecosystem, building IBL's profile with key stakeholders.
• Develop IBL's stakeholder engagement plan and manage relationships with government ministries, local authorities, community groups, and private sector actors.
• Represent IBL in sector coalitions, working groups, and networks relevant to food systems, agribusiness, and climate action.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure financial compliance across all grants.
• Support donor reporting by providing narrative updates and partnership information.
• Manage grant close-out processes ensuring lessons are captured for future fundraising.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, or partnerships management in the development sector.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully securing donor funding, including a portfolio of funded proposals.
• Strong knowledge of the international development funding landscape, including USAID, EU, UN agencies, IFAD, FAO, GIZ, and major foundations.
• Experience with agriculture, food security, climate, or rural development programs is a significant advantage.
• Excellent proposal and report writing skills in English.
• Strong networking, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili.

Competencies and Personal Qualities

• Strategic thinker who sees opportunities where others see gaps.
• Persuasive, relationship-driven communicator.
• Results-oriented with a track record of meeting fundraising targets.
• Strong collaborative instinct; fundraising is a team sport at IBL.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical donor relations.
• Deep passion for agriculture, food systems, and sustainable development.