Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Manager

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and highly qualified Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Manager to support WWF Zimbabwe’s overall fundraising and partnership-building efforts including designing and implementing a multi-year resource mobilization strategy, cultivating strategic partnerships, securing financial resources, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The role plays a central part in sustaining WWF Zimbabwe’s operations and advancing its environmental and social impact.

Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Manager, WWF Zimbabwe 

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? 

Working with WWF could be the opportunity of a lifetime: 

All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realization that nature is our life-support system and that nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge. 

Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife. 

What we do: 

We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable. 

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and highly qualified Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Manager to support WWF Zimbabwe’s overall fundraising and partnership-building efforts including designing and implementing a multi-year resource mobilization strategy, cultivating strategic partnerships, securing financial resources, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The role plays a central part in sustaining WWF Zimbabwe’s operations and advancing its environmental and social impact. 

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe 

Contract Type: Fixed Term 

Major Functions​

Strategy Development and Implementation  

• Develop and regularly update WWF Zimbabwe’s fundraising and partnership strategy, ensuring alignment with national conservation priorities and global WWF goals. 
• Drive the implementation of strategic and targeted fundraising plans to increase revenue from institutional donors, corporate partners, foundations, and other stakeholders. 
• Monitor trends in the donor landscape and identify new funding opportunities and partnership models 

Donor and Partner Engagement 

● Build and maintain strategic relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors, philanthropic institutions, corporations, and government partners. 

● Represent WWF Zimbabwe in fundraising dialogues and partnership-building initiatives, both locally and within the WWF Network. 

● Act as the focal point for donor engagement, proposal development, and coordination of fundraising efforts across the office. 

Proposal and Grant Development 

● Lead or support the preparation of high-quality funding proposals and donor submissions, in collaboration with technical and finance teams. 

● Coordinate the timely preparation of donor reports and ensure compliance with contractual requirements. 

● Work closely with WWF Network offices and partners to jointly develop funding proposals and co-financing opportunities. 

Communications and Visibility 

● Collaborate with the Communications team to produce tailored materials for donor cultivation, engagement, and recognition. 

● Promote WWF Zimbabwe’s mission and achievements to increase visibility among funding institutions and strategic partners. 

Internal Coordination and Capacity Building 

● Facilitate internal planning and coordination meetings related to fundraising and partnerships. 

● Provide guidance and training to relevant staff to strengthen understanding of fundraising best practices and donor expectations. 

● Contribute to knowledge-sharing and organizational learning within WWF Zimbabwe and across the WWF Network. 

Risk Management and Systems 

● Monitor risks associated with funding partnerships and ensure proper due diligence in line with WWF policies. 

● Maintain and update donors and funding databases to support informed decision-making and donor relationship management. 

1. Profile 

Required Qualifications 

• Advanced university degree in business management, international relations, development studies, environmental policy, or any related field relevant to fundraising, partnerships, and sustainable development. 
• At least 7 years of professional experience in fundraising, partnership development, donor relations, or strategic program development, preferably within the non-profit, development, or environmental sectors. 
• Proven experience in preparing successful funding proposals and managing grants from bilateral, multilateral, and/or private donors. 
• Knowledge or qualifications in conservation, natural resource management, or environmental sustainability is an added advantage. 
• Strong understanding of global development and conservation challenges, donor priorities, and funding instruments. 

Required Skills and Competencies 

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in developing compelling proposals and donor materials. 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing donor landscapes. 
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. 
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of local languages is an asset. 
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organization: Courage, Collaboration, Respect & Integrity. 

How to apply? 

Email a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae as one PDF document indicating “Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Manager” in the subject line to hrmanager@wwf.org.zw. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and work permit restrictions might apply. 

Deadline for applications: 1 December 2025. 

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce. Female applications are encouraged.