Manager, Partnerships (Blended Finance)

AI summary

AECF is hiring a Manager, Partnerships (Blended Finance) in Lagos, Nigeria. The role will secure funding and build partnerships for AECF Capital, a recently created blended finance vehicle, including fundraising, proposal development, partner relationship management, and team leadership. Requires a BA/BSc/HND and 6-8 years of relevant experience; full-time position.

• Full-time role based in Lagos, Nigeria for AECF Capital.
• Focus on fundraising, proposals, partnerships, and resource mobilization.
• Requires BA/BSc/HND and 6-8 years of relevant experience.

Original source description

The AECF is a development institution that supports businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa. It provides concessional capital, technical assistance, and support to the wider enabling environment for emergent and scaling SMEs. Over... Read more about this company Manager, Partnerships (Blended Finance) Job Type Full Time Qualification BA/BSc/HND Experience: 6 - 8 years Location Lagos Job Field Finance / Accounting / Audit The Role The Manager, Partnerships, will help AECF deliver its ambitions by securing new funding and building strong partnerships for the recently created blended finance vehicle AECF Capital. The role identifies and pursues opportunities, develops strong and fundable proposals, manages key partner relationships, and coordinates internal teams to deliver high-quality partnership engagements. Key Responsibilities: Business development and fundraising: Identify and pursue new financing opportunities aligned with AECF Capital’s blended finance mandate (grant funding to anchor the capital stack and for providing technical assistance, concessional debt for on-lending and equity for de-risking) and manage opportunities from lead to close. Develop strong proposals and partnership offerings (concept notes, bids, grant applications, advisory/fund management proposals), coordinating input across AECF to produce compliant, competitive submissions. Design and package catalytic funding approaches with partners (e.g., DFIs, blended finance structures, innovative vehicles) that unlock investment into AECF Capital. Maintain and grow existing fundraising streams by strengthening relationships, tracking renewals and follow-on opportunities, and improving conversion of the pipeline into signed partnerships. Develop Resource Mobilization standard operating procedures (SOPs) with specific guidelines on how all stages of the blended finance business development cycle will be planned for and executed against, including the assignment roles and responsibilities: across departments (e.g., programs team, finance team, communications, gender, etc.) Manage all Financing Relationship/Business Development related events – including donor liaison meetings, partnerships and other meetings relevant to resource mobilization. Partnerships development: Manage priority partner relationships, understand partner objectives, maintain active engagement, and identify new opportunities to deepen collaboration. Scope and identify strategic future blended finance partners by assessing their priorities, strategies and long-term goals. Build new strategic partnerships with funders that expand AECF’s reach and delivery options. Represent AECF internally/externally in partner meetings, sector forums, and stakeholder engagements, positioning AECF Capital’s work and capabilities clearly and consistently. Connect program delivery to partnership opportunities by working closely with program teams to package results, evidence, and stories into partner-ready materials. Develop and implement comprehensive donor relations/stewardship strategies to enhance engagement and retention. Further, support enhanced stewardship through oversight of reporting, and robust use of data and CRM systems. Team management: Manage and support partnerships team delivery, ensuring clear work plans, quality control, and on-time execution across bids, proposals, and partner engagement. Improve processes for the partnership pipeline specifically for AECF Capital (lead tracking, bid/no-bid decisions, proposal calendars, review processes, partner touchpoints), and coordinate internal delivery across functions (sector/program, finance, legal, MEL/impact, communications) to ensure timely, compliant submissions. Suitable candidates should Possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Finance, International Relations, Development Studies, or other relevant fields of study. Have at least 6-8 years’ relevant experience, 5 of which must be related to professional experience: in strategic partnerships and fundraising from major government donors, multilateral agencies, corporate donors, and/or foundations and DFIs. Possess strong networking and relationship-building skills; and demonstrate ability to form productive working relationships with a wide range of external and internal parties. Have experience: in data-driven decision-making and planning relating to strategic partnerships and resource mobilization. Have proven record of success in institutional, foundation, individual, and/or corporate partnership building. Demonstrate familiarity with the international development sector and understanding of major public and private donor perspectives, with specific experience: in blended finance and working with DFIs and other concessional capital providers. Show familiarity with fundraising in the impact investments space. Demonstrate strong team and project management skills. Have a high degree of initiative and energy, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail. Possess excellent writing and communication skills. Fluency in English & French is required. Check how your CV aligns with this job Method of Application Interested and qualified? Go to Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund on recruitment.aecfafrica.org to apply Build your CV for free. 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