About the Organisation

Mamwana Foundation is a Mchinji-based charity focused on removing barriers faced by underprivileged children and marginalized families. The organisation is seeking a suitably qualified, dynamic, strategic and highly organised individual to fill the position of Research, Funding and Development Lead.

Job Purpose

The Research, Funding and Development Lead will be responsible for researching educational needs in target communities, developing effective programmes, mobilising resources, identifying and securing funding opportunities, and supporting the overall growth and sustainability of Mamwana Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy.
• Identify and map funding opportunities from institutional donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
• Lead proposal development, including narrative proposals, logical frameworks and project budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors and funding partners.
• Oversee organisational research initiatives, baseline surveys and evaluations.
• Ensure research activities comply with academic, ethical and institutional standards.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights, policy briefs and reports.
• Represent the organisation at research, policy and funding forums.
• Attend relevant meetings and provide funding and development updates to the CEO and Board.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working within an NGO, fundraising or community development projects.
• Demonstrated success in securing institutional funding.
• Strong interest in community development and children’s welfare.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and Google Suite.
• Understanding of financial compliance, budgeting and grant management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet tight, cross-functional deadlines with minimal supervision.

What the Organisation Offers

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Collaborative and purpose-driven working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy.
• Identify and map funding opportunities from institutional donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
• Lead proposal development, including narrative proposals, logical frameworks and project budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors and funding partners.
• Oversee organisational research initiatives, baseline surveys and evaluations.
• Ensure research activities comply with academic, ethical and institutional standards.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights, policy briefs and reports.
• Represent the organisation at research, policy and funding forums.
• Attend relevant meetings and provide funding and development updates to the CEO and Board.

• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and Google Suite.
• Understanding of financial compliance, budgeting and grant management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet tight, cross-functional deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working within an NGO, fundraising or community development projects.
• Demonstrated success in securing institutional funding.
• Strong interest in community development and children’s welfare.