ActionAid International Opens Applications for Philanthropy & Partnership Fundraising Lead Position – Apply By 15 May 2026
ActionAid International has announced an exciting career opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to join the organisation as a Philanthropy & Partnership Fundraising Lead. The position offers a permanent contract and is open to candidates based in Johannesburg, Nairobi, or ActionAid country offices operating under hosting agreements.
The role is designed for a strategic fundraising specialist with extensive experience in securing high-value donor support, managing philanthropic partnerships, and building long-term funding relationships that advance social justice and development initiatives globally.
About the Opportunity
The Philanthropy & Partnership Fundraising Lead will play a central role in expanding ActionAid International’s fundraising portfolio by engaging major donors, trusts, foundations, and strategic philanthropic partners. The successful candidate will work closely with programme and policy teams across the federation to create compelling funding opportunities that align with the organisation’s long-term mission and impact goals.
The position offers an opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading international organisations focused on human rights, social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication.
The selected professional will support donor engagement efforts through:
- Building and maintaining relationships with high-value philanthropists and institutional partners
- Designing innovative fundraising strategies
- Coordinating donor cultivation events and engagement opportunities
- Developing persuasive funding proposals and cases for support
- Supporting international donor outreach and partnership growth
- Strengthening long-term philanthropic investment in ActionAid’s programmes
Position Details
Job Title
Philanthropy & Partnership Fundraising Lead
Organisation
ActionAid International
Job Locations
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nairobi, Kenya
- ActionAid country offices with hosting agreements
Employment Type
- Permanent
- Full-time (FTE 1.0)
Salary
- GBP £63,100 gross salary per annum
Application Deadline
- 15 May 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT
Candidate Profile
ActionAid International is seeking a highly experienced and relationship-oriented fundraising professional with a proven ability to secure major gifts and philanthropic funding.
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in philanthropy and partnership fundraising
- Strong track record of securing high-value grants and donations
- Experience managing relationships with trusts, foundations, and private donors
- Ability to develop strategic fundraising initiatives
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong understanding of international development and social justice issues
- Commitment to feminist leadership principles and ActionAid values
The organisation is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to sustainable and long-term fundraising growth while supporting collaborative partnerships across regions and sectors.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
ActionAid International promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in its recruitment processes. Applications are welcomed from professionals across different backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
The organisation also maintains a strong commitment to safeguarding and ethical recruitment standards. Candidates are expected to uphold ActionAid’s safeguarding policies and contribute to safe and inclusive working environments.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A cover letter outlining suitability for the role and alignment with the essential criteria
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the job description and ensure they meet all essential qualifications before submitting an application.
Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Notes for Applicants
Candidates should note the following:
- Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the specified locations
- Recruitment agencies’ unsolicited applications will not be considered
- Applications submitted after the deadline may not be reviewed
- Shortlisted applicants may be contacted within two weeks after the closing date
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role presents a significant opportunity for fundraising professionals interested in advancing international development, gender justice, and civic engagement initiatives at a global level.
The selected candidate will contribute directly to strengthening the financial sustainability of programmes that support vulnerable communities, advocate for women’s rights, and advance social transformation worldwide.
Professionals with expertise in donor engagement, partnership development, and strategic philanthropy may find this opportunity particularly valuable for advancing both their careers and social impact contributions.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
