Position Overview
Position Summary
We are seeking an accomplished and results-driven Director, Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising for Africa to lead fundraising efforts, strategic partnerships, and engagement with key stakeholders, including Financial Service Providers, funders, and other ecosystem partners in the region.
This leadership role will be pivotal in advancing Women’s World Banking’s mission to impact 1000 million women over the next three years by strengthening institutional partnerships, mobilizing funding, and expanding our network of financial service providers in Africa.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a member of the Africa Council, the Director will play a critical role in driving financial sustainability, overseeing P&L management and M&E efforts, and ensuring measurable impact across the region. The successful candidate will lead financial service provider (FSP) advocacy efforts, forge and execute partnership strategies, and secure funding to support Women’s World Banking’s initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen, relationship-building expertise, and deep understanding of financial services.
Key responsibilities include:
Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Lead and manage high-value relationships with key Financial Service Providers (FSPs), donors, and ecosystem partners across Africa.
- Develop and implement strategic account management processes to deepen engagement and maximize value for partners.
- Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior executives and decision makers in partner organizations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, ensuring alignment between Women’s World Banking’s solutions and stakeholder needs.
Partnership Development
- Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships to expand Women’s World Banking’s reach and impact.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including advisory services, Policy and advocacy to co-create partnership models that drive financial inclusion for women
- Build and execute regional engagement strategies to attract and retain project and network partners.
- Represent Women’s World Banking at key industry events, conferences, and forums, strengthening advocacy efforts and expanding influence.
Fundraising & Business Development
- Develop and execute a regional fundraising strategy, securing funding from local, regional, and global donors, including development finance institutions, philanthropic foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- Lead the development of funding proposals, grant applications, and investment pitches, ensuring alignment with Women’s World Banking’s strategic objectives .
- Manage donor relationships, reporting and other compliance requirements ensuring strong donor engagement.
- Identify and drive business opportunities, including expanding FSP partnerships and programmatic offerings
- Work closely with the global development and program teams to ensure funding strategies support core initiatives.
Strategic Execution & Growth/ Execution & Impact Delivery
- Drive the execution of annual business plans, ensuring key targets are met for engagement, funding, and partnership growth.
- Support the Regional Head in overseeing P&L management, ensuring financial sustainability and resource optimization.
- Strengthen monitoring & evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track the impact of partnerships and programs.
- Maintain accurate Salesforce records, tracking opportunities and engagement progress.
- Ensure a high level of partner satisfaction by delivering high-quality, innovative financial inclusion solutions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred; Master’s degree is an advantage.
- 10+ years of professional experience in relationship management, partnerships, fundraising, or business development, preferably within financial services.
- Proven track record in securing funding and managing high-value donor relationships.
- Strong experience working with Financial Service Providers, development institutions, or impact-driven organizations.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage with senior executives and decision-makers.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify and leverage partnership opportunities.
- Proven business experience in managing P&L and M&E activities.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Experience in CRM tools like Salesforce and data-driven account management.
- Fluency in English is required
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep understanding of financial inclusion, gender-focused finance, and impact investing.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution capabilities.
- Ability to travel within the region as needed.
Measure of Success
Within the first 75 Days:
- Demonstrate alignment with Women’s World Banking’s values – Think Big, Own and Commit to It, Smarter Together.
- Establish trust and credibility with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Gain a deep understanding of Women’s World Banking’s mission, business model, and partnership approach.
- Develop and present a roadmap for strategic partnership growth, fundraising, and regional engagement.
- Identify and initiate at least three key strategic partnerships and funding raising opportunities within the first quarter.
We offer comprehensive benefits including:
- Competitive salary & top tier benefits
- 15+ paid time off days in addition to paid sick days and holidays
- Company closes for two paid Mental Health and Rejuvenation Weeks per year (July & December)
- 401(k) with employer match / pension contributions where applicable
- Company paid professional development opportunities
- Flexible work options available, including work from home options (outside of fieldwork)
About Women's World Banking
We believe in being a force for the greater good, devoted to accelerating and growing the financial inclusion of women. With rapidly changing markets, influenced by technology and social behavioral expectations, we are embarking on a new chapter to transform the way we design and implement solutions.
For over 40 years, Women’s World Banking has partnered with financial institutions, showing them the benefit of investing in women as customers. We equip these institutions with in-depth research and data driven insights to develop financial products and educational programs. While our clients are financial service providers, our mission is to engage consumers – women who are marginalized by financial systems.
Women’s World Banking and WWB Asset Management is an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
