INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR- RESOURCE MOBILISATION 5 YRS FIXED TERM

About the position

Key Responsibilities:

• Resource Mobilisation Strategy Development
• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy that aligns with SANParks' Vision 2040 and the Financial Sustainability Strategy,
• Ensure the strategy supports key initiatives like the Mega Living Landscapes (and related durable finance model) and core conservation and tourism programs, with a focus on sustainable funding.
• Donor and Partner Identification, Engagement, and Stewardship:
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with a diverse range of national and international donors, including governments, foundations, corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and strategic partners.
• Build to maintain long-term partnerships with key stakeholders such as conservation organisations, the private sector, and philanthropic foundations to enhance SANParks' funding base.
• Lead the development of funding proposals, ensuring compliance with donor expectations, and fostering strong ongoing relationships.
• Implement a donor stewardship program to ensure sustained engagement, renew donor support, and develop tailored recognition programs.
• Fundraising Instruments and Innovative Funding Models:
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative fundraising mechanisms, such as the establishment of a Foundation or Endowment Fund, to secure long-term, sustainable funding.
• Explore, introduce and develop funding models like sustainable finance, green bonds, carbon offset, and bonds (such as the rhino bond), etc.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

Provide mentorship and training to SANParks staff on resource mobilisation best practices, including donor relations, proposal writing, and fundraising techniques

• Organise workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to strengthen internal fundraising capacity.
• Fundraising Campaigns and Events:
• Lead or advise on the organisation of fundraising campaigns and events, leveraging both traditional and digital platforms to maximise outreach and donor engagement.
• Develop and implement global online fundraising campaigns to engage new audiences and secure donations.
• Market Research, Trend Analysis, and Impact Reporting:
• Stay informed about global trends in philanthropy, conservation funding, and Corporate Social Investment/Responsibility, to adjust and enhance fundraising strategies.
• Develop systems to measure the impact of fundraising efforts, ensuring transparent and regular reporting to donors on the effective use of funds and the impact of their contributions.
• Compliance and Legal Advisory:
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with local and international laws, ethical standards, and SANParks' governance frameworks.
• Work with SANParks' legal team to ensure donor agreements and contracts adhere to legal and governance requirements.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Be in possession of at least a Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in a relevant field (Business Administration, Sustainable Finance, Financial Management).
• At least 7-10 years of experience in resource mobilisation and partnerships, fundraising, or donor relations, particularly in the conservation or nonprofit sectors.
• Extensive knowledge and preferably, experience in Sustainable Finance and leveraging it in the resource mobilisation and partnership environment.
• Excellent understanding of the conservation, environmental, and tourism sector and industry context, inclusive of Socio-Economic Transformation and the Biodiversity Economy Strategy.
• Excellent understanding of vehicles available to public sector institutions to ensure good governance and reporting of resources mobilised.
• Familiarity with potential local and international donors / partners, including multilateral agencies, foundations, and private sector [URL Removed] of donor management systems, fundraising tools, environmental stewardship, Corporate Social Investment/ Responsibility, public-private partnerships, fundraising etc.
• Knowledge of policy management, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Strong business analytics, project management, and process/system analysis skills.
• Ability to integrate systems thinking for operational efficiency.
• Leadership skills to align resource mobilisation with organisational goals.
• Creative and innovative in fundraising and donor engagement.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and research abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills in engaging stakeholders.
• Commitment to ethical, transparent, and integrity-driven fundraising.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage donors at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal), with strong presentation and report writing skills.

Desired Skills:

• See above spec