Grant Manager

Job description

Background: Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), established in 1994, has grown significantly over the years and now operates with an annual budget of approximately USD 2 million. The organisation implements a wide range of conservation programmes, made possible through the support of international donors, government institutions, and private conservation NGOs. Fundraising remains a critical component to sustaining and expanding CLZ’s operations.

Job Description: The Grants Manager will work closely alongside another Grants Manager and will be responsible for managing their own portfolio of donor funding awards, identifying and securing new funding opportunities, and contributing to the strengthening of CLZ’s overall fundraising strategy. The role will ensure accurate grant finance reporting, monitor donor compliance requirements, and collaborate with the finance team to enhance financial systems, budget management, and donor accountability.

Key responsibilities:

Grants Management
Review funding opportunities, agreements, and contracts for compliance and budget considerations.
Circulate updates on project statuses, grant applications, re-budgeting needs, and donor guidelines.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with donors.
Track deliverables, milestones, and reporting deadlines (both narrative and financial).
Coordinate grant closeout processes.
Provide training and capacity building on grant management to project staff.
Develop a 3–5-year funding strategy in collaboration with senior management.
Oversee specific grant audits and support the annual organisational audit.
Assist in annual organisational planning and budgeting processes.

Financial Management

Prepare monthly grant expenditure reports, ensuring alignment with the accounting system.
Review and approve grant-related expenditures and procurements.
Ensure all receivables and invoices are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
Lead donor financial reporting processes, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with donor requirements.
Monitor budget utilisation, and flag potential under- or overspending.
Support the preparation of new grant budgets.
Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal financial systems, controls, and donor compliance procedures.
Maintain up-to-date grant financial files, reconciliations, and documentation for audit readiness.
Liaise with auditors, donors, and finance staff to resolve financial queries related to grants.
Provide training and mentorship to programme and finance staff on budget management and donor compliance.
Business DevelopmentProactively identify and pursue new donors and funding opportunities.
Manage the full grant application process from concept development to submission.
Coordinate proposal workflows, ensuring deadlines are met and submissions are of the highest quality.
Review and quality-check all proposal documents and supporting materials.
Build internal capacity in grant writing, donor engagement, and fundraising.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

A degree in Business Administration, Social Science, Conservation, or a related field (contingent on strong writing skills).
Minimum of 5 years’ experience with private sector, NGO or International Organisation,
Experience with donor regulations, reporting procedures, policies and grant management from large international development agencies such as USAID, EU, UN, DEFRA,
Strong communication and proposal writing skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel and Word a MUST,
Ability to live and work in a remote camp environment,
English proficiency.

Application Process
Only candidates who meet the specified requirements should apply with their detailed Curriculum Vitae of not more than 3 pages, a cover letter detailing grant management experience and names and email addresses of 3 contactable references.

Applications to be emailed to:
info@conservationlowerzambezi.org

Please use the subject line: Application – Grants Manager

Closing date: 29th September 2025.

No applications will be accepted after this closing date

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.