Fundraising Officer

About the Organization

The Fundraising Officer position is based at the National Office of SOS Children’s Villages in Lusaka. SOS Children’s Villages Zambia is part of a global organization devoted to providing support for children without parental care and for vulnerable families. The organization’s mission centers around ensuring children have a safe, loving environment to grow and thrive. By joining the team, you will be contributing to initiatives that foster long-term, sustainable positive change for children in need.

Role Overview

As a Fundraising Officer, your primary task will be to secure financial resources through effective fundraising campaigns, events, and relationship-building activities. You will be responsible for designing strategies, identifying and engaging with potential donors, drafting grant applications, and managing the full scope of fundraising operations. The role requires hands-on experience, superb communication skills, and a strong drive to build donor engagement.

Main Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute fundraising strategies suitable for organizational objectives.
• Design, plan, and coordinate fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Research and connect with prospective donors while cultivating strong relationships.
• Draft, submit, and monitor grant proposals to multiple funding sources.
• Track, analyze, and report on fundraising activity effectiveness.
• Maintain budgets, ensure accurate financial reporting for fundraising initiatives, and manage donor databases.
• Develop marketing materials and communication plans for donor engagement and organizational promotion.
• Oversee volunteer involvement and organize fundraising events driven by volunteer participation.
• Ensure compliance with all legal regulations and uphold ethical standards in fundraising efforts.
• Represent the organization publicly and engage with media to enhance community awareness.
• Advocate and maintain rigorous child safeguarding standards in line with the organization’s Child Protection Policy.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum educational requirement: Full Grade 12 School Certificate plus a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or a similar field.
• At least five years’ professional experience focusing on business development, fundraising, and proposal writing.
• Demonstrated experience working with multiple donors and in stakeholder engagement, including exposure to both public and private corporate sectors, and international funding partners.
• Professional background in a nonprofit or donor-funded environment is highly preferred.

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Expertise in fund development and related fundraising methodologies.
• Proficiency in analytical assessment, numerical reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Proactive team orientation with the ability to develop collaborative partnerships.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage tasks within expected deadlines.
• Demonstrated high ethical standards and personal integrity.
• Availability to travel when required for work purposes.

Application Process

• Submit a cover letter (maximum one page) highlighting your motivation and suitability for the role, with a concise CV (not exceeding three pages).
• Send applications via email (refer to organization website for additional details).
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

Additional Information

• The organization values diversity and practices equal opportunity employment. Applicants are considered regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, or race.