Position Title: Grant Writer & Donor Relations Officer (AIRD USA)
Location: Arlington, VA, USA (Hybrid – Arlington Office & Remote)
Contract Type:  Part-time (24 hours a week, flexible) leading to full time position depending on funding
Reports To: Director, USA Office

Organization Background

The African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) is a non-political, non-religious and non-profit making NGO with a presence in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Niger, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.  AIRD’s mission is to enable the compassionate movement of those displaced by natural or man-made disasters to safety and providing them and their host communities with opportunities to build their lives and thrive for the long term. AIRD provides operational technical support, including but not limited to: transport, logistics, rehabilitation of infrastructures, sustainable livelihoods, WASH and environmental sustainability initiatives to promote resilience and empowerment for displaced people and their host communities. in partnership with relief and development organizations that focus on disaster-affected, poverty-infested and development-oriented areas. AIRD delivers for and through partners including but not limited to UN Agencies, international and national donor organizations and governments.

1. Purpose of the Role

The Grant Writer & Donor Relations Officer will play a pivotal role in establishing AIRD’s USA Office as a hub for resource mobilization, donor engagement, and visibility. The position will support the diversification of AIRD’s funding base beyond traditional UN partners, focusing on U.S.-based foundations, bilateral donors, philanthropic organizations, diaspora networks, and private sector entities.

This role will strengthen AIRD’s ability to secure resources that align with its Strategic Priorities (especially diversification, visibility, partnerships, and technology use) and ensure progress towards increasing organizational reach and diversifying income streams.

2. Key Responsibilities

1. Grant Writing & Proposal Development

• Research, identify, and prioritize U.S.-based funding opportunities aligned with AIRD’s programmatic priorities (logistics, WASH, shelter, livelihoods, renewable energy, skills training, Third Party Monitoring).
• Contact and build relationship with prospect and prioritized donors
• Lead the drafting and submission of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest.
• Collaborate with HQ and Country Programs to ensure proposals reflect AIRD’s African-led model and evidence of impact.
• Gather intelligence, track and maintain a pipeline of funding opportunities, deadlines, and proposal status.

1. Donor Relations & Networking

• Build and nurture relationships with U.S. foundations, bilateral donors (USAID, State Department), philanthropic organizations, diaspora networks (ADN, ADPA, ABFE), and corporate CSR offices.
• Represent AIRD in relevant USA based donor meetings, networks (including Interaction and Refugee network NGOs), and conferences.
• Support cultivation strategies for new donors while maintaining regular communication with existing partners.
• In collaboration with global Communication and Marketing Manager, develop tailored and targeted profile and messaging, engagement materials (briefs, presentations, success stories) showcasing AIRD’s impact.

1. Strategic Visibility & Liaison Functions

• Strengthen AIRD’s visibility in USA  by coordinating meetings, donor roundtables, and diaspora fundraising events.
• Support AIRD’s participation in U.S.-based advocacy platforms, think thank convenings, and philanthropic forums.
• Liaise with UNHCR Washington DC Office and the African Union Mission to the U.S. and diaspora umbrella organizations to promote AIRD’s African-led humanitarian approach.

1. Knowledge Management & Reporting

• Maintain donor intelligence and funding trends in the U.S. context.
• Produce regular reports on funding pipelines, donor interactions, and prospects for the CEO, Deputy CEO, and Board.
• Share learning and donor feedback with HQ and Country Programs to strengthen organizational positioning.

3. Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in international development, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • At least 5–7 years of proven experience in grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations (NGO, foundation, or philanthropic sector).
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. donor landscape, especially foundations, USAID/BHA, philanthropic networks, and diaspora groups.
  • Demonstrated success in securing significant grants or philanthropic support.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proposal development skills.
  • Ability to represent AIRD professionally with donors, diaspora networks, and policy actors.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across sectors.
  • Knowledge of African humanitarian and development contexts desirable.
• Languages: Fluency in English; French is an advantage.

4. Engagement Conditions

• Pro-bono or Part-time: 20–30% time equivalent (flexible scheduling).
• Based in Arlington, VA Hybrid-remote with occasional travel within the U.S.
• Initial engagement of 12 months (renewable).

5. The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to AIRD’s transformation from a primarily logistics partner into a diversified, African-led humanitarian and development organization. The Grant Writer & Donor Relations Officer will play a critical role in building AIRD’s donor base, strengthening its U.S. presence, and advancing its vision of empowered and resilient communities thriving beyond crisis.