Incubation Programme - Funding and Reporting Manager (FRM)

A. Key Responsibilities The African Parks Incubation Programme (AP-IP) Funding and Reporting Manager (FRM) is a dual function, supporting the Incubation Programme's funding and reporting needs, as well as implementing project-specific needs, including admin, events and travel organisation, and Programme data management.

The FRM is accountable for the effective and compliant delivery of IP funding and reporting needs, and for effectively packaging the IP's and partner’s identified funding needs. The FRM will ensure that all grant proposals, reports, and data align with the Incubation Programme plan, including support for funding (Fundraising strategies) and reporting needs of Incubation Partners. Additionally, he/she will contribute to the organisation's special events and exchange visits between AP and Incubation Partners, and to APIP data management. The position supports the APIP Manager and other team members in implementing the APIP strategy and annual work plans.

This multifaceted position serves as a critical bridge between the AP-IP's strategy and operational reality and funders' objectives, preferences, and compliance requirements. The role requires strong communication skills, including excellent written and oral English (French is a plus), coordination and project management skills, a strong grasp of donor regulations and interests, and solid budgeting and monitoring & evaluation skills. Capturing the impacts of the AP-IP and partners' work is critical to the role.

Primary functions and responsibilities

Funding and reporting

• Maps out the AP- IP funding needs and supports the development of compelling funding packages, concept notes and proposals for fundraising among both private and institutional donors. Ensures the proposals are closely aligned with the AP’s and AP-IP’s long-term objectives and monitoring program.
• Coordinates and collates reporting, both for internal and external purposes. This includes collaborating with the IP team to ensure the appropriate metrics capture impact and that data are entered accurately into AP’s reporting systems.
• Develops timely and high-quality donor reports that reinforce AP’s reputation, shares monthly operational updates, and compiles analytical reports that inform data-based decision-making and performance evaluations for the AP-IP and partners/subgrants.
• Supports the writing of operational documents such as the AP-IP template of the Fundraising strategy, monitors the parks' fundraising strategies, updates the AP-IP M&E matrix, the Support Action Framework (per park), individual partners’ action plans and special project descriptions.
• Monitors and reviews sub-grant reports, ensures timely reporting by partners and advises on improvements.
• Reports on the AP-IP established M&E matrix.
• Contributes to all AP-IP weekly, monthly, and annual reports as requested.
• Improves and maintains the Incubation Programme Dashboard for Internal Reporting.

Direct support to Incubation Partners

• Support the development of Partners’/Parks fundraising strategies.
• Work closely with partners’ FRMs (or equivalent) to assess partners’ needs, mentor key staff and acquire data for the M&E framework.
• Act as a bridge between the AP-IP itself, IP partners FRM’s and Private/Institutional Donors (networking approach), depending on the needs and requirements of the IP Partners and Donors.
• Identify the most appropriate potential donors for AP-IP and each Partner/Park and facilitate the establishment of contacts.
• Support the development of proposals of and with AP- IP partners (on request).
• Maintain the database of appropriate donors for Partners, develop a fundraising “pipeline tracker”, advise on funders’ priorities and deadlines, understand which funders are aligned with Partners’ mission, advise on strategies on how to approach them, and review on a needs basis Partners’ expressions of interest.
• Review Partners’ Business Trackers and identify weak points in reporting.
• Support partners in the development of their M&E systems and “core metrics”.

Special AP-IP support

• Manage central APIP calendar: schedule meetings and travel, group events, and other commitments.
• Support organisation of special AP-IP events such as APIP Management Meetings and internal team meetings.
• Support organisation of Partners’ travel to AP parks as AP experts to Partners’ parks.
• Support organisation of APIP Due Diligence visits to prospective partners.
• Review travel/missions’ reports.
• Support organisation of Partner’s induction in AP HO.
• Assist Programme Manager with all admin needed, such as writing reports, letters, etc.

B. What success looks like in 2 years’ time

• Donor and sub-grant reports are delivered on time, to a high standard, and in line with donor/AP requirements.
• AP-IP and partner funding needs are clearly mapped, packaged and supported through strong proposals, donor pipelines and fundraising materials.
• Incubation Partners have stronger fundraising, reporting and M&E systems as a result of AP-IP support.
• AP-IP’s M&E matrix, dashboard and reporting tools are accurate, up to date and used for decision-making.
• Reporting, compliance and reputational risks are identified early and followed up.
• AP-IP special projects, partner exchanges, inductions and due diligence visits are well coordinated and documented.

C. Key measures and targets* 100% of AP-IP donor reports submitted on time and meeting agreed quality/compliance standards.

• Number of parks with a Funding strategy, using efficient donor reporting and the number of high-quality concept notes, proposals, fundraising pitches, or funding packages developed for AP-IP and partners.
• Number/percentage of Incubation Partners with updated fundraising strategies, funding gaps, donor pipelines, and pitch materials.
• AP-IP M&E matrix and dashboard updated on schedule, with accurate data from partners and internal teams.
• 100% of partner/sub-grant reports reviewed on time, with risks or gaps identified and followed up on corrective measures.
• Thanks to appropriate support and adherence to SOPs, the reputational risk of AP is not compromised by partners.
• Monthly or quarterly AP-IP reporting/dashboard products produced on time and used to support programme decision-making.
• Due diligence visits, partner exchanges, inductions, management meetings, and other AP-IP events organised effectively and within agreed timelines.
• Reports, donor materials, letters, presentations, and briefing notes require minimal revision and are suitable for senior/internal/external use.

C. Key relationships

• Incubation Programme Manager (IPM)
• Incubation Programme Officers (IPOs)
• Incubation Programme Finance Controller (IPFC)
• Incubation Programme Data Analyst (IP DA)
• Incubation Partners (FRMs or equivalent), Parks teams
• Private and Institutional Donors
• AP CD&A + Regional Managers
• AP team (HO, Regions and Parks): Fundraising, Finance, Ops, Comm’s, HR

D. Required qualifications, competencies and experience

• Minimum eight (5) years of experience working in project management or coordination roles, with a preference of 2 years (2) years with a conservation or non-profit organisation;
• Experience in grant management, report and proposal writing, with private donor experience an advantage;
• A post-graduate degree in biodiversity conservation or other related field of study is an advantage;
• Excellent organisational, analytical, oral and written communication skills in English. French will be an advantage;
• AP internal experience is a plus.
• Strong personal integrity and ability to work independently.
• Strong writer with experience in developing external communications such as grant proposals and impact reports.
• Proficiency in Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks and, ideally, compliance requirements for various donors.
• Exposed to program development, bu