Fundraising Officer

About the role

The Midlands Conservation and Sustainability Initiative (MCSI) is seeking a Fundraising Officer to design and implement fundraising strategies that support its environmental conservation mission in Zimbabwe. The role involves identifying donor opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and coordinating campaigns to secure financial and in‑kind resources.

Key responsibilities

• Identify funding opportunities from local and international donors, foundations, corporate partners, and grant‑making organisations.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of high‑quality grant proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest.
• Support the Director in building and maintaining relationships with donors, development partners, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic organisations.
• Coordinate fundraising campaigns, events, and online giving initiatives.
• Maintain a funding opportunities database and monitor grant deadlines.
• Collaborate with programme teams to develop project concepts and budgets.
• Prepare fundraising reports and monitor progress against resource‑mobilisation targets.
• Represent the organisation at networking events and stakeholder‑engagement meetings where appropriate.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, business development, resource mobilisation, or partnership development.
• Excellent proposal writing, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Strong networking, negotiation, and relationship‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Passion for environmental conservation and MCSI’s mission.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection and sustainable community development.
• Volunteer position with the potential to convert to a full‑time paid role once sufficient funding is secured.