Global Foundations Manager

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is a German non-governmental organization dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty worldwide, working towards a mission of Zero Hunger.

This full-time position offers an initial two-year contract with strong prospects for extension. The role is based in one of Welthungerhilfe's country offices across the African continent, with a focus on collaborating with WHH country offices globally. Candidates must possess legal authorization to work in their chosen duty station, as the position does not offer visa or work permit sponsorship. The Global Foundations Manager will be responsible for diversifying Welthungerhilfe's funding base and cultivating long-term philanthropic partnerships. This involves developing and managing strategic foundation partnerships, establishing fundraising processes with country offices, and collaborating with colleagues across country offices and the German headquarters to build robust foundation pipelines. The manager will also directly pursue selected foundation partnerships, particularly with regional or local foundations, ensuring global coordination. This role is part of WHH’s Philanthropy & Partnerships team, which is primarily based in Germany, requiring regular virtual collaboration across different time zones.

1. Work closely with country offices to identify, develop, and advance strategic foundation partnership opportunities.
2. Collaborate with country teams in building and managing strong foundation prospect pipelines, identifying opportunities that align with programmatic priorities and funding strategies.
3. Accompany country offices in the cultivation and development of foundation partnerships, including donor outreach strategies, engagement planning, and partnership positioning.
4. Contribute to developing partnership pitches, concepts, and cases for support together with country teams, translating programmatic priorities and impact evidence into compelling foundation-facing propositions.
5. Facilitate exchange of successful practices, market insights, and fundraising approaches across country offices to strengthen the organization’s overall capacity to engage foundations.
6. Identify and pursue selected strategic foundation opportunities, particularly with regional or locally present foundations, in close coordination with relevant country offices and head office colleagues.
7. Coordinate closely with WHH colleagues worldwide to ensure aligned relationship management and coordinated donor engagement.
8. Develop high-quality pitches, concept notes, proposals, and partnership propositions in collaboration with technical experts, program and country teams.
9. Support due diligence processes and risk assessments for prospective foundation partners in line with Welthungerhilfe’s policies and compliance requirements.

1. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, Nonprofit Management, Development Studies, Marketing, or Communications is strongly preferred.
2. At least five years of progressive experience in foundation fundraising or institutional philanthropy, ideally within an international NGO or global development context.
3. Demonstrated ability to secure six- and seven-figure grants from foundations and manage long-term donor relationships.
4. Strong analytical and strategic skills to translate complex programmatic information into compelling, impact-driven funding propositions.
5. Experience using donor relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce or equivalent) to maintain a structured partner pipeline and monitor engagement.
6. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across cultures, functions, and levels of seniority.
7. High degree of independence, organization, and reliability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
8. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt strategies to evolving philanthropic trends.
9. Recognition of the growing value of data in the field and eagerness to build awareness and skills to incorporate data-informed approaches into work.
10. Exceptional written and verbal English skills, with proven ability to develop persuasive, donor-oriented proposals and reports. Proficiency in additional languages is an asset.