Development Director

About Us:

UpEnergy delivers high-impact, emission-reducing projects that accelerate decarbonization and create long-term benefits for local communities. We focus on making life-improving clean technologies available across Africa, impacting millions of lives and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. With a growing team spread across multiple countries, we seek motivated and entrepreneurial talent eager to help us deliver even more impact.

About the role:

The Development Director will be responsible for identifying, researching, and securing grant and other philanthropic funding opportunities that align with the organization's mission and strategic objectives. This role will require strong writing, communication, and relationship-building skills to effectively identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals and cultivate relationships with potential funders.

This encompasses philanthropy, communications, external affairs, and outreach to various stakeholders, including individual donors, high-net-worth investors, foundations, corporations, and governmental and multilateral agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and Research Funding Opportunities:

• Conduct in-depth research to identify potential funding opportunities that match the organization's goals and priorities.


• Stay updated on current trends and funding announcements in relevant fields.


• Analyze funding criteria and eligibility requirements to assess suitability of grant opportunities.

Develop Compelling Grant Proposals:

• Collaborate with program staff and other stakeholders to gather necessary information and develop compelling grant proposals.


• Write clear, concise, and persuasive proposals that effectively communicate the organization's mission, goals, and impact.


• Ensure proposals adhere to funders' guidelines and requirements.

Manage Grant Submissions and Reporting:

• Prepare and submit grant proposals within specified deadlines.


• Track grant submissions and follow up with funders as needed.


• Manage grant reporting requirements and ensure timely submission of progress reports.

Build and Maintain Relationships with Funders:

• Work directly with the Board to identify and table grant opportunities and proposals


• Cultivate strong relationships with potential and current funders through effective communication and networking.


• Attend grantmaker conferences and workshops to expand professional network.


• Represent the organization in a professional and positive manner.

Provide Grant Development Training and Support:

• Train and mentor staff on grant writing techniques and proposal development.


• Provide ongoing support and guidance to program staff in developing grant proposals.

Does this sound like you?

Must Have

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in grant development or a related field.


• Excellent networking skills


• Ability to build and maintain highly valuable relationships


• Experiencing in fundraising with multilateral agencies


• Strong experience in International Grants Management 


• Experience working with the board of directors


• Strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to write clear and persuasive proposals.


• Excellent research and analytical skills.


• Strong organizational and time management skills.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Experience working in the nonprofit sector or a related field is preferred.

Why Join us

Your Impact, Amplified.

Joining UpEnergy means becoming part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the world's poorest are not left behind in global decarbonization efforts, and that sustainable, life-improving technologies reach those who need them most. As a fast-growing organization, we provide the unique opportunity to work on innovative projects that directly impact millions of lives across Africa. Whether you're on the ground implementing projects or supporting our global expansion, you'll be part of a dynamic team where your work contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and fighting energy poverty. This is more than just a job—it's a chance to create lasting change and be at the forefront of a global movement towards equitable decarbonization.