Fundraising Lead

Reports to: Founder & CEO
Salary: KES 120,000–150,000 gross per month, depending on experience
Location: Nairobi, Kenya, with approved travel as required

About Synnefa

Synnefa develops smart agriculture technology that helps farmers and agribusinesses improve productivity and protect the value of their harvests. Our Smart Solar Dryers, FarmShield controllers and FarmCloud software help make complex farming simple.

The opportunity

We are looking for a Fundraising Lead who can identify suitable funders, build relationships, write strong proposals and turn opportunities into funding. Your primary focus will be grants, foundations and corporate funding partnerships.

You will work directly with the Founder & CEO, with support from Finance, technical colleagues and the grants compliance team. This is a hands-on role for someone who can take ownership, work independently and follow through.

What you will do

- Build and manage a qualified fundraising pipeline aligned with Synnefa’s growth priorities. Assess funding fit, eligibility, timing and delivery requirements before recommending opportunities.
- Initiate outreach, secure introductions and develop relationships with foundations, institutional funders and corporate funding partners, including opportunities outside open calls.
- Lead concept notes, grant applications, proposals and pitch materials. Work with Finance on budgets and use verified technical, commercial and impact evidence.
- Manage funder follow-ups, due diligence and negotiations through to a funding decision, with CEO support on major relationships and commitments.
- Develop renewals, follow-on awards and funding partnerships with existing funders and suitable consortium partners.
- Maintain accurate opportunity records and funding forecasts. Report progress clearly, identify risks early and recommend practical next steps.
- Hand signed awards to the grants compliance team with complete budgets, conditions and reporting requirements. Support the CEO with materials and due diligence for wider capital raising.

Who we are looking for

- At least three years of relevant fundraising, grant development or funding partnership experience, with verifiable examples of successful awards and your personal contribution.
- Experience identifying opportunities, approaching funders and developing relationships, alongside responding to open calls.
- Clear, persuasive writing and confident verbal communication. You can explain a business, its impact and its funding needs simply.
- Practical understanding of proposal budgets, restricted funding, co-financing, financial information and due diligence.
- Strong organisation, reliable follow-through and confidence using spreadsheets and a fundraising database or CRM.
- A relevant degree or equivalent practical experience. Experience in agriculture, climate, energy access, technology or African social enterprises is an advantage.

How success will be measured

- New funding secured against agreed targets, with clear evidence of your contribution.
- A credible pipeline that progresses through funder engagement, proposals, due diligence and funding decisions.
- High-quality proposals delivered on time, accurate forecasts and consistent follow-up.
- Strong funder relationships and complete award handovers to the compliance team.

Your funding targets and initial delivery plan will be agreed with the Founder & CEO, reflecting the pipeline, funding cycles and company priorities.

What we provide

A gross monthly salary within the stated range, direct collaboration with the Founder & CEO, access to Finance and technical expertise, and the systems and materials needed for your work including premium paid accounts for Claude, Gemini and ChatGPT. Flexi working hours, 4 day office week plan, medical cover post probation, meal benefits and employee recognition cash bonuses. Approved work-related travel and field expenses are covered separately under company policy.

How to apply

Apply using the application form on this page. Submit your CV and a short note explaining your fit for the role. Include two examples of funding you helped secure, showing the amount, year, type of funder and your personal contribution. Anonymise confidential details; do not submit confidential proposals or donor information.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates may complete a practical exercise and reference checks.

Synnefa Green Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit on merit and encourage qualified women to apply.