Strategic Partnerships Manager

With the acceleration of climate change, biodiversity loss and the degradation of natural ecosystems, more than ever, time is for action. How can we support farmers and rural communities whose source of income directly depends on natural resources, climate, soil water? Which agricultural models can feed a growing global population that will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, generate a decent living income to farmers and contribute to reduce carbon impact while regenerating soils, biodiversity and water resources?

Since 2011, the Livelihoods Funds have been acting on the ground to support the efforts of rural and agricultural communities to restore the foundations of our home, the Earth. We have been working hand in hand with local organizations in all continents, to foster farming practices which generate a positive impact on people, nature and climate. We do it with one conviction : no actor can address these complex challenges alone! Livelihoods track record is based on partnerships and operational coalitions between farmers and their organizations, international brands and local businesses, public organizations and governments, who are engaged in the transformation of their value chain.

After more than 10 years of successful partnerships supporting nature-based solutions in diverse geographies (Asia, Africa, Latin America & Europe), it is now time to move up a gear! Are you convinced that climate, nature and peoples’ livelihoods are strongly interlinked? Are you hands on the ground, excited to develop and manage impactful solutions? Are you motivated about playling a leading role in building and running key stakeholders’ coalitions?

We are looking for a Strategic Partnerships Manager to join the team, based in Paris or able to be present at least 20% of time in the H.Q. This is a highly visible and influential role that will regularly interact with executive leadership and top management-level teams and requires an individual to embody exceptional integrity, optimism, expertise, and collaborative spirit amongst both internal and external stakeholders to help advance Livelihoods' mission.

YOUR ROLE:

The Strategic Partnerships Manager is responsible for leading and developing strategies to optimize Livelihoods impacts, project risks and costs sharing via new partnerships within the private and governmental sector, as well as through public support. As such s.he will hold two main roles:

Role #1 public-private investor engagement, as Livelihoods specific fundraising focal point to:

• Develop and manage relationships with strategic organizational donors, foundations, corporate donors and individuals working closely with the leadership teams;
• Set-up and implement a 3-year program of work that shifts and transforms the fundraising model from reactive to proactive; bringing project managers and regional sponsors into fundraising based on partnerships;
• Act as the advisor and point of contact for the projects development with the respective project managers to enable efficient communication with the identified donors (in English and/or Spanish). In particular, s.he will coach the project managers to develop proposal at an early stage and adopt a personalized approach of the (regional/local) donors, and will prepare them in view of direct meeting(s).
• Structure Livelihoods' funding research methodology under various modalities: i.e. on specific projects borne by Livelihoods Venture (carbon offsets and sustainable sourcing projects) and/or on crosscutting themes (livelihoods, gender, youth, climate, biodiversity, soil health, water..). Your Scope entails strategic, technical, or financial partnerships, in the form of grants or subsidies, of technical assistance in-kind that brings additionality to the projects (to be) financed by current Livelihoods Funds and or FMCGs.
• Set up smart sourcing tools (relevant funders’ profiles identification, qualification of their potential, first contact), reporting on fundraising campaigns relating to both current and prospective partners,
• Set-up, manage and oversee fundraising campaigns, events. Your role requires to keep informed about new fundraising techniques and general news to be able to infuse innovation. Suggest new approaches to be developed so as to facilitate new funding targets investigation.
• Identify fundraising opportunities consistent with Livelihoods charter & lead the development of compelling concept notes, presentations, applications and associated budgets for submission to potential funders, with support from program and finance teams;
• Build a pipeline of prospective donors through research and networking & have the overview of any funding reporting/compliance due on grants or as requested by funders, including coordinating inputs from global (funders’ head office) and regional/national (local missions).

Role #2: innovative blended finance beyond philanthropy, as Livelihoods strategic investment catalyst.

• Design appealing & robust financial models within LV projects, provide affordable credit and insurance to farmers but also Payment for Ecological Services schemes as well as national and regional public subsidies (i.e. flexed on Regenerative Agricultural practices on farm).
• Take part in identifying and financially structuring new projects requiring matching fund, in close collaboration with the Finance, Impact teams, projects managers/sponsors and Livelihoods' partners, notably FMCGs, investors by raw materials sub-sectors.
• Take part in the financial and legal structuring and in said projects’ governance when donors/financiers shall play a role, and in their operations follow-up.
• Represent LV at international fora to unlock innovative blended finance in projects.
• Contribute to the drafting of strategic documents intended for the various bodies of the Funds (Investment Committee, Board of Directors).

Participate in Livelihoods Venture Company’s life & team spirit:

• Contribute to the various Livelihoods Venture’s transversal activities (communication, networking, events, etc.).
• The company values staff’s contribution aimed at improving its efficacy, its reputation and the quality of its services. His.her positive participation in the company’s projects, its ability to offer and set forth new ways for improvement will be taken into account when assessing performance.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• 12+ years of work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, international relations, development or relevant field (preferred)
• Experience in fundraising strategies formulation and implementation, donor acquisition and retention, writing successful bids and managing donors/clients.
• Experience building and guiding relationships with diverse partners such as banks, development organizations, government entities, corporations and foundations, and others to identify and achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated success facilitating hard conversations and negotiating through differences in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to lead internal strategy with a thoughtful and inclusive process.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Previous experience with International organizations/ exposure to International settings
• Experience managing team members remotely, with the ability to motivate and support
• Strong writing and presentation skills in English, proficiency in other languages desired
• Familiarity with language and/or communications technology

You are :

• A Team Leader/Player: Leading by example, you are able to create a working environment conducive to participation and motivation, enabling  team members to achieve their individual and shared objectives (via the transfer of knowledge, skills and dialogue).
• A seasoned professional: experienced in structuring/defining project proposals on paper but also having faced challenges in implementing those proposals on the field and draw concrete lessons from these experiences.
• Result-oriented: Flexible, able to adapt to rapidly changing situations and accepting challenges so as to deliver objectives.
• Empathetic: Know your stakeholders, speak their languages, listen to their points of view and understand their agendas without prejudice.
• Change-embracing: Be open to- and keep a curious eye on- innovation, new plans, new opinions in a fast-growing market.
• Didactic: Know how to make a point in a few words, adapt to your public, be able to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Multi-tasker: Prioritize, deal with pressure, keep track of the progress of several tasks simultaneously and be ready to rearrange priorities in response to new information.
• Intercultural skills: be able to understand and adapt to different cultures among your colleagues and with project partners (international).
• Remote-working-proof: Ability to self-start, work efficiently, create relationships, work in teams despite long distance and time-difference.

OTHER SPECIFICS:

• Home-office possible with regular in-person interactions at the company’s HQs (Paris, France).
• This position requires frequent travel for field visits (c. 20% of the time).
• Livelihoods values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.