Global Coordinator for Grants Acquisition and Partnership Development

Position and closing date

Location: TBD depending on selected candidate’s home base

Duration of contract: 3 years, with possible extension

Start date: as soon as possible

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World Service

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centered and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.

The global humanitarian and development landscape is in flux, shaped by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and evolving donor priorities. Increased competition, decreased funding and higher donor expectations make for a challenging and difficult fund-raising environment.  Together with the need to innovate and diversify, LWF World Service is seeking to recruit a dynamic, innovative team leader for its new resource mobilization and partnerships development team.

For additional information, please see https://worldservice.lutheranworld.org/. 

Purpose

The Global Coordinator for Grants Acquisition & Partnership Development will play a pivotal role in strengthening the external engagement, visibility, and strategic positioning of LWF World Service. This role is designed to complement strong internal leadership with a dynamic, outward-facing presence—opening doors to new partnerships, donor networks, and innovative financing opportunities. The position supports the organization’s ambition to expand its reach and influence in humanitarian and development spaces. The position has proven ability and track record to be a team player and a team builder, enabling and inspiring team members to fulfil their mission and setting up a conducive working environment.

This position is located outside the Geneva Office, working remotely.

Required qualifications

Master’s degree in international relations, development, business, or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience

Minimum 7 years of experience in donor engagement, partnership development, or strategic communications.

Proven track record in securing funding and building strategic alliances.

Proven track record in networking, donor engagement and exploring innovative financing models.

Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to represent the organization externally.

Experience in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Language Skills

English: Proficiency (written, spoken)

French/Spanish: would be an asset

LWF Core Skills

Accountability – Advanced level

Achieving results – Resource level

Analytical thinking - Advanced level

Initiative - Resource level

Leadership - Advanced level

Working effectively with others - Resource level

LWF Functional Skills

Strategic thinking - Resource level

Resource Mobilization - Advanced level

Stakeholder Management - Resource level

Networking - Advanced level

People Management - Resource level

Innovation - Advanced level

*LWF 3 skills levels are: basis - advanced – resource

Main duties

Strategic Positioning & Donor Relations

Represents LWF World Service in key donor and partner forums, proactively building relationships and identifying strategic opportunities.

Leads efforts to position LWF in emerging funding and policy networks, including those where LWF is currently underrepresented.

Collaborates with senior leadership to align external engagement with organizational priorities and global trends.

Cultivates and maintains relationships with existing and prospective donors.

Resource Mobilization

Engage country programs and thematic leads in developing compelling resource mobilization road maps, high quality and competitive proposals and partnership pitches to institutional and other new donors.

Coordinates proposal teams, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational priorities in the proposal development phase. Maintains a pipeline of funding opportunities and track proposal success rates.

Explores and promotes innovative financing models to diversify funding sources.

Leadership & Coordination

Provides strategic leadership to a small team focused on external engagement and fundraising.

Ensures coordination across departments, teams and country programs to maximize donor engagement efforts.

Fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and learning.

Visibility & Communications

Enhances LWF’s visibility through targeted messaging, storytelling, and participation in high-level events.

Works closely with communications colleagues to develop strategic content for external audiences.

Supports advocacy and positioning efforts led by senior leadership.

Major challenges

Difficult Fund-Raising Environment – acquiring new resources will be the number one challenge.

Communicating clearly and consistently - Timely and clear communication is needed – at all levels.

Engaging all – from Director to front line staff.

Remotely Based – engaging effectively with all stakeholders and core team.