Partnerships and Grants Manager

About the role

Right to Play is seeking a Partnerships and Grants Manager to lead the development and management of strategic partnerships and grant programmes across Africa and other target regions. Based in Kampala, the role will ensure that collaborations with local civil‑society organisations are effective, compliant and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, negotiate and manage partnerships with local CSOs, donors and other stakeholders in MENA, South Asia and Africa.
• Design and implement capacity‑building initiatives that strengthen grantee organisations and promote localisation.
• Oversee results‑based reporting, donor compliance and grant‑making processes, ensuring adherence to do‑no‑harm principles.
• Facilitate group learning sessions and knowledge‑exchange across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.
• Maintain robust relationships with funders, managing power differentials and fostering trust‑based collaborations.

Required profile

• Post‑secondary degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience working with local CSOs on partnership or grant management, preferably in conflict‑affected or fragile contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply localisation and trust‑based grant‑making principles.
• Fluent written and spoken English and French; additional proficiency in Arabic or Urdu is an asset.
• Professional certifications such as PMP are considered a plus.

Required skills

• PMP or comparable project‑management certification.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools and emerging AI technologies.
• Results‑based reporting and donor compliance oversight.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work with a global NGO dedicated to child development through sport and play.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven environment in Kampala.