Background:

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through a combination of grant making, fellowships, transformational research, technical assistance, coalition building and advocacy the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change, and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

Overview:

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) has established a strong and impactful presence in Senegal, playing a pivotal role in supporting key partners in delivering a just energy transition. While this work continues to expand, the country programme is also broadening its scope to include critical areas that enhance both climate and economic resilience, such as finance, sustainable landuse, sustainable mobility, and green industrialisation. As the ACF’s work in Senegal grows, additional capacity is required to guide and shape strategic initiatives and support effective grant making.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Country Manager Senegal, the Senior Programme Officer will play a key role in supporting various programme activities, including strategy development, managing grant portfolios, fostering strategic partnerships, supporting fundraising initiatives, and providing thought leadership to enhance the programme’s impact and effectiveness.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Under the guidance of the Country Manager Senegal, support the revision and updating of the ACF’s Senegal Strategy and implementation plan.
• Identify and oversee sector-relevant research and analysis to inform programmatic work and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with other ACF programme staff to ensure synergies, integration, and cross-programme learning.
• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager to ensure effective monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of programme delivery and outcomes.
• Manage and lead flagship projects or initiatives within the Senegal Programme.

Partnerships:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships and networks with key stakeholders, including national and sub-national governments, financial institutions, civil society organizations, think tanks, research institutions, and the philanthropic community.
• Act as a key point of contact and representative of the Senegal Programme, strengthening stakeholder collaboration to enhance programme impact.

Grant-Making:

• Under the guidance of the Country Manager Senegal update, maintain and implement the programmes grant-making portfolio.
• Supervise a Project Officer in the day-to-day management of grants, providing guidance and support to ensure effective grant implementation and monitoring.
• Collaborate with ACF’s grant-making team to manage the grant cycle, including soliciting, reviewing, and recommending grants to the ACF Grants Committee and Board, and supporting grant contracting and monitoring.
• Monitor grantee progress, ensuring timely delivery against grant agreements and providing technical and management support where needed.
• Under the guidance of the Country Manager Senegal, work closely with the MEL Manager to ensure grants are being monitored, information captured and learnings are being used to inform programming.

Fundraising and Reporting:

• Support the Country Manager Senegal, the Head of Partnerships and Head of Programmes in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to address programme funding gaps.
• Support in the preparation of funding proposals and donor engagements.
• Ensure timely and high-quality reporting on programme progress to donors, the ACF Board, and other key stakeholders.

Thought Leadership:

• Stay informed of emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges related to sustainable development and climate action in Senegal.
• Contribute to ACF’s research outputs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and online content, ensuring high visibility of the Senegal Programme.
• Collaborate with the Communications Team and Country Manager Senegal to organize events, such as convenings, webinars, and workshops.
• Provide technical guidance and insights to the Senior Management Team, Board, and other internal and external stakeholders on strategic programme developments.

Requirements include but not limited to:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, environmental sciences, development studies, public policy, or a related field
• 6-8 years of progressive experience in programme design, management, or related roles, with a focus on climate action, sustainable development, or similar fields.
• Experience working with or supporting government institutions, donors, and financial entities on large-scale projects or policy initiatives.
• Experience in managing grants.
• Familiarity with policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement within the Senegal context.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and implement complex programmes.
• Sophisticated writing, reporting, and communication skills, with an ability to present technical information clearly.
• Fluent in both English and French.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with a capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Start date: Position available immediately

Contract duration: 12 months (renewable based on mutual agreement)

Location: Senegal

Closing date: 20 November 2025

For further information about the ACF, visit www.africanclimatefoundation.org

Should you not hear back from us by 28 February 2026, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), The ACF assures all applicants that any personal information provided during the recruitment process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your privacy and data security are of paramount importance to us. By applying for this position, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for recruitment-related activities only. The ACF is committed to safeguarding your privacy and maintaining the trust you place in us.