Principal Specialist: Fundraising & Advocacy

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Role Purpose/Business Unit:

To lead Vodacom Group Foundation’s international fundraising, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and purpose‑led communications, in alignment with Vodacom Group’s purpose, sustainability priorities, and socio‑economic development agenda across Africa.

The role is accountable for mobilising significant, multi‑year funding from large international donors, including United Nations agencies, bilateral and multilateral development partners, development finance institutions, global foundations, and strategic corporate partners. It positions Vodacom as a credible, trusted African partner for large‑scale, system‑level impact, while strengthening Vodacom Group’s reputation as a purpose‑driven organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

International Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships (Primary Accountability)  

• Develop and deliver a Vodacom Group Foundation fundraising strategy focused on securing high‑value, multi‑year institutional funding.
• Lead senior engagement with major international donors, including UN agencies and multilateral institutions, acting as Vodacom’s accountable relationship owner.
• Originate, structure, negotiate, and close complex, high‑value funding and partnership agreements, including consortium‑based and co‑funded models.
• Oversee the development of institutional‑grade proposals, concept notes, and investment cases that meet donor technical, compliance, safeguarding, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure all partnerships and funding arrangements comply with Vodacom and V Group governance, legal, risk, ESG, and brand standards.
• Build and manage a robust international funding pipeline, tracking total value, success rates, renewals, and long‑term donor retention.   

Advocacy, Policy Influence & Coalition Leadership 

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies aligned with Vodacom’s priorities in:
• Digital inclusion and connectivity
• Education, skills development (youth employability), health and humanitarian response
• Technology‑enabled development and sustainability
• Represent Vodacom Group Foundation in global, regional, and African policy forums, donor platforms, and multi‑stakeholder coalitions.
• Build and lead cross‑sector alliances with governments, multilaterals, NGOs, and private‑sector partners to influence policy and enable systemic change.
• Ensure strong alignment with Vodacom Group’s External Affairs, Sustainability, and Public Policy positions. 

Purpose‑Led Communications & Donor‑Focused Storytelling 

• Lead the Group Foundation’s communications and impact storytelling strategy, with a specific focus on the requirements of large institutional and international donors.
• Ensure Vodacom’s purpose and impact narratives are credible, evidence‑based, and data‑driven, suitable for donor governing bodies, boards, and executive audiences.
• Oversee the development of:
• Donor and impact reports
• Case studies and learning briefs
• Thought‑leadership and digital content
• Ensure consistent messaging across all Vodacom markets, aligned with brand guidelines, ESG commitments, and Group narrative.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Communications, Business, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in institutional fundraising, strategic partnerships, advocacy, or communications within:

• • A corporate foundation or multinational organisation
  • A United Nations agency or multilateral institution
  • A large NGO or development finance environment 
• Proven track record of securing and managing multi‑million, multi‑year funding from large international donors, including UN agencies.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple countries and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong orientation towards governance, compliance, and donor accountability.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Demonstrated leadership in large‑scale international and institutional fundraising.
• Senior‑level engagement with UN agencies, multilateral donors, and global foundations.
• Strategic partnership development and high‑value negotiation skills.
• Advocacy, coalition building, and policy influence.
• Expert communications and donor‑grade storytelling.
• Strong understanding of development finance, sustainability, ESG, and philanthropy, particularly within African and emerging‑market contexts.

We make an impact by offering:

• Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies

Closing date for Applications: 27 May 2026

The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus 

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.