Solar Sister is seeking an experienced Grants Manager to oversee a portfolio of current and prospective grant donors. This role will be responsible for leading cultivation, solicitation, proposal development, and strategic engagement efforts to sustain and expand the organization’s fundraising initiatives. Specifically, the Grants Manager will oversee proposal writing, grant reporting, and coordination with team members to ensure the effective and timely execution of deliverables for committed grants.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Grant Development & Proposal Writing
● Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned with Solar Sister’s mission.
● Lead the development, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals and funding applications.
● Collaborate with program, finance, and leadership teams to gather necessary information for proposals.
● Ensure all grant-funded activities align with contractual obligations and organizational goals.
2. Reporting & Communication
● Prepare timely and high-quality grant reports, including impact narratives, financial reports, and donor updates.
● Work closely with program teams to collect data, success stories, and key performance indicators for reporting.
3. Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management
● Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective grant donors.
● Develop engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities for renewals and new funding.
● Represent Solar Sister in donor meetings, presentations, and networking events as needed. 4. Internal Coordination
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of grant-funded programs.
● Provide training and guidance to team members on grant compliance and best practices.
● Contribute to organizational learning by sharing insights and trends in grant funding.
5. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
Education & Experience:
As a small and nimble team, Solar Sister fosters a can-do, roll-up-your-sleeves environment that may require taking on tasks that are not explicitly defined above to get the job done.
● Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, International Development, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
● Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in grant writing, grant management, fundraising, or a related role, preferably in the nonprofit or development sector.
● Experience researching funding opportunities and preparing compelling grant proposals and reports.
● Familiarity with donor requirements, compliance, and reporting processes for institutional and private funders.
Skills & Competencies:
● Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and impact reports.
● Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
● Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to ensure accuracy in grant proposals, budgets, and reports.
● Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including program, finance, and leadership staff.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and grant management tools; experience with CRM or donor databases is a plus.
● Strong research skills to identify potential funding sources and stay updated on donor trends.
● Passion for Solar Sister’s mission and commitment to gender equity and sustainable energy access.
Personal Attributes
● Passion for Solar Sister’s mission and commitment to advancing clean energy and women’s empowerment.
● Results-oriented, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and achieving targets.
● High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive donor information.
● Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across departments.
● Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Desirable.
● Knowledge of and experience in the clean energy, gender equity, or international development sectors.
● Familiarity with donor trends and philanthropic practices in Africa or the Global South.
HOURS AND LOCATION
This full-time position is available immediately and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
COMPENSATION
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications and includes a competitive salary and benefits. Solar Sister also offers a flexible work environment that prioritizes the well-being of our team.
TO APPLY
If this opportunity calls out to you, please email the following to kejobs@solarsister.org by 28th February 2026, 11:59 pm.
1) A tailored cover letter that explains why Solar Sister’s mission excites you and why this particular role is a fit for you
2) Sample of your work/writings
3) Your resume.
We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to short-listed applicants within two weeks. Solar Sister provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Solar Sister complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Solar Sister expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with SolarSister employees’ ability to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.