About WWF South Africa

WWF South Africa is part of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organization, operating in over 100 countries with a supporter base of more than 6 million.

With a mission to halt environmental degradation and promote sustainable living, WWF South Africa has been inspiring positive change for over 50 years.

The organization focuses on conserving biodiversity, managing natural resources sustainably, and reducing pollution and waste.

Job Opportunity: Partnerships Officer at WWF South Africa – Join a Global Conservation Leader

This is a key role supporting WWF South Africa’s strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.

Job Title: Partnerships Officer
Location: Cape Town / Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid Work Model)
Closing Date: 2026/07/08
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Experience Level: Associate
Workplace Type: Hybrid (Newlands or Braamfontein)
Reference Number: RAS260617-1

The Partnerships Officer will work closely with the Strategic Partnership Specialist and Public Sector Partnerships Manager to develop funding proposals, build relationships with international donors, trusts, foundations, and public sector partners, and contribute to WWF’s conservation goals through effective partnership development and resource mobilization.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Mobilization

Lead the development of funding proposals for trusts, foundations, and public sector partners.
Manage proposal development timelines, strategies, and teams to ensure deadlines are met.
Maintain and update a database of current and potential funders.

Monitor funding opportunities and calls, building a pipeline of project proposals.
Collaborate with environmental, legal, and finance teams to develop projects aligned with funding calls.
Conduct research, data collection, and competitive analysis to identify funding prospects.

Support fundraising for priority conservation projects in partnership with environmental teams.
Liaise with WWF network offices globally to enhance resource mobilization efforts.

Partnership Development

Strengthen relationships with trusts, foundations, and public sector partners.
Support the establishment of new partnerships and expand existing collaborations.
Manage processes and requirements for donor engagement, reporting, and compliance.

Oversee proposal quality and contract delivery working closely with internal teams.
Facilitate understanding of funding environments within WWF South Africa to grow opportunities.
Ensure effective project delivery, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Honours Degree or higher in biological, conservation, environmental sciences, international relations, or a related field.
5-8 years’ proven experience in proposal writing, fundraising, or engaging with trusts, foundations, and public sector funders.

Excellent proposal writing skills and ability to translate complex conservation needs into compelling donor proposals.
Strong understanding of donor funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.
Experience managing administrative and financial data for donors.

Fluency in English; proficiency in an African language is advantageous.
Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.
Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
Proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented mindset.

High professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and within a team.
Commitment to WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Inclusion.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and cover letter, fully demonstrating their relevant skills, experience, and motivation for the role.

Please include the names, current email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references.

Apply here: WWF South Africa Careers