The International Crane Foundation is seeking a strategic and collaborative Grants Officer to help our Africa Programs advance a future where cranes, people, and natural ecosystems thrive together. Across sub-Saharan Africa, we work to protect four threatened crane species—Wattled, Blue, Grey Crowned, and Black Crowned Cranes—through innovative conservation initiatives that strengthen local livelihoods, support resilient landscapes, and foster partnerships among communities, governments, and global stakeholders. With programs spanning East Africa, Southern Africa, the Sahel and Sudan Savanna, and South Africa, we are committed to building community-centered conservation solutions with lasting impact.  This is a full-time, remote position that can be performed anywhere in the US from a suitable home office space.

About the Role

At ICF, conservation begins with people who can turn bold ideas into funded impact. As the Grants Officer, you will help shape the future of ICF’s Africa Programs by building and managing a dynamic funding pipeline that supports crane conservation and community-driven development across the continent.

This role is central to advancing our mission by identifying new funding opportunities, leading proposal development, supporting in-country fundraising efforts, and coordinating grant reporting and management from start to finish. Working closely with the Vice President of Africa Programs, Regional and Country Directors, program staff, and colleagues across Development and Finance, you will build a diverse and forward-looking funding pipeline that includes institutional donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, impact investment, and innovative financing opportunities beyond traditional conservation funding.

The successful candidate will translate technical program priorities into compelling, high-quality proposals and ensure timely submission, tracking, and reporting across a dynamic portfolio of grants. The role also supports country teams in identifying local funding opportunities and developing donor-aligned concepts and proposals that strengthen long-term program sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and collaborative fundraising professional who is passionate about conservation, international development, and creating lasting impact across Africa.

Qualifications

This role requires a highly skilled writer and relationship builder with experience securing six-figure-plus grants from multilateral, bilateral, philanthropic, and private sector donors. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a conservation-related field and a strong understanding of issues such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, agriculture, and water resource management. Candidates should be comfortable translating technical program information into persuasive donor-ready submissions, including detailed logframes and budgets, while ensuring compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat is required, while experience with financial tracking systems such as SAP Concur and project management platforms is an advantage. International experience and familiarity with African conservation and donor landscapes are highly desirable, as is an understanding of the effective and responsible use of AI and related technologies to support grants management and proposal development.

Join us in protecting cranes and the ecosystems they inhabit—together, we can make a difference!