Job Summary

The Head of Partnerships & Investment plays a pivotal role in advancing aBi Development’s mission by driving strategic partnerships, securing sustainable investment, and ensuring alignment with the organisation’s funding strategies. Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO), the role focuses on investment mobilisation, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships, ensuring a diversified funding base and positioning aBiD as a trusted partner in catalysing systemic change. 

Duties, Roles, and Responsibilities

Partnerships & Investment Strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic approach to partnerships and investment, ensuring a sustainable and diversified funding base that aligns with aBiD’s long-term objectives
• Develop and regularly update a comprehensive partnerships and investment strategy aligned with aBiD’s strategic plan
• Conduct strategic market, investor, and donor landscape analyses to identify opportunities for investment diversification and partnership growth, including co-investment and innovative financing strategies
• Collaborate with senior leadership and Programme Heads to integrate investment strategies across organisational programmes, ensuring alignment with sector priorities, while empowering teams in their investment mobilisation efforts
• Establish performance tracking mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of partnership strategies and adjust approaches as needed
• Develop a pipeline of bankable impact projects
• Build strong relationships across the donor, investor, and regulatory landscape to support pipeline development efforts

Success Criteria/Measures:

• Investor and partner feedback confirms that aBiD is seen as a leading convener and catalyst for investment in Uganda’s agribusiness sector
• Sustainability assessments demonstrate that aBiD-facilitated investments contribute to climate resilience and environmentally sustainable agribusiness practices

Investment Mobilisation & Resource Management

• Identify and engage anchor partners, such as banks and financial institutions, to co-design and co-finance interventions
• Encourage these partners to leverage their networks, fostering collaborative investment opportunities
• Design financial instruments, such as guarantees or first-loss capital, to mitigate investment risks for private sector partners, making projects more attractive and viable
• Combine public and private funding sources to mobilise capital for high-impact projects, aligning with both development and commercial objectives
• Create funds targeting specific sectors or challenges, such as climate adaptation or sustainable agriculture, to attract mission-aligned investors
• Utilise tools like green bonds or social impact bonds to raise capital for projects with measurable social and environmental outcomes
• Lead rigorous risk assessment and monitoring processes across all investments, covering credit, operational, reputational, and ESG dimensions, and ensure that risk mitigation strategies are embedded in investment structuring, implementation, and reporting

Success Criteria/Measures:

• Annual funding reports demonstrate an increase in investment secured through blended finance, co-investments, and private sector partnerships
• Evaluations of investment projects confirm that financial instruments (e.g., guarantees, risk-sharing mechanisms) have successfully de-risked private sector participation
• Investment monitoring data indicates that mobilised funds are deployed effectively and achieving intended development impact

Strategic Partner Engagement

• Craft customised strategies for each partner, aligning their interests with aBiD’s mission and ensuring mutual value
• Maintain rigorous reporting standards, meeting all accountability requirements to build trust and demonstrate aBiD’s commitment to transparency
• Schedule consistent updates and meetings with partners to provide progress reports, gather feedback, and strengthen relationships
• Organise forums and workshops that bring together partners to share insights, co-create solutions, and explore new investment opportunities
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of partnerships, using data-driven insights to inform strategy adjustments and enhance collaboration

Success Criteria/Measures:

• Independent assessments show that aBiD-supported investments align with national and regional economic development priorities
• Investor and donor compliance reviews confirm adherence to all reporting, governance, and accountability requirements

Communications & Influence

• Support the Communications Manager in implementing a strategic communications plan that enhances aBiD’s brand visibility and thought leadership
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all communication channels, aligned with aBiD’s strategic objectives and funder priorities
• Work with the Communications Manager and Programme Heads to map spheres of influence and develop targeted strategies to influence stakeholders across supply, demand, and enabling environments
• Oversee the production of high-impact content, including reports, case studies, and investor communications, showcasing aBiD’s impact and value proposition
• Support the Communications Manager in fostering relationships with key media outlets, strategic partners, and stakeholders to amplify aBiD’s voice and advocacy efforts

Success Criteria/Measures:

• M&E of communications initiatives indicates measurable success in influencing stakeholders across supply, demand, and enabling environments, while effectively showcasing aBiD’s impact and value proposition

Operational Excellence & Internal Coordination

• Establish and manage robust internal systems for tracking investment opportunities, investor engagements, and partnership outcomes
• Lead cross-functional coordination efforts to ensure strategic alignment of investment activities across all pillars and programmes, while supporting Programme Heads in managing income and expenditure effectively
• Collaborate closely with the CFOO and finance team to track the funding pipeline, align organisational spend with incoming funds, and support efficient budget utilisation
• Support the CFOO in streamlining business processes related to incoming funds and timely fund utilisation, identifying process bottlenecks, and supporting continuous improvement

Success Criteria/Measures:

• Internal efficiency reviews confirm that investment tracking systems and processes enable timely decision-making and fund deployment

And other duties as requested by the CFOO

Qualifications, Education, and Competencies

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Development Economics, Investment Management, or a related field
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) are an added advantage
• At least 7-10 years’ experience in investment mobilisation, development finance, or strategic partnerships
• Experience engaging with policymakers, regulators, and sector platforms to influence policy
• Experience structuring blended finance/impact investment vehicles (e.g., bonds, catalytic capital) is desirable but not required
• Proven track record in securing and managing funding from diverse sources, including blended finance and private sector co-investments
• Strong experience in structuring financial instruments such as guarantees, risk-sharing mechanisms, or catalytic capital
• Demonstrated success in engaging banks, DFIs, donors, and investors to mobilise capital for impact-driven initiatives
• Significant experience in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and multi-stakeholder investment platforms

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of investment governance, compliance, and financial regulations in development finance
• Expertise in structuring and managing thematic funds, impact investments, and de-risking mechanisms
• Ability to analyse market trends, assess funding opportunities, and develop sustainable financing strategies
• Advanced skills in financial modelling, risk assessment, and investment impact measurement
• Stakeholder diplomacy, with the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments, negotiate high-value partnerships, and influence policy and investment agendas across public, private, and development actors

Competency

• Level 4 Leadership
• Ownership & Initiative
• Learning & Adaptability
• Situational Awareness & Thinking
• Execution & Drive for Results
• Understanding Others & Team Collaboration
• Communicating & Influencing

How to Apply

Send your Application CV and Academic Documents (in 1 single batch) to Vacancy@abi.co.ug,with the subject line: Head of Partnerships & Investment, by close of business on 30th October 2025.

Apply Now

All applicants MUST fill in the online form and share their CVs and Cover Letters in PDF or MS Word STRICTLY. All applications shall be duly acknowledged as received, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 30th October 2025