CARE's OP-EN initiative is an innovative, multi-partner programme supporting Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) members in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana to sustainably grow their micro-enterprises and strengthen their livelihoods. As OP-EN moves into its next phase of growth, CARE International UK seeks short term consultancy support for fundraising, partnership development and stakeholder engagement activities from August- November/December 2026.
Scope
OP-EN is at a critical phase of development, transitioning from seed stage to growth stage which requires a focused effort to onboard additional strategic and funding partners to co-finance and support the delivery of a quality pilot phase, and then take OP-EN to scale. This is a unique opportunity to work with CARE to achieve greater visibility of OP-EN across the industry and with key stakeholders, and help us to prepare, pitch and secure follow-on funding and partnerships for this innovative cocoa sector initiative.
Deliverables and Indicators of Success
- Updates delivered successfully (Sept) - with relationship management colleagues - to industry stakeholders and continued engagement from stakeholders to collaborate in 2027.
- Cross-Industry presentation (Oct), with technical and country leads, delivered successfully including engagement and relationships built with 2-3 key potential funders and industry stakeholders. Insights and feedback integrated back to programme design and delivery teams
- 1-2 match funding proposals for OP-EN (aligned with programme funding needs identified in the strategy refresh workshop) advanced or submitted in coordination with other CARE members by December 2026.
- 1 other pipeline opportunity for match-funding and scale advancing in the pipeline.
- Workplan and ways of working established within CARE to integrate OP-EN into existing cocoa partnership programmes.
About you
We are looking for a high-motivated, systems-level thinker, passionate about partnerships delivering social impact at scale, and experienced in sustainable supply chains. With extensive experience in relationship building between the private sector and NGOs, you will have a sound understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and the corporate ESG landscape, including market trends and complexities around pre-competitive collaboration.
You will have a good understanding of and experience running multi-stakeholder and joint funded initiatives in emerging markets. Your relationship building skills and track record will be exemplary, specifically in the space of collaborative co-design working. You will have held business development roles, building funding pipelines and coordinating a complex set of stakeholders to co-develop compelling propositions and proposals, securing 6 figure+ grant income.
You will have strong communications and proposal development writing skills and ability to communicate complex concepts simply and clearly. Experience and confidence in client pitching with senior level international business stakeholders is a must, together with a working style for internal and external stakeholder management that is inclusive, diplomatic and strategic. Prior knowledge of the cocoa sector and/or French will be beneficial.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Sunday 9 August 2026. Submission requirements are included in the Terms of Reference.
Applications and queries should be sent to Rebecca Hastings, Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy (hastings@careinternational.org).