Overview
Fundraiser Jobs in Johannesburg Metropolitan Area at Kusini Water & Filters
Title: Fundraiser
Company: Kusini Water & Filters
Location: Johannesburg Metropolitan Area
About Us:
Kusini Water is an impact-driven social enterprise that designs, builds, and deploys solar-powered water kiosks in off-grid and rural communities across South Africa, with active expansion into Malawi and Zambia. Our model trains community members — Water Champions — to own and operate kiosks, generating earned income and breaking cycles of aid dependency.
We have a proven track record, active funder relationships, and an ambitious 2030 strategy targeting 1 million people reached, 500 kiosks, 2 000 Water Champions, and $10M in earned income. We are now looking for a skilled fundraising professional to help us unlock the next phase of growth.
The Role:
We are looking for a part-time Freelance Fundraiser and Grant Writer to drive our funding pipeline and produce compelling, high-quality proposals and reports. You will work directly with the CEO and senior team to identify opportunities, develop funding documents, and manage funder communications.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is self-directed, writes with clarity and conviction, and understands the nuance of impact work. You will not be managed day-to-day — we need someone who takes ownership.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Writing & Proposals
• Research and identify relevant grant opportunities across CSI, government, bilateral, and international funders
• Draft high-quality concept notes, funding proposals, and letters of enquiry tailored to each funder
• Compile and maintain a funding pipeline tracker with deadlines, requirements, and status updates
• Prepare mid-year and final funder reports in line with contractual obligations
Funder Engagement Support
• Develop funder-facing materials including one-pagers, impact briefs, and pitch decks
• Support the CEO in preparing for funder meetings, site visits, and presentations
• Maintain and update a funder database with contacts, priorities, funding cycles, and relationship history
Strategy & Market Research
• Conduct landscape scans to identify new funding opportunities relevant to water, climate, rural development, and gender
• Provide recommendations on which funders to prioritise based on strategic fit and timing
• Flag emerging CSI, ESG, and impact investment trends relevant to Kusini's model
What we're looking for:
Essential
• 3+ years of fundraising, grant writing, or development work experience
• Demonstrated track record of securing funding (please be ready to share examples)
• Strong writing skills — you can make technical work compelling and accessible
• Familiarity with South African CSI, corporate foundations, and development funding landscapes
• Self-managed and reliable — able to meet deadlines without close supervision
• Based in South Africa with a good understanding of the local development sector
Advantageous
• Experience in WASH, water, climate resilience, or rural/community development sectors
• Existing relationships with relevant SA funders (corporates, DFIs, foundations)
• Experience with international donors (e.g. USAID, EU, Comic Relief, foundations)
• Familiarity with B-BBEE, ESG frameworks, and SDG-aligned reporting
• Experience producing annual reports or impact documentation
What we offer:
• Meaningful work with a mission-driven organisation making a real difference in rural water access
• Direct access to and collaboration with the founder/CEO
• A growing, well-documented funding pipeline to work from — not starting from zero
• Flexibility to work remotely and structure your own time
• Opportunity to grow into a more senior role as the organisation scales
• A team that values honesty, accountability, and getting things done
