FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
32.5 - 36.5 per year
London
Full-time
Senior Partnerships & Advocacy Officer Salary Duration £32,500 – £36,500 2-year fixed term with possibility for extension Hours of work: Location: Reports to: Line reports: 35 hours full time Hybrid Executive Director None About Us FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development) is a pioneering led by and for African women, working to end multiple forms of violence against women and girls. From child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic abuse, faith-based abuse & related harms. Our vision is for African women and girls everywhere to have equality, live in dignity, be healthy and thrive free of violence. Our mission is-to transform responses to violence against African women and girls through delivery of specialist support services, partnership and leadership development and community interventions. FORWARD marked our 40th Milestone in 2025 and is committed to scale up our campaigns and advocacy work. As the Partnerships & Advocacy Officer, you will be working alongside the Executive Director to support our unfinished policy agenda on tackling FGM, child motherhood and faith and culture. You will be self-motivated, proactive and passionate about increasing our influencing capacity to promote dignity, equality and wellbeing of to supporting FORWARD to live our approach to fundraising through trusts and foundations. You will identify new opportunities, write compelling proposals and drive ongoing engagement to increase our income. What’s it like working at FORWARD? We have a culture of encouraging creativity. Bringing ideas and solutions to complex problems is welcomed as part of the role. We believe in connectivity, and ensure that we connect as a team by being together in our London office as much as we can. We are committed to building a truly diverse team and have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity as part of who we are and everything we do. We are a values-driven organisation and expect all our staff to exhibit a commitment to these through their working practice. As an organisation that tackles multiple forms of abuse, staff are supported to embrace a culture of well-being and continuous improvement, feedback and feeling able to challenge each other to succeed. About the Role This role will strengthen our advocacy partnerships and lead on advocacy and campaigns to advance our mission and influence change. Key Responsibilities): • Campaigns & Advocacy: Develop and deliver compelling campaigns that amplify the voices of our beneficiaries, mobilise public support, and influence policy and practice. • Partnership Building: Work with grassroots partners, coalitions, and allies to co-create advocacy strategies and joint campaigns. • Engagement & Communications: Contribute to impactful messaging, digital content, and campaign actions that engage diverse audiences and stakeholders. Our Benefits We offer a wide range of employee benefits including: • Excellent annual leave entitlement • Pension scheme • Employee Assistance Programme • Death in Service benefit • Flexible working • Opportunities for training and professional development How Will You Make a Difference? Strategic Campaigns & Advocacy (40%) • Oversee the implementation of FORWARD’s advocacy and campaign strategy in line with the unfinished agendas on FGM, Child marriage and faith, culture and VAWG with support from the Executive Director and Programme Teams. • Conduct research to support the development of advocacy action, policy briefs and campaign materials and resources. • Draft and produce public campaign actions including e-actions for supporters and broader target audiences, including the Young Women’s Advisory Council. • Organise virtual and in-person advocacy / external facing events. • External monitoring for key updates and opportunities in relation to our advocacy priorities. • Track outputs and monitor the impact of our advocacy work. • Help coordinate and raise the profile of advocacy efforts of our FORWARD community. • Strengthen and amplify voices and lived experience within our advocacy, policy and campaigns work, ensuring voices and priorities of community women and young people are at the centre of all our policy, advocacy and campaigns. Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement (30%) • • • • Identify, develop, and maintain strategic partnerships with civil society, government, donors, and private sector stakeholders, including building relationships with existing partners. Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement to strengthen FORWARD’s influence and advance our advocacy and influencing objectives. Convene and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, both existing and new, who are critical to achieving FORWARD’s goals. Support the Executive Director, Chair, and trustees in building and maintaining high-level external relationships. Engagement & Communications (20%) • Oversee organisational communications to ensure consistent, compelling, and strategic messaging across advocacy, campaigns, and programmes. • Develop high-quality content for media, publications, digital platforms, and social media to raise • • • FORWARD’s profile and shape public opinion. Act as a spokesperson when required and support senior staff with media engagement. Ensure communications highlight and strengthen advocacy priorities, partnerships, and organisational achievements. Provide regular updates and analysis of our advocacy work to the Board of Trustees, relevant staff, as well as allies and funders where appropriate. General Duties and Flexibility (10%) • Adhere to and promote the organisation’s policies and procedures, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and data protection. Abide by organisational policies, code of conduct and practices Participate and oversee in supervision sessions and annual staff appraisals Attend relevant training in order to fulfil the requirements of the job • • • • Maintain awareness of national policies and ensure that activity adheres to relevant legislation and • • • • guidance. Participate in FORWARD staff team meetings and related operational meetings Attend meetings internally and externally as and when requested Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting your work by improving personal competence through professional development This job description is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties, and the role may develop in line with the evolving needs of the organisation. We are looking for someone who brings passion for advocacy, campaigns and collaboration, alongside the skills and experience listed below. Knowledge & Experience - Essential Knowledge & Experience - Desirable You should be able to demonstrate an extensive track record and evidence of achievements in terms of: It would be an advantage if you can also show evidence of: advocacy, partnerships, • A proven track record (around 3 years) of working in activism, or campaign/communications roles, gained through paid and/or voluntary experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling stories and content across different media to inspire action. • • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing advocacy and campaign strategies that drive engagement and influence. • Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships and coalitions to strengthen advocacy and campaign impact. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and deliver work independently. • • A collaborative and positive approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a small team. • Knowledge of policy processes and advocacy approaches relevant to Violence Against Women and Girls • Experience of working with grassroots organisations, community groups, or coalitions to co-create advocacy or campaign initiatives. • Understanding of digital campaigning tools and social media strategies to support mobilisation and engagement. • Experience of monitoring and evaluating the impact of campaigns or advocacy work. • Awareness of safeguarding, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in advocacy and partnerships. Personal Attributes - Essential Personal Attributes - Desirable • Commitment to FORWARD’s mission and values, particularly around ending violence against women and girls. • Collaborative and inclusive working style. • Results-oriented, self-motivated, and able to take initiative. • Creative and solutions-focused. • Comfortable contributing to wider organisational priorities. • Flexibility to attend occasional evening/weekend events. • Relevant postgraduate degree and other relevant training and education • Application deadline: Interviews: Please email your CV and a separate short cover recruitment@forwarduk.org.uk by the application deadline. letter specific to this position to In your cover letter, please don’t repeat the information covered in your CV, but do include how you meet the job specifications and why you feel you’re the best person for this role. Your covering letter should include: • Why you would like to work for FORWARD? • Why this particular role interests you? Please use the job description and person specification information in this application pack to detail your suitability. If you would like to submit your application in a different format, please get in touch via email or phone (020 8960 4000) and we can discuss how best to facilitate your request. CVs submitted on their own, without a supporting covering letter, will not be considered. If this opportunity sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t match every requirement exactly, we would still encourage you to apply - you may just be the perfect fit. FORWARD is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. This post is restricted to women applicants only, as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role or the application process please email recruitment@forwarduk.org.uk and we would be delighted to answer any queries you may have.
FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
40,000 - 45,000 per year (pro rata)
London
Part-time
Fundraising Manager
Salary
Duration
£40,000 - £45,000 Pro Rata
24 months
Hours of work:
Location:
Reports to:
Line reports:
28 hours
Hybrid
Executive Director
Fundraising Assistant and Communication Assistant
About Us
FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development) is a pioneering led by and for
African women, working to end multiple forms of violence against women and girls. From child marriage,
female genital mutilation, domestic abuse, faith-based abuse & related harms. Our vision is for African
women and girls everywhere to have equality, live in dignity, be healthy and thrive free of violence. Our
mission is-to transform responses to violence against African women and girls through delivery of specialist
support services, partnership and leadership development and community interventions.
FORWARD marked our 40th Milestone in 2025 and is committed to scale up our campaigns and advocacy work.
As the Partnerships & Advocacy Officer, you will be working alongside the Executive Director to support our
unfinished policy agenda on tackling FGM, child motherhood and faith and culture. You will be self-motivated,
proactive and passionate about increasing our influencing capacity to promote dignity, equality and wellbeing
of to supporting FORWARD to live our approach to fundraising through trusts and foundations. You will identify
new opportunities, write compelling proposals and drive ongoing engagement to increase our income.
What’s it like working at FORWARD?
We have a culture of encouraging creativity. Bringing ideas and solutions to complex problems is welcomed
as part of the role. We believe in connectivity, and ensure that we connect as a team by being together in
our London office as much as we can. We are committed to building a truly diverse team and have a
commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity as part of who we are and everything we do. We are a
values-driven organisation and expect all our staff to exhibit a commitment to these through their working
practice. As an organisation that tackles multiple forms of abuse, staff are supported to embrace a culture
of well-being and continuous improvement, feedback and feeling able to challenge each other to succeed.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, versatile and experienced Fundraising Manager who shares
FORWARD’s mission to end violence against women and girls. We are looking for a strategic thinker and
doer with a passion for justice and quity who can strengthen our income streams, raise our public profile,
and deepen our donor and partner relationships.
You will lead our competitive tendering and grant application work, develop our new area of corporate
partnerships, and play a pivotal role in ensuring FORWARD takes a strategic and sustainable approach to
income generation. You’ll provide first-class stewardship to existing supporters and funders, while
cultivating new prospects to maximise income for the charity.
This is a rewarding and influential role, suited to someone who is proactive, collaborative, and keen to
shape the future of fundraising and communications at FORWARD. You’ll be part of a small, dynamic team
delivering fast-paced programmes in response to community needs across London. Your role will help drive
forward our mission and values of trust, nurturing and empowerment especially as we celebrate our 40th
anniversary.
This is a part-time post, flexible on location, although some travel within the UK may be required. The role
will support fundraising events, requiring occasional evening and weekend commitments (for which time in
lieu will be granted).
Our Benefits
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:
• Excellent annual leave entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service benefit
• Flexible working
• Opportunities for training and professional development
How Will You Make a Difference?
Leadership and Management (10%)
• Work with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Board (particularly the Fundraising and
Marketing Subgroup) to proactively identify new funding and income opportunities for growth.
• Devise and develop appropriate and sustainable strategies and targets annually.
• Provide knowledge of current fundraising practice and develop a consistent working strategy that
is sustainable.
• Provide knowledge of current fundraising practice and develop a consistent working strategy that
is sustainable.
• Assist in informing long-term financial/business planning and clarifying priorities.
• Support the SMT and Board in developing a comprehensive framework for reporting on the
charity’s impact, including to funders.
• Engage key funding partners, donors, corporates and influencers to identify impactful fundraising
opportunities and build sustainable relationships.
• Strengthen existing relationships with funders and donors through clear, focused stewardship
plans to maximise future funding potential.
Fundraising (50%)
• Develop and implement effective strategies to target trusts, foundations, grants, corporate
partnerships, and digital fundraising using a variety of techniques.
• Set and deliver achievable fundraising targets aligned with FORWARD’s strategic objectives and
programme priorities. Initiate, develop and manage fundraising campaigns, liaising with colleagues
to create impactful storytelling and supporter engagement.
Lead high-value fundraising bids and donor acquisition, ensuring relationships and communications
are well managed for best outcomes.
•
• Collaborate across the organisation to develop compelling donor communications and strengthen
the donor journey.
• Design and promote tailored sponsorship and partnership packages; cultivate relationships with
corporate supporters.
• Cultivate relationships with individual supporters including high-net-worth individuals and embed
systems to steward donors.
• Explore innovative income streams including legacy giving, ethical fundraising events, and diaspora
philanthropy.
• Work with the Fundraising Assistant and Communications Assistant to plan and deliver compelling
digital campaigns and appeals.
• Represent FORWARD at external meetings and events, occasionally including evenings or
weekends.
• Be a lead ambassador for fundraising across the organisation and embed a culture of fundraising
within the team.
Communications (10%)
• Oversee effective use of FORWARD’s donor CRM system (Beacon) to improve data management
and donor communications.
• Ensure relevant fundraising news, grant terms, and reporting obligations are shared across teams.
• Support internal communication of all grants. Ensure communication strategies amplify fund
raising campaigns and deepen engagement with diverse donor audiences
• Oversee development of cohesive communication and social media strategies that support
fundraising campaigns.
• Support production of high-quality communication materials including digital content and
publications such as the Annual Review.
• Ensure all content is engaging, accessible and meets high editorial standards.
Line Management and Reporting (20%)
• Provide line management and day-to-day support to the Fundraising Assistant and
Communications Assistant. Ensure all fundraising and communications activities are well planned,
delivered within budget, and meet donor requirements.
• Develop and manage fundraising and marketing budgets; monitor performance with the Finance
Manager.
• Build strong working relationships across departments to promote collaboration and shared
learning.
• Produce regular updates and progress reports for the Executive Director and Board of Trustees
General Responsibilities (10%)
• Comply with FORWARD’s Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety policies.
• Abide by organisational policies, code of conduct and practices. Participate in supervision sessions
and annual appraisals.
• Attend relevant training to fulfil job requirements.
• Maintain awareness of fundraising and charity law.
• Participate in team meetings and operational meetings.
• Attend internal and external meetings as requested.
• Be proactive in professional development.
• Uphold confidentiality in line with FORWARD’s policies and Common Law obligations.
This job description is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities. The
post holder may be required to undertake other duties, and the role may develop in line with the
evolving needs of the organisation.
We are looking for someone who brings passion for Fundraising, alongside the skills and
experience listed below.
Skills & Experience - Essential
Skills & Experience - Desirable
You should be able to demonstrate an extensive track
record and evidence of achievements in terms of:
It would be an advantage if you can also show
evidence of:
• Proven track record of successful income generation
• Experience securing and managing corporate
across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic
•
fundraising and/or communications plans.
Strong written communication skills,
producing compelling donor materials and reports.
including
• Experience
line managing or supporting staff,
volunteers or junior colleagues.
to manage
• Ability
relationships with diverse
including donors, businesses, and
stakeholders
community groups.
partnerships and sponsorships.
• Experience delivering successful digital or
community fundraising campaigns.
• Familiarity with bid writing or trust/foundation
applications.
• Experience working in or with small to medium-
sized charities.
• Confident in using fundraising/CRM systems (e.g.
Beacon) and digital tools.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
Knowledge - Desirable
Knowledge - Essential
• Understanding of fundraising regulations, ethical
•
practices, and donor stewardship.
Solid grasp of branding, media engagement, and
digital marketing.
• Awareness of communications in advocacy and social
• Understanding of intersectionality and issues
affecting African diaspora women and girls.
• Knowledge of communicating on sensitive or
rights-based issues.
• Understanding of GDPR and data protection in
donor management.
change.
Personal Attributes - Essential
Personal Attributes - Desirable
• Commitment to FORWARD’s mission and values.
• Collaborative and inclusive working style.
• Results-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening/weekend
events
• Demonstrates cultural humility and a commitment
to inclusive, anti-racist practice.
• Creative and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable working in a small team.
• Willingness to learn and grow with the role
•
Application deadline:
Interviews:
Please email your CV and a separate short cover
recruitment@forwarduk.org.uk by the application deadline.
letter specific to this position to
In your cover letter, please don’t repeat the information covered in your CV, but do include how you
meet the job specifications and why you feel you’re the best person for this role. Your covering letter
should include:
• Why you would like to work for FORWARD?
• Why this particular role interests you?
Please use the job description and person specification information in this application pack to detail
your suitability. If you would like to submit your application in a different format, please get in touch
via email or phone (020 8960 4000) and we can discuss how best to facilitate your request. CVs
submitted on their own, without a supporting covering letter, will not be considered.
If this opportunity sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t match
every requirement exactly, we would still encourage you to apply - you may just be the perfect fit.
FORWARD is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Applicants will receive
equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual
orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role or the application process please email
recruitment@forwarduk.org.uk and we would be delighted to answer any queries you may have.