Request for Proposals: Africa Programme Consultant

Luminate is a global foundation working to ensure that everyone – especially those who are underrepresented - has the information, rights, and power to influence the decisions that shape society. The foundation is focused on enabling people to fully participate in civic and political life, to safely challenge power, and to access accurate, trustworthy information. It was established by philanthropists Pierre and Pam Omidyar and has worked for over a decade on issues related to governance and citizen engagement.

Luminate is seeking a full-time consultant with a commitment to, and experience in digital governance, tech accountability and democratic governance themes across the Africa region. The consultant will support the Africa team’s funding strategy across the region, with a specific focus on Kenya. The consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will report to the Vice President, Africa. 

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter outlining why they are interested in this consultancy and their associated expertise to: [email protected]. If your profile and experience are aligned with the priorities for this consultancy, we will invite you meet with selected members of the team.    

Applications are due by 4 September 2024, 11:55pm EAT

Expected start date: 1 November 2024

• Grantmaking: deploy grant-making and ecosystem-building funds with a primary focus on Kenya and support for other regional thematic work. 
  • Recommend a pipeline of high impact opportunities relevant to Luminate’s goals in Africa, 
  • Evaluate new grant opportunities by reviewing and analysing grant proposals, and organisation budgets, and conducting necessary diligence on prospects 
  • Conduct funding execution by taking shortlisted grant opportunities through the approval and closing process
• Learning & Impact:  
  • Contribute to evaluation plans for the portfolio and submit progress reports and status updates for the Kenya portfolio
  • Execute research and other learning projects to deepen Luminate’s work in the region 
  • Monitor the Kenyan tech accountability ecosystem

• Several years professional experience in grant making 
• Experience conducting advocacy work and engaging with diverse stakeholders - policymakers, civil society, and othersin the tech governance and civic space protection sector is an added advantage  
• Familiarity with tech-for-social good themes; digital governance, tech accountability and civic space challenges in Kenya
• Deep strategic and analytical skills – ability to evaluate proposed grants from multiple perspectives and have appreciation for analytical rigour and clarity
• Good communication skills – excellent writing and presentation skills; ability to communicate succinctly and clearly
• Good interpersonal skills – ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners across geographic

Luminate firmly believes that embracing diversity and fostering inclusion enhances our effectiveness, and we are committed to engaging consultants and organisations from a wide-ranging and inclusive pool of applicants.

Our evaluation process will impartially consider all candidates, irrespective of factors such as race, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics safeguarded by law.

We regret that we cannot provide feedback on proposals during the bidding phase. However, we welcome any questions seeking clarification, which can be directed to the email address: [email protected].