The Grant Writer/Business Development Specialist is a member of the Africa External Affairs team and leads the development and writing of public funding proposals for the Africa Region of The Nature Conservancy. The Grant Writer is primarily responsible for collecting and organizing relevant proposal information, proposal writing and editing, and preparing grant proposal applications for submission to public funding agencies. Reporting to the Africa Manager of External Affairs, the Grant Writer will establish and maintain a critical information database for proposals, conduct public funding research, maintain a clear understanding of the TNC Africa regional programs and direction, and maintain a calendar of submissions and other deadlines. The region would like this person to help increase both the number and value of proposals being submitted and awarded on an annual basis to support an exciting and fast-growing program.
The Grant Writer serves as lead writer on public funding proposals with overall responsibility for proposal development, including managing the proposal team, writing and editing proposals that make a strong connection with the Conservancy’s key audiences, and persuasively communicating TNC Africa’s mission and programs to potential funders. The successful candidate will be able to craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner. Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and highly-organized, and have experience working with proposal development teams. They will need to be able to prioritize projects to keep multiple projects moving in a timely manner, meet deadlines and manage supplemental material required for proposals. S/he must have experience preparing public funding proposals, including drafting technical text, budgets and log frames. The candidate must possess an ability to work well under pressure and be able to seek and synthesize information and communicate in a convincing and succinct form. A solid understanding of budgets as they relate to grant proposals is also necessary
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manages public funding proposal projects, including writing, editing and preparing final proposal application.
- Serve as team lead or team member for public funding development projects, depending on the proposal.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting proposal development goals and objectives.
- Communicates persuasively the organization’s mission and programs to potential public funders.
- Assembles and submits proposal documentation, including letters, approvals, CVs, institutional capacity statements, past performance reviews, budgets, and other required documents.
- Maintains a calendar to ensure timely submission of all proposal related documentation.
- Conducts funding opportunity research and informs External Affairs team of research and potential areas to cultivate partnerships.
- Prioritizes to keep multiple projects moving in a timely manner, meets deadlines and manages supplemental material required for proposals.
- Maintains a line of communication with the target agency as relevant for the development of the proposal.
- Provides other writing support for major donor agencies, such as review of grant reports and other donor agency requests.
- Does not supervise staff but will coordinate the work of peers and consultants.
- Resolves complex issues independently within program area.
- Opportunity to act independently within program goals.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience writing, editing and proofreading public funding proposals for public agencies.
- Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects.
- Experience working with US- and European-based public funding agencies.
- Fluency in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Experience writing successful public funding proposals.
- Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
- Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices.
- Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in public funding.
- Experience in leading or managing a proposal development team.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.