Grants Writer at Hivos East Africa

Job Context
This position is an integral part of Hivos East Africa’s Fundraising Team. S/he is responsible for fund development activities for the organization. These activities include grant writing, supporting programme development; and supporting reporting to donors.

Specifically, s/he is responsible for writing proposals in conjunction with programme development officers and Programme Managers.

Responsibilities for the Grants Writer Job

• Conducting the full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to bilateral donors, foundation and corporate sources based on programme development plans and proposals from Programme Development Officers.
• Perform prospect research with Programme Development Officers on foundations and corporations to evaluate prospects for corporate and foundation grants.
• Work with Programme Managers to gather information necessary to report to corporate/foundation funders on current grant programmes.
• Support grant reporting as required by foundation/corporate donors.
• Provide stewardship to current donors, including work with Communications Officer & Monitoring Officer to provide regular written updates to donors.
• Understanding of organizational structure, functions and needs.
• Understanding of institutional history and programmes.
• Track statistics relevant to development and provide department with written materials necessary for donor stewardship.
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested.

Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of the grant application process for major multilateral and bilateral donors (mandatory) including EU, Global Fund and bilateral donors.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals (mandatory).
• Strong editing skills & attention to detail.
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies (mandatory).
• Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research (mandatory).
• Knowledge of fundraising information sources (e.g. grants database).
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to incorporate accurate and pertinent information in the proposal or application.
• Strong contributor in team environments. Must be able to work and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications for the Grants Writer Job

• Minimum of three years experience with grant writing (mandatory).
• Previous experience with non-profit fundraising.
• Experience working in deadline-driven environments.
• Able to work well in a team environment, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Able to monitor and meet income goals.

What we offer
Hivos offers a competitive package based on the candidate’s qualifications