Grants & Proposal Writer at AfriLabs

Job Summary

• As the Grants and Proposal Writer, you will play a crucial role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the organization's mission and programs.
• You will be responsible for researching potential funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, managing the grant application process, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Collaborating with relevant teams, you will gather necessary information, develop budgets and work plans, and track grant-funded activities to deliver impactful outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Research potential funding opportunities from diverse sources including donors, foundations, governments, and multilateral organizations that align with AfriLabs' mission and programs.
• Write compelling grant proposals, concept notes, and grant applications tailored to the requirements and priorities of different funders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with AfriLabs' strategic objectives
• Collaborate with relevant teams to gather relevant information, data, and insights needed for grant proposal development.
• Develop budgets, work plans, and timelines for grant proposals in consultation with relevant teams to ensure alignment with programmatic goals and financial sustainability.
• Manage the grant application process from start to finish, including submission, follow-up, and reporting requirements, adhering to deadlines and compliance standards set by funders.
• Coordinate with Programme Managers and Finance teams to track grant expenditures, monitor project progress, and ensure timely reporting on grant-funded activities and outcomes.
• Prepare and submit interim and final grant reports, impact assessments, and success stories to funders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop donor stewardship strategies, including donor recognition, acknowledgement, and engagement activities.
• Participate in donor meetings, site visits, and events to represent AfriLabs, showcase programmatic successes, and explore opportunities for funding collaboration.
• Research donor priorities, funding trends, and emerging opportunities in the fields of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Africa.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of potential funders, grant opportunities, and relevant contacts for future reference and outreach.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, International Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience (5-7 years) in grant proposal writing, fundraising, or grant management, preferably in the nonprofit sector with a focus on technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge of various grant-making organizations, their requirements, and application processes.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and concepts in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and techniques for prospect identification and donor cultivation.
• Familiarity with grant management software, databases, and tools for proposal development and reporting.
• Knowledge of donor relations best practices, fundraising strategies, and compliance standards for nonprofit organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different departments and geographic locations
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other languages commonly spoken in Africa is a plus.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Strong communication skills