Development Associate - Project Proposals Writer

About the role:

We're looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Development Associate - Project Proposal Writer to join our growing team. In this role, you'll take ownership of the proposals and bids that bring our most important projects to life. From the first draft to the final submission, you'll make sure every document is sharp, cohesive, and built to win. This is a role for someone who takes quality personally and understands that great writing is great strategy.

What We're Looking For

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, or a related field
• Experience: At least 2 years in proposal or bid writing, ideally within the development sector
• Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite is a must
• A genuine understanding of development issues — and the ability to communicate them simply and powerfully
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving instincts
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English
• Great organizational habits and an eye for detail
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Calm under pressure and reliable with deadlines

What You'll be Doing

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research on client organizations, funding opportunities, and competitive landscapes to inform proposal strategy and content.
• Analyze and interpret client and agency requirements to ensure proposals are tailored to their client / donor needs and increase the likelihood of success.
• Synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and persuasive proposal content that aligns with client / donor objectives and requirements.
• Evaluate historical data from previous projects and proposals to identify best practices, trends, and areas for improvement.

Proposal Development and Packaging

• Manage the process of proposal writing, including research, drafting, editing, and finalization with the assigned Subject Matter Experts (SME).
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant information and insights for proposal content.
• Structure and organize proposals to ensure clarity, coherence, and compliance with submission guidelines.
• Develop and package project concepts and plans into well-structured, persuasive documents that clearly communicate the value and impact of our proposed projects.
• Develop and design proposal templates and materials that align with organizational branding and standards.
• Prepare supporting documentation such as budgets, work plans, and timelines, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project objectives.

Quality Assurance

• Review and edit proposals and documents to ensure clarity, coherence, and consistency in language and messaging.
• Conduct thorough quality checks to verify that proposals meet all technical, financial, and content requirements.
• Incorporate feedback from reviewers and stakeholders to enhance the quality and effectiveness of proposals.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of proposal development processes and tools.