Proposal Writer

A home-based Proposal Writer (Retainer) will support the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) on an intermittent basis. The role entails developing compelling technical grant proposals, logical frameworks, and donor pitches to secure funding.

The role will primarily support the development of comprehensive technical proposals for funding opportunities, alongside business development pitches, case studies, and donor-facing reports. The role ensures that complex energy data and project methodologies are translated into competitive grant applications that clearly align with ETP’s Results-Based Monitoring Framework (RBMF). The primary objectives are to articulate ETP’s programme value proposition, secure new funding, and demonstrate impact to targeted audiences.

The role will be home-based and is part of ETP’s retainer pool. This is not a full-time position. Retainers are engaged to carry out tasks on an intermittent basis, called upon to work when needed or as planned. There are no guaranteed minimum working hours or days.

The retainer will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager based in Bangkok, and will closely coordinate with the Country Coordinators based in Jakarta, Hanoi, and Manila. S/he will develop a workplan upon signing the contract, and can update the workplan periodically to adjust to ETP’s needs and requirements. Specifications and deadlines for each individual assignment will be given as and when the services are requested.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Review ETP programme/project documents, technical data, and regional energy policies to construct compelling, technically sound funding narratives, logical frameworks, and project methodologies.
2. Gather and synthesize highly technical data and information, outlining the appropriate structure for funding proposals in close coordination with ETP technical experts to ensure inputs are accurately captured and highly competitive.
3. Ensure the accuracy and technical depth of the narratives in articulating complex energy transition concepts, financial needs, and anticipated climate impacts to potential donors.
4. Ensure the narrative drafting and project design are results-based, being heavily grounded in ETP's Theory of Change and RBMF, demonstrating clear value propositions and return-on-investment for philanthropies and government funders.
5. Translate complex energy transition mechanics into clear, persuasive proposals tailored specifically to the evaluation criteria and priorities of diverse funding bodies.
6. Participate in programme team meetings to identify pipeline opportunities, acquire technical insights, and integrate updates on the region's energy infrastructure and geopolitical contexts into funding strategies.
7. Support the structuring and refinement of business development proposals, ensuring strict adherence to donor templates, evaluation criteria, and ETP branding guidelines.
8. Work collaboratively to interview and coordinate with internal subject matter experts to extract technical data and refine competitive grant applications based on iterative feedback.
9. Perform other technical writing, editing, or proposal-support functions as needs arise.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in technical proposal writing, grant writing, project design, or a similar role focused on business development is required.
• Demonstrated expertise and deep understanding of climate change, modern energy systems, or energy transition topics is required.
• Good knowledge of Google-suite applications is required

Desired

• Experience working with UN, EU, or philanthropic donor funding guidelines, logical frameworks, and evaluation criteria is highly desirable.
• Strong research, technical data synthesis, and analytical skills are highly desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluent English

About the region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.