We’re looking for a grant writer to support our fundraising efforts with foundations, grantmakers and other partners from around the world who may be interested in funding our work. We are looking for a dynamic, experienced grant writer, who will work closely with our fundraising team to solicit funding opportunities through grant writing. A successful candidate will be a great storyteller with a passion for the work that we do. 

The qualified candidate will report to the Chief Business Officer and work closely with our business teams across Africa. The selected candidate should expect to spend 80% of their time drafting, editing, and submitting grant applications, and 20% of their time on prospecting funding opportunities and team meetings. At some points in the year when there are few grant applications due, the grant writing consultant will spend a greater amount of time researching funding opportunities, helping the Ubongo team build our fundraising pipeline, or providing writing support on other communications or marketing efforts/initiatives.

SOME OF YOUR FIRST CHALLENGES WILL BE:

• Understanding Ubongo’s vision, mission, impact and priorities and sharing our story effectively with potential funders through grant applications.


• Conducting research on potential funders to understand their vision, mission, goals to help us determine the fit.


• Lead grant writing efforts, including, drafting, editing and submitting applications that we decide to pursue.


• Support the fundraising team to prospect new funding opportunities across platforms, scopes, and needs.

TO BE A MATCH YOU NEED:

• Effective communication: Proven grant writing and storytelling skills.


• Ability to synthesize research and produce compelling literature reviews.


• Intellectually curious, enthusiastic about learning new things, open-minded and flexible mindset.


• A persistent but empathetic pusher. We’ve got to get things DONE. 


• Honest, trustworthy, transparent and conscientious.


• Passionate about education, storytelling, and being a changemaker.


• Can work well in a dynamic environment with people in multiple countries.


• Someone who loves kids. They’re why we do what we do. Our kids’ music and videos will become part of your life (and constantly stuck in your head). 


• You have an interest in fundraising and market research and understand what funders want.


• You have the ability to work independently and to think on your feet


• Experience working in fundraising within a non-profit company


• Strong organization and time management skills that enable the employee to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Exceptional English speaking and writing skills. 


• Outstanding technical writer able to produce error-free content


• Immense personal initiative.


• A positive and professional team player attitude that works well under pressure and is flexible and responsible.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Creative Writing, Education, Research, Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.


• Proven experience working in fundraising, marketing, corporate communications, content development, writing, or project management


• Deep understanding of Africa’s education and development landscape


• Must be able to provide at least 3 professional references.


• Must love kids!