Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.   

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.  

Job Description

While SNV has been successful in fundraising for impact, the organisation is strengthening its business development process. To date, SNV has relied on a mix of in-house experts (Technical Leads and Prospect Coordinators) and external proposal writers to develop high-quality project proposals. As part of our effort to enhance proposal design and quality, we are looking to hire a skilled and experienced Proposal Writer to join our Business Development and Partnerships Team, reporting to the Global Head of Business Development and Partnerships.

About the Role

The Proposal Writer will play a key role in supporting project teams to develop stronger, more compelling technical proposals (front-end role) while also contributing to the development of clear and concise reports (back-end role). In addition, the Proposal Writer will lead training and mentoring initiatives for SNV team members, helping to build internal capacity and elevate the overall quality of proposal writing.

A key focus of this role will also be to support the integration of AI tools into the proposal development process, ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness. The Proposal Writer will enhance the capacity of both SNV staff and external consultants to produce high-quality, fundable proposals and reports.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Writing and Design of Project Interventions (Primary Focus)

Develop winning proposals in collaboration with global and country business development staff, tailoring each to specific donor needs.Lead proposal writing tasks, from capture documentation to concept note and full proposal development.Engage productively with key team members (Prospect Director, Technical Lead, Prospect Coordinator, Budget Lead) throughout the proposal writing process.Contribute to project design meetings, including kick-off sessions, whiteboarding, technical strategy discussions, and intervention design.Harmonize and integrate sections from multiple contributors into a cohesive, persuasive, and well-structured proposal that speaks with one voice.Revise and refine proposals based on internal and external review feedback.

Strengthening Proposal Development Processes (Secondary Focus)

Build and maintain a pool of proposal writing consultants to support proposal surge needs, ensuring up-to-date tracking of their expertise and performance.Provide guidance during proposal development and support quality assurance processes (e.g., after-action reviews, white reviews) for proposals written by SNV teams.Design and deliver training sessions to mentor proposal writers at both the global and country levels, strengthening organizational capacity in business development.Conduct emergency reviews and fine-tune concept notes and proposals as needed.Develop and update SNV’s proposal writing tools, including standard language, best practices, and a library of high-quality proposal content for internal and external use.Collaborate with Business Development (P&BD) and ICT teams to test and integrate AI technology for more efficient proposal development processes..

Qualifications

Who We’re Looking For

Master's or bachelor's degree in, Communications, Marketing, International Development or a related fieldAt least 5 years of proven experience in proposal writing, grant writing, or technical writing, preferably within the NGO sectorStrong knowledge of donor landscapes, including EU, bilateral donors, foundations, and private sector funding.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into compelling narratives.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, proposal management tools, and familiarity with AI-driven writing technologies.Ability to mentor and train teams in proposal writing and development.Analytical thinker with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges in proposal development.Team player with a positive, solutions-focused mindset able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teamsStrong research and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple proposals under tight deadlines.

 

Additional Information

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation (in English) before the 15 th of February 2025. Please submit your application only via  Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence. 

Working at SNV 
SNV offers a dynamic and stimulating role with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s future.

We are a global organisation representing 57 cultures across 22 countries, with approximately 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the countries where we operate. We actively promote international career development and offer a diverse workforce that combines longstanding institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives and experiences. United under the vision of "ONE SNV," we share a commitment to achieving our purpose with curiosity and collaboration.

Our commitment to impactful and sustainable change is built on effective resource stewardship, robust expertise, and a culture of evidence and learning. By strengthening capacities, fostering partnerships, and building trust with those we work alongside, we maximize positive and lasting impacts in the communities we serve.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

Our offer
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package in a stimulating work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling international working environment.  

Additional information 

Contract Type:                          Full time (40 hours per week) but open to 0.9 FTE or 0.8 FTEContract Duration:                    2 Years with possibility of extensionExpected Start Date:                March 2025   Information Duty Station:         The Hague, The Netherlands

Reference & vetting check 
At SNV, we conduct thorough background and reference checks for all candidates applying for internationally determined positions, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You will be asked to provide contact details for two individuals who can serve as references. Please note, we will only contact your referees with your explicit permission. 

As a participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, our reference checks also include a request to your previous employers to complete a "Statement of Conduct" questionnaire. This questionnaire addresses any instances of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, in line with the Scheme's definitions. 

 
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