WASAReC-Centre for Water, Sanitation and Rehabilitation
Grant Writing Volunteer
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About WASAReC
WASAReC is a Zambian non-governmental organisation working to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable waste management through community-led initiatives that prioritise children, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced grant writing volunteer with a proven track record of developing successful funding proposals for NGOs or international development programmes.
Working with our leadership and programme team, you will help identify suitable funding opportunities and develop strong applications grounded in community needs, credible evidence and WASAReC’s capacity to deliver. The initial focus will be on Commonwealth funding opportunities.
Key responsibilities
- Identify relevant funding opportunities and assess WASAReC’s eligibility and suitability, including opportunities requiring consortium partnerships.
- Help develop project ideas into clear, fundable concepts aligned with donor priorities.
- Lead the drafting and revision of concept notes, expressions of interest and full proposals.
- Work with our team to develop theories of change, results frameworks, implementation plans and realistic budgets.
- Integrate gender equality, disability inclusion, climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, safeguarding and sustainability into project design, as relevant.
- Review applications against donor guidelines, assessment criteria and submission requirements.
- Coordinate proposal inputs with our team and help meet agreed submission deadlines.
- Strengthen our internal grant writing capacity through practical feedback and reusable proposal resources.
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The profile we need
Essential experience and skills
- A demonstrated track record of successful grant proposals, with a substantial personal role in their development.
- Experience preparing funding applications for NGOs or international development programmes.
- Strong skills in project design, persuasive writing, results frameworks and proposal budgeting.
- Ability to interpret funding guidelines, assess organisational eligibility and translate programme information into a convincing case for support.
- Ability to work collaboratively with programme, finance and leadership teams.
- Excellent written English, attention to detail and reliable delivery against agreed deadlines.
- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical fundraising, gender equality and inclusion.
Desirable experience
- Previous experience developing successful grant proposals for Commonwealth funding programmes and/or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: WASH; climate resilience; climate and environmental justice; sustainable waste management; gender equality; economic inclusion; and community development.
- Experience supporting locally led organisations in Zambia or other sub-Saharan African countries.
- Experience developing consortium proposals and funding partnerships.
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What we offer
- An opportunity to contribute your expertise to community-led development in Zambia.
- Direct collaboration with WASAReC’s leadership and programme team.
- Access to organisational information and programme evidence needed to develop proposals.
- An agreed scope of work and flexible remote volunteering arrangements.
How to apply
Please apply through www.Idealist.com or email (wasarec0321@gmail.com) with:
- Your CV.
- A short statement explaining your interest, relevant experience and availability.
- Two examples of successful funding applications, identifying the donor or programme, award year, approximate grant value where disclosure is permitted, and your specific contribution.
- A redacted proposal or writing sample that you have permission to share, if available.
Please clearly indicate whether you led, substantially developed or contributed to each proposal. If you have experience with Commonwealth or FCDO funding, please identify the relevant programmes.
We welcome applications from qualified volunteers based in Zambia and internationally.
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