Grant Writer (Volunteer Role)

Grant Writer (Volunteer Role)

Position Title: Grant Writer (Volunteer)

Reports To: Founder/Director, Grants and Partnerships Manager

Commitment: 5–10 hours/week

Duration: 12 Months (with possibility of renewal and transition into a part-time paid role depending on funding availability)

Location: Remote

Role Summary

The Smile Outreach is seeking a passionate and committed Volunteer Grant Writer to join our development team. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to combat menstrual inequity, gender-based violence, and harmful traditional practices affecting adolescents and women across Africa.

As a volunteer, you will play a key role in identifying funding opportunities, drafting compelling proposals, and contributing to long-term resource mobilization strategies that sustain our programs. If you are a strong writer with a heart for social justice and a few hours to give each week, we would love to work with you—especially if you’re a woman ready to help change the world one proposal at a time.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Prospecting & Research

• Research and identify new grant opportunities aligned with The Smile Outreach’s thematic areas and projects.
• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and submission timelines.

Proposal Writing & Submission

• Draft, edit, and submit well-crafted grant applications, letters of interest, and funding proposals.
• Tailor proposals to donor priorities while aligning with The Smile Outreach’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure all application guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements are met.

Reporting & Documentation

• Support in drafting grant reports for existing funders, highlighting impact, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with program leads to gather data, stories, and metrics needed for reporting.

Strategic Support

• Assist in building reusable proposal templates and funder communication materials.
• Contribute to donor mapping and partnership outreach strategies.

Collaborative Work

• Attend periodic strategy check-ins with the Executive Director and other team members.
• Participate in cross-functional brainstorming and visioning sessions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, communications, nonprofit management, public health, gender studies, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 1 year experience in grant writing, development communications, or fundraising (volunteer or professional).
• Excellent written communication, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Research-savvy and able to synthesize information into compelling narratives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines independently.
• Familiarity with issues related to gender equity, SRHR, menstrual health, or youth advocacy is a strong advantage.
• Experience with donor databases, CRMs, or project management tools is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Commitment to The Smile Outreach’s mission, values, and feminist ethos.
• Passionate about equity, education, and youth development.
• Collaborative spirit with the confidence to work independently.
• Integrity, attention to detail, and a results-driven mindset.

Disclaimer

This is a volunteer role with a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week for a 12-month period.

Volunteers in this position may be considered for a part-time paid opportunity based on performance and funding availability.

Women are especially encouraged to apply, as we are a 90% women-led team committed to supporting women across Africa.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.
• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic, women-led nonprofit creating transformative change.
• Recognition and references for high-performing volunteers.
• Potential for growth into a part-time paid role (funding dependent).
• The opportunity to contribute to award-winning programs such as The Good Cycle Initiative, Bold Spaces, and The Period Dictionary.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications and cover letter should be sent to hr@thesmileoutreach.africa.