Business Development and Grants Proposal Writer

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About the Organization

Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) is one of India’s leading nonprofits working to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities. Since 2002, DEF has focused on digital infrastructure, internet rights, public service access, and digital livelihoods across 2000+ rural and semi-urban locations. DEF believes in using digital technologies as a means of social justice and equitable development.

Job Description

DEF is seeking a detail-oriented, research-savvy, and impact-driven Business Development & Proposal Writer to join its fundraising team. This role involves drafting grant proposals, donor pitch decks, and funding applications that are both strategically aligned and contextually grounded. A key responsibility includes conducting research to shape proposal narratives from sectoral trends and donor priorities to community needs and policy environments.

This position will involve close collaboration with DEF’s Fundraising Team and Research & Advocacy team to frame proposals that reflect evidence-based insights, field narratives, and thematic analyses, ensuring alignment with DEF’s ongoing work in policy influence and rights-based development.

Job Responsibilities

Research and analyse funding opportunities, donor calls, and emerging trends across sectors relevant to DEF’s mission (digital inclusion, livelihoods, gender & tech, misinformation, rural connectivity, etc.).

• Conduct in-depth background research on donor landscapes, policy frameworks, and community needs to inform the structure and framing of grant proposals.
• Develop high-quality proposals, concept notes, EOIs, and pitch decks tailored to specific donor requirements
• Work closely with DEF’s Fundraising and Research & Advocacy team to integrate findings from field research, community studies, impact documentation, and policy papers into proposal framing.
• Translate research insights into program ideas, solution narratives, and donor-aligned strategies.
• Work with internal teams to co-create:
• Logical Frameworks (LFA)
• Theory of Change (ToC)
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Gantt Charts/Activity Timelines
• Budget Narratives
• Collaborate with program, MEL, finance teams and compliance checking team to ensure alignment between proposed activities, measurable outcomes, and resource allocation.
• Maintain a repository of reusable proposal assets including organizational profiles, case studies, bios, and technical annexures.
• Assist with donor follow-ups, submission coordination, and basic reporting when required.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Master’s or higher degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• 2–5 years of experience in grant writing, social science research, and proposal development within the non-profit or development sector.
• Proven ability to write compelling, structured proposals and donor documents.
• Strong knowledge of frameworks like LFA, ToC, KPIs, and basic familiarity with project budgeting.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research to shape proposals and ensure contextual relevance.
• Experience working with evidence-based content, and collaborating with research teams to develop program logic.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, work collaboratively, and coordinate across departments.
• Proficiency in MS Office, MS Excel, Google Suite, and preferably research analysis tools for donor research deliverables

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in writing proposals for CSR, international donors, multilateral agencies, or philanthropic foundations in the domains of in domains such as entrepreneurship, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, digitalisation, women in tech, and digital literacy.
• Familiarity with DEF’s thematic focus areas, including digital rights, misinformation, women and technology, access to entitlements, and community networks.
• Research background or journalistic instincts in identifying gaps, framing arguments, and building evidence-based cases.
• Capacity to contribute to donor communication strategies and fundraising campaigns.
• Prior involvement in program design, research-driven campaigns, or advocacy communications is a plus.
• Passion for social justice, digital inclusion, and grassroots empowerment.

Please send your CV, 2 writing samples (preferably successful proposals), and a short cover note to raina.ghosh@defindia.org & rizwan@defindia.org & saurabhk@defindia.org with the subject line: “Application: Business Development & Proposal Writer”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

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