Lead Creative, Public Pod

We are looking for a skilled grant writer and project manager, with a depth of experience with bilateral and multilateral funding mechanisms, to join our public fundraising team. You will report to the Public Pod’s Business Development Manager and immediately take on a portfolio of high-value reports and proposals while stepping into a leadership role within the team, acting as a strategic deputy to the team lead.

Responsibilities

High-Stakes Technical Writing & Strategy

• Lead Grant Development: Act as the lead writer for 2+ high-value deliverables per month (minimum 50% proposals), translating complex data into compelling, jargon-free narratives for bilateral and multilateral donors.

• Strategic Framing: Contribute to deliverable-level strategy, ensuring all content emphasizes farmer perspectives and aligns with donor priorities.

• Technical Fluency: Maintain deep expertise in One Acre Fund’s operating model, impact data, and future scaling plans to ensure technical accuracy across all documents.

Project Management & Stakeholder Coordination

• End-to-End Ownership: Oversee the full lifecycle of writing projects, from initial research and bid/no-bid frameworks to final submission.

• Cross-Functional Liaison: Coordinate input across field operations, finance, and donor representatives to ensure seamless data integration and on-time delivery.

• Process Optimization: Utilize grant checklists and efficiency-driving tools to maintain a high standard of independence and output quality.

Leadership Support & Portfolio Analytics

• Strategic Deputizing: Support the Pod Lead by managing high-priority ad-hoc projects, donor logistics, and external consultancies.

• Data Stewardship: Maintain the "source of truth" for Public Pod funding data and trackers, providing the team with real-time portfolio analytics.

• People Management: Provide mentorship and direct management for 1–2 junior staff members.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

For this role specifically, you will have:

• Minimum 5 - 7+ years of total professional experience, including 3+ years of relevant experience in high-stakes grant writing or technical proposal development. Ideal candidates have an international development or social enterprise background, with proven ability to navigate complex institutional bureaucracies and data-heavy reporting.

• Strong communication skills. At its core, this position is about communicating complex ideas in simple prose, both written and verbal; we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to do so. 

• Some prior fundraising or grant management experience is strongly preferred.

• Experience working with or writing for European public donors is also preferred.

• Genuine interest in international development or agriculture. We are seeking someone with a demonstrated connection to or passion for international development or agriculture. You are genuinely interested and passionate about providing opportunity to rural smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.  

• Fluency in English required.