Smile Foundation
Basic Information
Position: Assistant Manager/Manager – Proposal Development
Functional Area: Research & Proposal Development
Location: Delhi
Experience: 5 – 8 years
Reporting: Director- Programmes
About the organization:
Smile Foundation works for the welfare of underprivileged children and their families through intensive programmes focused on education, healthcare, skilling and women empowerment. and Empowering Grassroots. Started in 2002 by a group of young corporate professionals, today Smile has evolved into a national level development organization impacting lives of over 1.5 million underprivileged children and their families with project presence in 25 states across India, 10 offices in strategic locations and over 650 employees, besides countless volunteers, well-wishers and supporters.
The organization also holds Special Consultative Status with United Nation’s Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC), accredited with global organizations like GuideStar, United Way, CAF America, Give2Asia and many more. Furthermore, continuously for past three years Smile is a Great Place to Work © Certified organization and is considered ‘Gold Standard’ in identifying and recognizing Great Workplace Cultures.
Currently SF has been implementing projects worth Rs 80 Crore across India directly or with the help of grassroot organizations, primarily CSR funded projects of varied scale both in urban and rural areas including aspirational districts in thematic areas mentioned above. The wealth of knowledge emanated from the same is immense, however the same is grouped in systematic manner which can be used for pitching for large projects of long term in nature leading to data driven knowledge products which can be further used in creating large scale impact.
Summary of the Role
The Assistant Manager/Manager – Proposal Development will assist the organization’s efforts in developing high-quality proposals to secure funding from diverse sources, including government agencies, foundations and corporates. The role requires strong skills in writing, research, strategic thinking, and relationship management. The successful candidate will collaborate with various program teams and Resource Mobilization team to ensure the alignment of proposals with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
Essential
1. Develop high quality proposals and concept notes along with budget in accordance donor requirements in alignment with Smile’s thematic areas primarily in education and skilling.
2. Writes and edits concept notes, proposals, letters of inquiry, bids, and other donor communications focusing on clarity and accuracy, readability, and professional presentation – presenting them as donor-ready to final reviewer.
3. Coordinate with program teams to ensure that donor requirements are met, and the appropriate templates used when developing proposals.
4. Works with teams to collaboratively manage complex donor proposal processes, including budgeting and tracking timelines, sourcing relevant information from team members for proposal development processes.
5. Undertake regular secondary research in alignment with Smile’s thematic areas and in development sector globally and nationally.
6. Assist in applying for national and international awards
7. Respond promptly for all queries of the program team and Resource Mobilization team
8. Participate in proposal reviews and recommend and execute changes as needed
9. Prepare regular reports for the senior management team on proposal conversions.
Desirable
10. Ensure adherence to established proposal and knowledge management templates and quality standards
11. Ensures that information related to donor proposals, contacts, and processes are well-documented and accessible to others within the organization.
12. This role would need to identify and research new funding opportunities from government, foundation, corporate, and individual donors and apply on them.
13. Stay updated on trends in philanthropy, donor priorities, and changes in the funding landscape.
14. To support in proposal writing for other verticals like Swabhiman (Women Empowerment), Health etc as assigned.
Qualification and Experience
- Should have a master’s in social work (MSW), Sociology, Development studies, Social Science or other related subjects.
- Candidates with 5-8 years of experience in research and proposal writing. With a minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role in the development sector.
- Proven track record of securing significant funding from a variety of sources.
- Should have ability to understand and communicate complex information, and to conceptualize and produce strong, clean and compelling written materials.
- Superior writing skills, proofreading and editing skills with an analytical mindset are also huge assets to anyone pursuing this field.
- Strong proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PPT, Google platform, Adobe, Dropbox and other online
collaboration tools. - Should be well versed with LFA, Theory of Change Tools which are used for proposal writing
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities and deadlines
Competencies
- Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Able to give and take during a conversation in a balanced way, listening as well as speaking at appropriate intervals.
- Analytical Problem Solving: Analyzes information to understand relationships, patterns, and causes and effects, integrate data, and check facts. This is done with both qualitative and quantitative information, making rational and timely judgments on the basis of the information that is available.
- Achieving results: Demonstrate drive and determination to achieve both results and success; can be counted upon to successfully exceed goals; regularly pushes self and others for results; bottom-line oriented, persisting despite obstacles and opposition.
- Aligning performance for success: Focusing and guiding others in accomplishing work objectives.
- Focus Upon Quality: Accomplishes tasks by considering all of the areas involved, no matter how small; shows concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checks processes and tasks; remains watchful over a period of time.
- Time Management: Recognizes that time is a resource to be carefully allocated according to priorities that may be constantly changing.
- Contributes to Team Performance: Is an engaged and integral member of a group, recognizing the need for group collaboration, empathy, consensual decision-making and respect for others.
Note -
Smile Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please Note: Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted by the Human Resources Team
