Proposal Development Coordinator

Proposal Development and Business Development Specialist

Key Responsibilities

Main Purpose of Job

Organize and coordinate the end-to-end development of concept notes and proposals for funding opportunities, ensuring compliance, quality, and alignment with CGIAR pre-award process and priorities.

• Set and manage proposal development timelines, workplans, and task allocations to support timely and efficient submission.
• Conduct and synthesize research on donor priorities, requirements, funding trends, and engagement opportunities to inform pipeline development and positioning.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of proposal development and review processes, including the use of AI tools, guidance materials, boilerplates, and templates.
• Coordinate internal input for funder surveys and requests for information.
• Identify and manage risks related to proposal development activities, escalating issues as needed to ensure decision-making aligns with institutional procedures.

Main Engagement, Collaboration and Communication Responsibilities

• Initiate and organize proposal kick-off meetings, check-in sessions, review meetings, and other working arrangements required to move opportunities from concept to submission.
• Collaborate with scientists, technical experts, and business units to deliver drafting, tailoring, and revision of proposal content, ensuring coherence, responsiveness, and strategic fit.
• Translate donor feedback and compliance expectations into clear actions for proposal teams and relevant operational units.
• Engage with donors, partners, and internal stakeholders to explore opportunities.
• Prepare briefings, presentation materials, and meeting notes for funder bilateral meetings, events, and internal committee meetings.

Main Responsibilities in the Delivery of Timely and Quality Services

• Organize and complete internal technical, operational, and quality review processes, including follow-up with contributors and reviewers to ensure feedback is addressed in line with institutional procedures.
• Ensure concept notes and proposals are delivered on time and to a high standard, with clear coordination of inputs, revisions, and final submission requirements.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing, lessons learned, and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen pre-award delivery and business development effectiveness.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as Business Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, Environmental Science, or related discipline).
• At least a Master’s Degree with five years relevant experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with eight years relevant experience.
• Experience researching and analyzing business development, pipeline, or resource mobilization opportunities.
• Experience in drafting concept notes and proposals, guiding contributor teams, and ensuring alignment with donor expectations and organizational priorities.
• Entry-level experience liaising with donor offices; experience liaising with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or other climate funds is an advantage.
• Up-to-date knowledge of global fundraising trends and the evolving climate finance landscape.
• Experience working in an international not-for-profit organization is an advantage.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential.
• Working knowledge of Arabic, French, and/or Spanish is desirable.