JOB DESCRIPTION: GRANT WRITER

Position Level: Senior

About FEDCO

The Federation of Drivers, Riders, and Conductors (FEDCO), established in 2014, is a society group with a noble mission to uplift and support the informal group of public service vehicle drivers, riders, and conductors in Kenya’s public service vehicle sector. At FEDCO, we recognize the vital role these individuals play in our society, and our primary objective is to address their wellness needs, social empowerment, and capacity building.

Responsibilities

As a Grant Writer at FEDCO, you will play a crucial role in securing funding to support our mission. Your responsibilities include:

1. Research and Portfolio Development
   • Research and generate a portfolio of potential donors.
   • Identify, plan, write, prepare, and present grant proposals and accompanying materials.
2. Proposal Development and Submission
   • Manage the proposal development and submission process.
   • Write compelling and consistent documents aligning with donor goals.
3. Solicitation and Stewardship
   • Execute tailored solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship plans for each grant.
   • Ensure revenue goals and mission priorities are funded.
4. Relationship Building
   • Develop relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders.
   • Maintain proficient knowledge of the organization’s history and products.
5. Documentation and Follow-up
   • Furnish prospective funders with supporting documents.
   • Follow up accordingly to achieve timely feedback.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you need:

• Experience in grant writing/reporting and the ability to showcase your achievements.
• Capability to solicit both government and private grants within Kenya and globally.
• Strong critical thinking, judgment, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Experience with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and building/maintaining budgets.
• Proficiency in measuring and reaching income goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

How to Apply

To apply, kindly share your CV and writing samples of the grant proposals you have written and won to info@fedco.co.ke. The deadline for applications is 30th January 2023.

---

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Grant Writer

1. Showcase Your Achievements: Provide tangible examples of successful grant writing projects you have undertaken, emphasizing the impact they had.
2. Highlight Diverse Grant Sources: Demonstrate your ability to solicit grants from both government and private entities within Kenya and internationally.
3. Emphasize Strategic Decision-Making: Showcase instances where your critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills played a pivotal role in successful grant acquisition.
4. Illustrate M&E Expertise: Share experiences related to Monitoring and Evaluation, emphasizing how you have effectively built and maintained budgets.
5. Demonstrate Communication Skills: Use your application to showcase your excellent verbal and written communication skills, critical for effective grant writing.
6. Exhibit Financial Acumen: Provide evidence of your proficiency in measuring and reaching income goals through successful grant applications.
7. Express Passion for Social Impact: Convey your genuine interest in contributing to FEDCO’s mission of uplifting and supporting the public service vehicle sector.
8. Detail Relationship Building: Discuss your approach to developing relationships with key stakeholders and how this has benefited your grant writing endeavors.
9. Provide Comprehensive Follow-up Strategies: Illustrate your ability to follow up on grant applications, emphasizing your commitment to achieving timely feedback.
10. Customize Your Application: Tailor your application to FEDCO’s history and products, demonstrating a deep understanding of the organization.

---

SAMPLE COVER LETTER – GRANT WRITER

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Grant Writer position at FEDCO, as advertised. With a proven track record in grant writing and a passion for supporting the informal group of public service vehicle drivers, riders, and conductors, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to FEDCO’s noble mission.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I successfully secured grants from both government and private sources, exceeding revenue goals and aligning proposals with donor objectives. My expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation, coupled with strong budgeting skills, has enabled me to contribute significantly to the strategic direction of my previous organization.

Having reviewed FEDCO’s history and products, I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to wellness, social empowerment, and capacity building in the public service vehicle sector. My proficiency in communicating complex ideas, coupled with a keen ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, positions me as an ideal candidate for this role.

Enclosed with my application are writing samples of grant proposals I have written and won, providing a tangible representation of my capabilities. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with FEDCO’s mission during an interview.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to FEDCO’s continued success and look forward to the possibility of joining your team.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

---

Frequently Asked Questions – Grant Writer Position

1. What types of grants have you previously written?

In my previous roles, I have successfully written and secured grants from a diverse range of sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and international organizations. These grants have supported initiatives ranging from community development to capacity building.

2. How do you approach the budgeting process in grant writing?

I approach budgeting with meticulous detail, ensuring that each item aligns with the goals and objectives of the grant. I emphasize transparency and accountability, providing a clear financial roadmap that enhances the overall credibility of the grant proposal.

3. Can you share an example of a challenging grant you’ve worked on and how you overcame obstacles?

Certainly. One particular challenging grant involved stringent eligibility criteria. I navigated this challenge by collaborating closely with internal teams, leveraging their expertise to tailor the proposal while maintaining compliance with the grant requirements. This collaboration resulted in a successful grant award.

4. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities in grant writing?

I am committed to continuous learning and regularly engage with industry publications, attend relevant workshops, and participate in professional networks. This ensures that my grant writing strategies are informed by the latest trends and opportunities in the field.

5. How do you handle competing priorities when working on multiple grant proposals simultaneously?

Prioritization is key. I establish clear timelines for each grant proposal, identifying critical milestones and allocating resources accordingly. Effective communication with team members and stakeholders ensures a smooth workflow and successful submission of multiple proposals.

6. Can you provide an example of a successful grant that had a significant impact on the target community?

Certainly. One notable success was securing a grant for a community development project that resulted in improved infrastructure, increased access to education, and enhanced livelihoods for the target community. This grant significantly contributed to positive social change.

7. How do you tailor grant proposals to align with the specific goals and values of potential donors?

I conduct thorough research on potential donors, understanding their mission, values, and priorities. This information is then integrated into the grant proposal, showcasing a clear alignment between the project goals and the donor’s objectives.

8. Describe your approach to building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the grant writing process.

Building relationships is about effective communication and collaboration. I ensure regular updates on project progress, seek input from stakeholders, and actively involve them in the grant development process. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and support.

9. How do you handle rejection or feedback on grant proposals?

I view rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. I analyze feedback objectively, identify areas for enhancement, and use this information to strengthen future grant proposals. Resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial in this process.

10. How do you integrate the mission and values of FEDCO into your grant proposals?

Understanding FEDCO’s mission and values is fundamental. I weave these into the narrative of the grant proposal, emphasizing how the proposed project aligns with the organization’s broader goals. This ensures a cohesive and compelling case for support.

---

Possible Grant Writer Interview Questions With Example Answers

1. How do you approach the initial stages of researching potential donors?

Answer: When researching potential donors, I begin by understanding their mission, priorities, and funding preferences. For example, in my previous role, when targeting a foundation with a focus on community development, I thoroughly analyzed their previous grants to identify patterns and tailor my proposal accordingly.

2. Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to revise a grant proposal due to changing project requirements?

Answer: Certainly. In a recent project, there was a shift in project requirements midway. I promptly convened a meeting with the project team to assess the changes, revised the proposal accordingly, and successfully secured additional funding to accommodate the modifications.

3. How do you ensure that your grant proposals are aligned with the strategic direction of an organization?

Answer: Alignment with the strategic direction involves constant communication with organizational leadership. I regularly engage with key stakeholders, attend strategy meetings, and ensure that the goals outlined in the grant proposals are congruent with the overall mission and vision of the organization.

4. Can you share an experience where you successfully managed the proposal development and submission process for multiple grants simultaneously?

Answer: In a previous role, I managed the simultaneous submission of three grants with varying deadlines. I established a clear timeline, delegated tasks to a competent team, and ensured open communication channels. This resulted in the successful submission of all three proposals within the specified deadlines.

5. How do you handle tight deadlines when preparing grant proposals?

Answer: Tight deadlines require effective time management. I prioritize tasks, create a detailed schedule, and maintain open lines of communication with the team to ensure everyone is aware of the urgency. This approach has consistently allowed me to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

6. Can you discuss a situation where you had to collaborate with internal teams to gather information for a grant proposal?

Answer: Collaboration is essential in grant writing. In a recent project, I collaborated with the finance and program teams to gather accurate data for budgeting and project details. This collaborative effort resulted in a comprehensive and well-supported grant proposal.

7. How do you tailor grant proposals to appeal to both government and private funding sources?

Answer: Tailoring proposals involves understanding the priorities of each funding source. For government grants, I focus on alignment with public policy goals, while for private sources, I emphasize the social impact and community engagement aspects. This dual approach has been successful in securing funding from diverse sources.

8. How do you demonstrate the impact of a grant-funded project in your proposals and reports?

Answer: Impact assessment is a crucial aspect of grant writing. I incorporate measurable outcomes and indicators into proposals, ensuring that the expected impact is clearly defined. In reports, I provide evidence through quantitative and qualitative data, showcasing the tangible results of the funded project.

9. Can you share an example of a situation where you successfully negotiated funding terms with a donor?

Answer: Negotiation is an integral part of grant writing. In a previous role, I negotiated funding terms with a corporate donor to secure additional support for a project. By clearly communicating the project’s impact and aligning it with the donor’s values, we reached a mutually beneficial agreement.

10. How do you stay informed about changes in the grant writing landscape, and how do you adapt your strategies accordingly?

Answer: Staying informed involves continuous learning. I regularly attend workshops, webinars, and engage with industry publications to stay abreast of changes. This proactive approach allows me to adapt my strategies, ensuring that my grant writing approaches remain effective and up-to-date.

---

Thank you for considering a career with FEDCO. We wish you the best in your application process. At FEDCO, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee.