Proposal Writer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of sustainable development solutions, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing project management, infrastructure, procurement, and human resources services to various partners, including governments and international organizations. UNOPS aims to enhance the quality of life for people in developing countries by delivering projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a workforce that reflects a diverse range of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds, UNOPS is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities. The organization emphasizes operational excellence and high performance across its various offices, including the Asia Pacific Regional Office, which oversees operations in 17 countries across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific.

Job Overview:
The Proposal Writer position is a home-based role that supports the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) on an intermittent basis. The primary function of this role is to develop compelling technical grant proposals, logical frameworks, and donor pitches aimed at securing funding for regional clean energy initiatives. The Proposal Writer will be responsible for translating complex energy data and project methodologies into competitive grant applications that align with ETP's Results-Based Monitoring Framework (RBMF). This position is not full-time; rather, it is part of a retainer pool, meaning the writer will be engaged as needed, without guaranteed minimum hours. The role requires close collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager and Country Coordinators based in Jakarta, Hanoi, and Manila, ensuring that the proposals reflect the strategic goals of the ETP and meet the expectations of potential funders. The successful candidate will be expected to articulate the program's value proposition effectively, secure new funding, and demonstrate impact to targeted audiences, thereby contributing to the overall mission of promoting sustainable energy systems in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Proposal Writer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing ETP programme/project documents, technical data, and regional energy policies to construct compelling funding narratives; gathering and synthesizing highly technical data and information to outline the appropriate structure for funding proposals; ensuring the accuracy and technical depth of narratives that articulate complex energy transition concepts, financial needs, and anticipated climate impacts; drafting narratives and project designs that are results-based and grounded in ETP's Theory of Change and RBMF; translating complex energy transition mechanics into clear, persuasive proposals tailored to the evaluation criteria of diverse funding bodies; participating in programme team meetings to identify pipeline opportunities and integrate updates on the region's energy infrastructure into funding strategies; structuring and refining business development proposals while adhering to donor templates and ETP branding guidelines; collaborating with internal subject matter experts to extract technical data and refine grant applications based on feedback; and performing other technical writing, editing, or proposal-support functions as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Studies, Energy Policy, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy Engineering, Economics, or a related technical field, along with 4 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the aforementioned disciplines with 2 years of relevant experience is also acceptable. Additionally, relevant experience in technical proposal writing, grant writing, project design, or a similar role focused on business development is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise and a deep understanding of climate change, modern energy systems, or energy transition topics, as well as proficiency in Google-suite applications. Experience working with UN, EU, or philanthropic donor funding guidelines is highly desirable, along with strong research, technical data synthesis, and analytical skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Studies, Energy Policy, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Economics. A Master’s degree in any of these disciplines is preferred, particularly for candidates with less experience. The educational qualifications should be complemented by practical experience in related areas, ensuring that candidates are well-equipped to handle the technical demands of the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or 2 years for those with a Master’s degree. Candidates should have a proven track record in technical proposal writing, grant writing, or project design, with a focus on business development. Demonstrated expertise in climate change and energy transition topics is essential, as is familiarity with the operational frameworks of donor organizations such as the UN and EU.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the Proposal Writer will be required to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and produce high-quality written proposals. While English proficiency is a requirement, additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in languages relevant to the Southeast Asia region, such as Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, or Filipino.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level, with an ICS level of 0

• It is a retainer contract type, specifically an ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a contract level of LICA
• The duration of the contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The Proposal Writer will work remotely and will not have guaranteed minimum working hours, as the engagement is on an intermittent basis. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and that applications must be submitted before the specified deadline. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.