Online Volunteer for Fundraising and Proposal Development

Job Posting Organization:
Enabling Rural Opportunity Network (ERONet) is a women-centered, community-based organization established in 2001, located in Northern Uganda near the South Sudan border. Initially known as Agoro Community Development Association (ACDA), ERONet has transformed from a grassroots movement into a regional network focused on empowering vulnerable and displaced populations, particularly women, adolescent girls, and children. The organization operates primarily in the Acholi sub-region, which includes Lamwo, Kitgum, Pader, and Agago districts, areas significantly affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. ERONet's mission is to build resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant rural communities through integrated interventions in various sectors such as education, health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), livelihoods, gender equality, and disaster preparedness. The organization aims to enhance the resilience of marginalized groups by raising awareness about disaster risks, facilitating community-led hazard mapping, strengthening partnerships with humanitarian actors, and supporting emergency response efforts. Through these initiatives, ERONet strives to ensure that communities in Northern Uganda are better equipped to handle disasters and humanitarian crises while promoting social cohesion and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer for Fundraising and Proposal Development at ERONet involves supporting the organization in enhancing its fundraising and proposal development capacity specifically within the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Humanitarian Assistance thematic area. The volunteer will work closely with ERONet’s Programs and Resource Mobilization teams to design donor-ready proposals, identify new funding partners, and improve the organization’s visibility among humanitarian actors. This role is crucial as it directly supports ERONet’s Strategic Goal 6 of its 2025–2030 Plan, which focuses on strengthening the resilience and preparedness of vulnerable populations, including women, children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities, in disaster-prone and conflict-affected areas. The volunteer will contribute to ongoing efforts in Lamwo and Kitgum Districts, where communities are frequently impacted by floods, droughts, and displacement, thereby playing a vital role in the organization’s mission to empower these communities through locally driven solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Online Volunteer include conducting donor mapping to research and identify potential donors, foundations, and humanitarian agencies that fund DRR, climate resilience, and emergency response initiatives in East Africa. The volunteer will also be tasked with drafting and refining high-quality project concept notes, funding proposals, and cover letters that align with donor priorities. Additionally, the volunteer will support the mapping and engagement of potential partners, including NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities involved in humanitarian coordination. Strategic input will be required to recommend strategies for building ERONet’s DRR and humanitarian funding pipeline and strengthening donor relations. The volunteer will compile a short database summarizing relevant funding opportunities and submission timelines, participate in online planning meetings, share regular progress updates, and coordinate closely with ERONet’s management and communications teams. Expected outputs include at least two complete draft proposals or concept notes aligned with ERONet’s DRR objectives, a donor and partner mapping report for humanitarian and resilience funding sources, and short recommendations for improving ERONet’s resource-mobilization approach within the DRR sector.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess strong research and analytical skills, particularly in the context of fundraising and proposal development. Excellent written communication skills are essential, as the volunteer will be responsible for drafting proposals and concept notes. Familiarity with the humanitarian sector, particularly in relation to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, is highly desirable. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including donors and partners. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously will be crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally have a background in international development, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field. A degree or ongoing studies in these areas will be beneficial, as it will provide the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding the complexities of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
While specific prior experience in fundraising or proposal development is not mandatory, any relevant experience in these areas will be considered an asset. The volunteer should have a demonstrated interest in humanitarian work and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, particularly in the context of disaster risk reduction and resilience building.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Northern Uganda, such as Luo, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the volunteer's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This is an online volunteering assignment, allowing for flexibility in work hours and location. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but it is expected to align with ERONet’s ongoing projects and funding cycles. The position is part-time, and the volunteer will be expected to commit a reasonable number of hours per week to fulfill the responsibilities outlined. Compensation details are not provided, as this is a volunteer role, but the experience gained will be invaluable for those looking to build a career in the humanitarian sector.