Business Development & Proposal Writer

Location: New Delhi (preferred) / Remote (flexible)
Experience: 2–5 years in grant writing, social science research, or proposal development within the non-profit/development sector
Compensation: Not specified

Digital Empowerment Foundation

Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) is one of India’s most influential non-profits dedicated to bridging the digital divide since 2002. Based in New Delhi, DEF was established with a bold vision: make technology accessible for all—especially rural, tribal, and marginalised communities. With the motto “Karat chale, badhat chale” (keep working, keep growing), DEF has rolled out digital literacy, access, and empowerment projects across 25 states, directly impacting more than 35 million people, including women, artisans, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Its 2,000 Community Information Resource Centres and a network of 10,000 digital foot soldiers work tirelessly to ensure last-mile connectivity, digital livelihoods, and tech-driven social justice.

DEF’s story is one of innovation and grassroots action—leveraging technology to break information poverty and transform lives. From empowering rural women entrepreneurs and supporting digital artisans, to championing ethical AI and disaster-response internet networks, DEF stands at the intersection of technology, rights and social progress. Its commitment has not just transformed communities in India but has also inspired digital inclusion movements in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

Role

As a Business Development & Proposal Writer at DEF, you’ll help transform impactful ideas into compelling grant proposals and partnerships. This is a key role for a mission-driven storyteller who thrives on research, collaboration, and purpose-led fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Research funding opportunities, sectoral trends, and donor landscapes relevant to digital inclusion, livelihoods, gender and tech, and rural connectivity.
• Draft high-quality proposals, concept notes, pitch decks, and funding applications tailored to donor needs.
• Collaborate with fundraising and research teams to integrate field research, impact documentation, and community voices into proposals.
• Shape solution narratives and donor strategies using quantitative and qualitative insights.
• Co-develop logical frameworks, Theory of Change, KPIs, Gantt charts, and budget narratives.
• Coordinate across teams to align proposals with measurable outcomes and resource planning.
• Maintain proposal assets: org profiles, case studies, bios, and annexures.
• Support donor communications, submission processes, and basic reporting.

Requirements

• Master’s or higher in Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related disciplines.
• 2–5 years’ experience in grant writing, social science research, or proposal development within the non-profit/development sector.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft compelling proposals and donor documents.
• Familiarity with frameworks like LFA, ToC, project KPIs, and basic budgeting.
• Ability to conduct and apply research—both qualitative and quantitative—to project design.
• Collaborative, deadline-driven, and adept at coordinating across departments.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, and research tools.
• Experience with CSR, international donor, or philanthropic proposals preferred.

Benefits

• Direct impact with one of India’s leading digital inclusion organisations.
• Exposure to high-impact programmes in education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and ethical innovation.
• Flexible work location (Delhi preferred/Remote possible).
• Work at the intersection of tech, rights and grassroots empowerment.

Apply

Send your latest CV, 2 writing samples (preferably of successful grant proposals) and a short cover note with the subject: Application: Business Development & Proposal Writer.

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