Freelance Researcher/Grant Writer

Open Position: Freelance Researcher/Grant Writer
Call for Applications

About Impact Investment Exchange (IIX)

Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) is the pioneer in the impact investing movement and a global leader in sustainability. We have transformed the financial system so that women, the environment, and underserved communities are finally given a value and a voice in the global market. Over the past decade, we have built the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for impact investing (Impact Partners), operated award-winning enterprise technical assistance programs such as IIX ACTS, created innovative financial products such as the Women's Livelihood Bond Series, and established an Impact Institute and Research & Advisory to build the sustainable investing market. To date, our work has spanned 57 countries, unlocked US$288 million of private-sector capital, positively impacted over 159 million direct and household lives, and avoided over 1.83 million tons of carbon. The foundation of IIX's work is IIX Values, an innovative impact verification solution for every organization, which effectively measures the social and environmental impact of an investment and gives value to the voices of the underserved. In 2022, IIX launched the Orange Bond Initiative to unlock $10 billion in the capital markets by 2030 and impact 100 million women in the last mile. The recent issuance of the Women’s Livelihood Bond 5 is now officially listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) as the world’s first Orange Bond. IIX’s numerous awards for its work include the Oslo Business for Peace Award, the P4G State-of-the-art Partnership award, the UN Global Climate Action Award, and most recently the Environmental Finance's Award for Innovation.

About working with IIX:

We are looking for a mission-driven, results-oriented, and resourceful independent grant proposal writer with a background in International Development. You thrive in tackling development issues and excel in creating solutions using structured strategies and unprecedented programs that address and solve the world’s most pressing problems, from food security to inclusive finance to clean energy. You aim to become a global development leader who has a passion for international development and to get involved in work that makes a difference. The successful candidate should have experience in writing successful grant proposals for various international organizations and/or other local and international development clients and organizations.

Qualified candidates should possess excellent writing and computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel), and database management skills. The candidate must be highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes, able to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment, and produce a quality work product within tight time constraints. Previous experience will demonstrate a proven track record in securing new funding opportunities; comprehensive knowledge of research, and the ability to distinguish and identify funding opportunities for special programs.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Preparation of proposals and grant applications.
• Market research study and feasibility studies.
• Concept notes and insight reports.
• Performance of responsible professional and administrative work in researching, identifying, developing, and responding to public and private grant opportunities in the IIX core sectors of work, namely energy, agriculture, water, health, sanitation, education, financial inclusion, fisheries.

Example of a typical scope of work:

• Research on national development goals and sustainable development agenda, to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Identify sector and development experts, schedule and conduct interviews to validate gaps per sector and more broadly for development.
• Identify entry points for social entrepreneurship to expedite social progress, with particular attention to impoverished areas in need of accelerated economic growth.
• Synthesize data gathered and gap analysis to produce a well-written report for wide distribution to ecosystem players.
• Prepare materials (briefing, handouts, agenda etc.) and assist in coordination for a knowledge sharing event for ecosystem players to be held upon completion of the report.

Requirements:

• At least 5+ years of relevant work experience, and a proven track record of grant writing and program management.
• Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Communications, English or Writing or the equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal skills with a strong research background.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and professional knowledge in one of IIX’s five priority sectors: energy, agriculture, water, health, and education is preferred.
• Experience in fund-raising and winning advisory assignments.
• Field level development work experience, preferably in Asia and the Pacific.
• Positive and self-motivated attitude.
• Excellent proficiency working in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Closing date: Positions are open until filled.

Submission: Please submit a cover letter, a resume, remuneration expectations, and writing samples; IIX is an equal opportunity employer.