Technical Proposal Lead

ABOUT LAFIYAAt Lafiya, we're on a mission to make contraception accessible to anyone who needs it and wants it – no matter where they live. Through our network of dedicated female health professionals – our Lafiya Sisters – we provide information and deliver contraception directly to communities that need it most. Our approach is cost-effective, community-based, and deeply rooted in respect and agency. We operate in hard-to-reach communities that otherwise do not have access to contraceptive products and information. We currently run our core programme across four states in northern Nigeria, managing 480 Lafiya Sisters. In addition to our direct community work, we are building our own supply chain to address widespread supply challenges in Nigeria and are partnering with government stakeholders to realise sustainable financing models for the procurement of contraception. To date, we have supported more than 450,000 women through our innovative last-mile approach.We're a fast-growing non-profit in the middle of a transition from start-up to scale-up. Our focus is on impact, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring our work enhances the dignity and agency of those we serve.POSITION OVERVIEWWe are seeking a high-calibre Technical Proposal Lead to serve as the lead architect of our institutional funding engine. As Lafiya transitions from start-up to scale-up, your role is to bridge the gap between our high-impact field operations and the rigorous requirements of government and institutional donors. This role requires a specialist who operates with a high professional agency to translate our integrated model into technical submissions that meet the highest standards of evidence and compliance.WHAT YOU’LL DO* Draft, edit, and finalise grant proposals, concept notes, budgets, letters of inquiry, and funder reports for institutional donors * Work with Programmes; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL); and Operations teams to ensure technical accuracy and alignment across submissions * Ensure proposals and reports meet funder requirements, deadlines, and formatting guidelines * Develop grant templates and master files, collect standard organisational attachments, and develop a range of resource tools for grant submissions * Maintain accurate and organised records of grants, contracts, and donor details in our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. * Lead the creation of high-quality donor reports, collaborating with Programmes, Operations and MEL to collect accurate data. * Conduct targeted research on new funding opportunities and prepare technical briefing notes for the Director. * Track proposal timelines and ensure smooth follow-up on all pending applications.WHO YOU AREYou are the kind of person who loves the "how" just as much as the "why." You’re likely the one in your circle who always has a plan, keeps the files organised, and actually enjoys diving into a spreadsheet to see what the numbers are saying. You have a sharp, analytical mind and a "get-it-done" attitude, but you also have the writing chops to turn a messy pile of field data into a technical report that makes a donor say "wow." You find your win in knowing the engine is running perfectly and every deadline is met. You’re smart, you learn fast, and you’re ready to bring your grit and your systems-thinking to a team that is serious about making health access a reality across Nigeria.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE* Completed bachelor’s degree * Minimum 5 years of professional writing experience focused on institutional and government grant fundraising, or similar (policy writing, RFPs, technical writing, etc.) * Proven track record of securing 6- to 7-figure grants from institutions, corporate donors, major gifts, and/or government grants * Experience working with data, CRM systems, and technical reportingSKILLS & PERSONAL QUALITIES* Exceptional writing and editing skills: able to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively for different audiences. * You have a solid understanding of non-profit models and the metrics our donors look for (e.g. financial sustainability, $/DALY averted, $/life saved, cost per CYP). * You enjoy both the behind-the-scenes and donor-facing aspects of fundraising. * Strong strategic thinking: you can read guidelines, understand what the funder really cares about, and position Lafiya accordingly * Comfortable working with data, outcomes, and budgets; able to translate numbers into clear, compelling narratives * Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver results under pressure. * Proactive and self-motivated, with a high degree of professional confidence. * Proficiency with digital work tools, including Google Workspace and Slack.WHY SHOULD YOU APPLYThis is a crucial role for growing and stewarding Lafiya’s support network. Our Growth team is responsible for fueling the motor that drives Lafiya’s impact. We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You will have regular check-ins with your supervisor, and continuous feedback on your performance. We hold bi-annual performance reviews where we set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals.There will be room to take initiative, make decisions, and leave your mark on a critical stage of Lafiya’s growth. We don’t have layers of approval or slow processes – if something makes sense, we’ll try it.Benefits include:* 30 days’ of paid annual leave * Fully paid maternity leave * Bonus compensation scheme up to a two full months of additional pay based on performance * Flexibility in where, when and how you work * Working closely with a team of senior leaders who are collaborative, ambitious and serious about impact. * HMO insurance cover, travel reimbursements, possibility of a co-working space.HOW TO APPLYWe value your time and aim to make our recruitment process as insightful as possible. It includes:* Stage 1: Application Form & Assessment. Share your CV and complete a 40-minute multiple-choice quiz to assess your fit for the role. There is an opportunity to upload writing and design samples to showcase your writing style. * Stage 2: Test Task. Engage in a 2-3 hour task that mirrors the kind of work you'll do with us. * Stage 3: Interview. This is the final stage, after which we’ll make offers. All candidates will be asked the same questions in a 1-hour interview, and you’ll get the questions in advance. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask us questions.NOTE: We recognise that AI tools are changing how people work and can be helpful thought partners. However, this role is rooted in creativity and human understanding. Writing with authenticity is part of how we build trust. Submissions that appear to rely excessively on AI will be disqualified.We're committed to transparency and will provide feedback from Stage 2 onwards. If you're ready to embark on this journey with us, apply here: https://hiring.lafiya.org/r/448poAFor any questions, reach out to our Operations Team at [email protected]