Proposal Writer
Open for applications on 15 January 2026The German Red Cross (GRC) is expanding the surge capacity of its Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Pool in its humanitarian surge pool (GRCReady) and welcomes applications from qualified candidates. The pool aims at meeting short-term staffing needs of German Red Cross country offices when support in the field of resource mobilization is required.
Proposal Writer Role
Proposal Writers support the development of high-quality concept notes and funding proposals for humanitarian assistance or development projects in collaboration with German Red Cross country teams and the respective national Red Cross Red Crescent society. Please note that this is an application process to join a humanitarian personnel pool, not for a specific position at German Red Cross. Proposal Writers are typically deployed for a short duration of approximately four to six weeks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and writing of humanitarian concept notes and project proposals in line with donor requirements (German Federal Foreign Office, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (specifically Transitional Development Assistance and Social Structure Funding), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, IKI, DG ECHO, DG INTPA, DG ENEST, DG MENA etc.)
- Coordinate closely with German Red Cross country offices, local partners, technical experts, and HQ colleagues to gather input and ensure consistency
- Analyse donor guidelines and calls for proposals to ensure compliance and strategic alignment in coordination with Movement and Institutional Partnerships Unit
- Prepare logical frameworks, budgets and narrative documents (in coordination with headquarters teams)
- Ensure that proposals are based on needs, tailored to the context, and aligned with humanitarian principles and the priorities of the Sister National Society.
Your profile
Does the following profile sound like you? If yes, we encourage you to apply and look forward to guiding you through the admission process.
- You are available on short notice for a deployment for a minimum duration of four to six weeks in the coming two years
- A degree or related qualification in a field relevant to project/programme management, business administration, international development, planning, monitoring, evaluation
- At least three years of experience in writing successful humanitarian and/or development proposals for institutional donors such as: The German Federal Foreign Office, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, IKI, DG ECHO, DG INTPA, DG ENEST, DG MENA
- Strong understanding of the humanitarian project cycle, donor compliance, and results-based management
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English; German language skills are an asset
- Proactiveness, punctuality, respect for organizational procedures and deadlines
- Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and across time zones
- You enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and can communicate with them in an effective, respectful, and courteous manner
- Familiarity with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement is an advantage
Application process
We plan to admit six new talents to our humanitarian personnel pool, half of whom will be selected from candidates residing in Germany (however, German citizenship is not required).
Pool opens: 15 January 2026
Pool closes: Open until filled (pool will not close before 15 February 2026)
To apply, please complete the following steps:
Step 1: Register here
Step 2: Enter the join code “PRD_2026” and follow the instructions you receive by email
If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact surge(at)drk(dot)de
Please note that this is an application process to join our humanitarian surge roster, not for a specific proposal writer position at German Red Cross. Please also note that we cannot guarantee a deployment. The deployment of proposal writers is not particularly common.
Surge deployments usually do not last longer than three months. If you are looking for longer-term employment opportunities with GRC, please check our careers page. For more information on our humanitarian personnel pool, GRCReady, please click here.
