Senior Proposal Specialist

Position: Senior Proposal Specialist

Team: Programme Development and Partnerships

About the role:

The Senior Proposal Specialist will play a critical role in advancing iFOREST’s institutional growth by supporting programme development through a comprehensive set of activities including project conceptualisation, proposal writing, donor engagement, partnership coordination, fundraising, and reporting. The role requires strong coordination across programme teams, a sound understanding of the think tank and climate/sustainability ecosystem, and excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills. The position will also contribute to strategic planning and institutional development processes, ensuring alignment between programme priorities and funding opportunities.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation that was established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa. Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans to support it. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration. To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

Location: Noida

Key Responsibilities

1. Supporting programme and proposal development

• Coordinate with programme teams to conceptualise new projects and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
• Support the development of concept notes, technical proposals, and pitch documents for a range of funders (bilateral, philanthropic, CSR, foundations etc.).
• Support development of project frameworks including objectives, outcomes, indicators, budgets, and work plans.
• Coordinate with team to maintain a pipeline of proposal opportunities and track progress across stages.

1. Anchoring funder and partnership coordination

• Serve as a focal point for donor and partner communications, ensuring timely responses and relationship management.
• Organise and coordinate meetings, presentations, and updates with funders and partners.
• Maintain institutional records of communications, commitments, and partnership deliverables.
• Support identification of funding opportunities, and outreach efforts.

1. Managing reporting and compliance

• Coordinate development of donor reports (technical and financial), working with programme and finance teams.
• Ensure adherence to donor formats, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• Support documentation of programme outcomes, lessons learned, and impact narratives.

1. Cross-team coordination and internal processes

• Facilitate regular engagement with programme teams for alignment on development priorities.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and capacity-building on fundraising and donor engagement.
• Any other key task assigned

Qualifications and Experience:

• Postgraduate degree in environment, public policy, climate change or a related field from a reputed school.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in a think tank, research organisation, bilateral/multilateral organisations, philanthropies or donor agency.
• Demonstrated experience in proposal writing, donor reporting, and programme coordination.
• Good understanding of the climate change/sustainability or development sector in India.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage tight deadlines and coordinate across multiple teams.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised, with a problem-solving mindset.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Application instructions & deadline

We prefer that candidates apply from LinkedIn or submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. Please mention the reference code PD/NCR-24-11/25 in case you send your application via email.