Application Guide
How to Apply for CALL FOR VOLUNTEER EXPERTS (GRANT & PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT)
at Chitambo Development Foundation
🏢 About Chitambo Development Foundation
Chitambo Development Foundation is unique as a community-led Zambian nonprofit that empowers marginalized rural communities through sustainable, grassroots initiatives rather than top-down aid. Volunteers would join an organization deeply embedded in local contexts, working across agriculture, health, education, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation to create holistic, lasting change.
About This Role
This volunteer role involves drafting fundable proposals across CHDF's five core program areas—sustainable agriculture, health, education, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation—to secure grants that directly support rural Zambian communities. Your work will translate community needs into compelling, structured proposals that attract donor funding, making you a key enabler of CHDF's on-the-ground impact.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching donor opportunities for CHDF's agro-marketing projects, drafting a section of a health infrastructure proposal based on community needs, and collaborating remotely with CHDF staff via email or video calls to refine content. You'll balance multiple proposal drafts across different focus areas, ensuring each is compelling, logically structured, and aligned with CHDF's sustainable development goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Chitambo Development Foundation Is Looking For
- Holds a degree in Agriculture, Public Health, Education, Development Studies, Environmental Science, or a related field, with demonstrable expertise in at least one of CHDF's focus areas.
- Has a proven track record of writing successful, bankable proposals that have secured donor funding or grants, preferably for NGOs or community-based organizations in similar contexts.
- Possesses excellent English writing skills and can develop logically structured, compelling narratives tailored to diverse donors (e.g., for agriculture grants, health grants, or environmental funds).
- Understands the challenges of rural, marginalized communities in Zambia or similar settings, and can align proposals with CHDF's community-led, sustainable development approach.
📝 Tips for Applying to Chitambo Development Foundation
Highlight specific, successful proposals you've written—mention the donor, amount secured, and the project focus (e.g., 'secured $50K from XYZ Foundation for a sustainable agriculture proposal in Malawi').
Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with NGOs or community-based organizations, especially in rural or African contexts, and list relevant degrees or certifications clearly.
Show familiarity with CHDF's work by referencing their program areas (e.g., conservation farming, maternal care, adult literacy) in your application materials.
Provide a writing sample or portfolio link showcasing a proposal related to one of CHDF's focus areas, such as agro-marketing or health infrastructure.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and independently, as this is a volunteer role with likely flexible hours but high accountability for deliverables.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're passionate about CHDF's community-led model and how your background aligns with their focus on rural Zambian communities.", "Detail your proven success in grant writing, specifying the types of proposals you've excelled at (e.g., 'I have written 3 successful proposals for reproductive health projects').", "Mention your degree and how it relates to CHDF's work (e.g., 'My degree in Environmental Science supports my ability to draft proposals on afforestation and climate adaptation').", 'Express your commitment to volunteering and how you plan to contribute remotely, highlighting any experience with virtual collaboration tools.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore CHDF's website or social media for recent projects, such as specific agriculture or health initiatives, to understand their current priorities.
- → Research Zambia's development context, including key issues in rural areas like poverty, healthcare access, or environmental degradation, to tailor proposals effectively.
- → Look into common donors or grant opportunities for Zambian NGOs (e.g., international foundations, UN agencies) to show awareness of funding landscapes.
- → Review CHDF's mission statement and values to ensure your application reflects their emphasis on sustainability, community empowerment, and inclusivity.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention CHDF's specific programs or community-led approach—this shows lack of research.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of successful proposal writing or quantifying your impact (e.g., not listing grant amounts or outcomes).
- Overlooking the volunteer nature of the role by emphasizing salary expectations or full-time availability without acknowledging the flexible, remote commitment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Chitambo Development Foundation!