Application Guide

How to Apply for Grant Writing and Proposal Development Services “International Rescue Committee Poland” Foundation

at International Rescue Committee

🏢 About International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises, helping people survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Working with IRC Poland means contributing to a mission-driven team that supports refugees and displaced populations, offering a chance to make a tangible impact in a challenging and rewarding environment.

About This Role

This role focuses on securing funding through grant writing and project development for IRC Poland's programs. You will be the bridge between donor requirements and project needs, crafting compelling proposals that turn ideas into funded realities, directly enabling the IRC to deliver critical services to those in need.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with scanning EU funding portals for new calls, followed by drafting a concept note for a FERS+ opportunity. You'd then coordinate with program staff to refine a logframe and budget, review donor guidelines for compliance, and submit a proposal via the Tenders Portal before a deadline. Afternoons could involve revising a proposal based on partner feedback or preparing for an upcoming submission.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International Rescue Committee Is Looking For

  • Experienced in EU grant cycles (CERV, FERS/FSE+) with a proven track record of successful applications in Poland.
  • Proficient in EU Funding & Tenders Portal, SOWA, and MEWA systems, able to navigate technical submission processes.
  • A strong writer and communicator in both Polish and English, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive narratives and logical frameworks.
  • Detail-oriented and collaborative, skilled at coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders and ensuring high-quality, compliant proposals.

📝 Tips for Applying to International Rescue Committee

1

Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight specific EU programs you've worked with (e.g., CERV, FERS) and include quantifiable success metrics (e.g., 'secured €500k from FERS').

2

Demonstrate your familiarity with Polish national funding systems by mentioning SOWA and MEWA explicitly in your application.

3

Provide a brief sample of a concept note or logframe you've developed, ideally related to refugee or humanitarian work.

4

Showcase your bilingual ability by using both Polish and English in your application, but ensure the primary language matches the job posting's emphasis.

5

Research IRC Poland's current projects and align your examples with their focus areas (e.g., integration, protection, livelihoods).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific experience with EU-funded projects in Poland, using concrete examples of successful proposals.', 'Highlight your ability to manage the full proposal lifecycle, from opportunity analysis to budget development and submission.', "Express genuine interest in humanitarian work and the IRC's mission, showing you understand the context of working with refugees.", 'Mention your familiarity with donor compliance and reporting requirements, as this is critical for grant management.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review IRC Poland's recent projects and annual reports to understand their strategic priorities and funding gaps.
  • → Study the specific EU programs mentioned (CERV, FERS/FSE+) and their current calls for proposals.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Polish funding landscape, including national schemes and regional operational programs.
  • → Research the IRC's global grant management standards and any specific templates they use (e.g., IRC's PEERS system).
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a successful EU grant proposal you led—from opportunity identification to submission.
2 How do you ensure compliance with EU funding rules and the specific requirements of Polish national systems?
3 Describe a time you had to coordinate multiple stakeholders with conflicting priorities on a proposal. How did you handle it?
4 How do you approach developing a theory of change and logframe for a complex project?
5 What do you know about IRC Poland's current programming and how would you identify new funding opportunities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic proposal writing resume without tailoring to EU/Polish funding systems.
  • Overlooking the language requirement—ensure flawless Polish and English in all materials.
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of the specific EU portals (SOWA, MEWA) which are critical for this role.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 5, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to International Rescue Committee!

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