Call For Volunteer Experts (European Union Funding & Consortia)

Job description

Company Description

Chitambo Development Foundation (CHDF) is a non-profit organization based in Zambia’s Central Province, focused on empowering marginalized communities to live dignified lives. Guided by principles of community ownership and sustainability, CHDF drives grassroots initiatives in health, education, agriculture, environment, and livelihood empowerment. The organization fosters partnerships and prioritizes local resource mobilization to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. With its emphasis on resilience and collaboration, CHDF supports rural communities in achieving long-term growth and development.

Role Description

This is a volunteer contract-based remote role for Volunteer Experts specializing in European Union (EU) funding and consortia. The selected experts will identify and evaluate relevant EU funding opportunities for CHDF’s projects and guide the organization in developing competitive proposals. Responsibilities include building partnerships with potential consortium members, drafting and reviewing funding applications, and providing strategic insights into EU funding frameworks and processes. Collaboration with CHDF leadership and stakeholders is a key aspect of the role.

Qualifications

Proven expertise in EU funding processes, proposal development, and understanding of EU financial instruments.
Experience building and managing partnerships, especially within international consortia.
Strong skills in research, grant writing, and documentation with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Familiarity with international development, non-profit operations, or rural development initiatives is advantageous.
Proficiency in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation methods.
Relevant educational background, such as in International Development, Public Administration, or related fields, is preferred.
Commitment to community-driven development and organizational values.

Key Areas of Expertise and EU Program Alignment

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We are seeking volunteer experts to help draft fundable proposals, identify donor sources, find suitable consortiums for the foundation, across the following specialized EU programs:

Research & Innovation (Horizon Europe): Developing proposals focused on sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and the Water-Energy-Food nexus.
Environment & Climate Action (LIFE Programme): Creating initiatives for afforestation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and trainings, and green economy approaches.
Education, Training & Youth (Erasmus+): Designing programs for adult literacy, digital education solutions, vocational skills and trainings, and youth-led entrepreneurship.
Health Systems (EU4Health): Strengthening rural health infrastructure, maternal care, and mental health outreach.
Livelihoods & Competitiveness (Single Market Programme & InvestEU): Supporting cooperatives, microfinance for women and youth, and sustainable value chains in rural contexts.
Digital & Cultural Transformation (Digital Europe & Creative Europe): Integrating digital tools for rural learners and utilizing “theatre for development” or “sports for health” in community outreach.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education: A degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in a relevant field such as Development Studies, International Relations, Agriculture, Public Health, or Economics.
EU Funding Track Record: Proven experience in writing successful, bankable proposals specifically for EU-funded programs (Horizon, LIFE, Erasmus+, etc.).
Consortium Experience: Ability to navigate the complexities of international consortia and align local Zambian context with European development goals.
Communication: Excellent English writing skills with the ability to develop logically structured and compelling funding applications.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should email the following to chitambodfadministration@gmail.com

–     A letter of interest specifying the thematic area(s) you are applying for.

–     A one-page list of the project/programme grants the expert has managed to secure or participated in at the proposal development stage (either successful or not) (name of call and the funder).