Grant Writer

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a US-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all. 

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Grant Writer to write persuasive fundraising materials for a wide range of audiences, including foundations, governments, corporations, and individual donors. 

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in Kenya. 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya 

Reports to: Senior Grant Writer and Project Manager 

Organizational Overview 

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners. 

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals. 

Role Description 

The Grant Writer at PHR prepares persuasive fundraising materials for a wide range of audiences, including foundations, governments, corporations, and individual donors. This position collaborates with PHR’s program departments to clearly and compellingly convey the urgent work PHR is doing to protect and advance human rights around the globe through donor reports, grant proposals, concept notes, and other written materials. The Grant Writer can confidently write in a variety of styles, ranging from narrative storytelling to highly technical writing, and can manage a growing workload while moving from project to project with ease. This position requires excellent writing skills and a passion for health and human rights. 

Responsibilities 

• Learn and maintain a deep working knowledge of PHR and its mission, values, strategic goals, and programs. 
• Proactively gather information related to multiple varied and complex programs, and convey this information succinctly and compellingly, tailored to different audiences. 
• Partner with program departments to write, edit, and format grant proposals, reports, cover letters, donor communications, and related materials in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with development colleagues to prepare concise and compelling talking points, briefs, and one-page overviews to support donor solicitations. 
• Ensure all materials are professionally formatted, visually compelling, and adhere to PHR brand guidelines. 
• Edit and proofread drafts of proposals, reports, presentations, and other materials, as requested. 
• Assist the institutional development team with activities related to institutional funder stewardship. 
• Assist the individual development team with activities related to individual outreach, including drafting acknowledgement letters and other writing tasks as needed. 

Requirements  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suites. 
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with superior research and editing skills. 
• As this is a global position, working closely with a US-based supervisor, the candidate must be prepared to work flexible hours to coincide with East Coast US working hours. 

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate 

• Two to three years of experience in grant writing, academic writing, or programmatic research/writing, preferably for a nonprofit advocacy or mission-driven organizations. 
• Experience in writing for bilateral and multilateral organizations and foundations is a plus. 
• Experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities. 
• Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles. 
• Commitment to advancing human rights.

Salary and Benefits 

This is a full-time position located in Nairobi, Kenya with a hybrid work model. Salary range is 2,600,000 – 3,700,000 Kenyan Shilling and is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous vacation.

How to Apply 

Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample that is no longer than five pages to resumes@phr.org. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body.

Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.